How to identify dry cuticles
Your cuticle is a layer of clear skin. It’s located on the bottom of your finger or toenails, along the nail bed. It protects your nails by acting as a barrier for bacteria.
The cuticle area is delicate. It can get dry and crack easily. This may be more common in the colder months due to a lack of moisture in the air and exposure to dry indoor heat.
You can tell if your cuticles are dry if they’re flaking, cracked, or peeling. Cracked and peeling cuticles may allow bacteria to enter your nails and cause an infection, so you’ll want to treat them as soon as you notice dryness.
Read on to learn how to treat and prevent dry cuticles.
Illustration of the cuticle and nail
How to treat a dry cuticle
The easiest way to treat dry cuticles is by moisturizing the area with a cream or oil. Some treatment options include:
Cuticle cream
A cuticle cream is an emollient that nourishes and moisturizes dry cuticles. Look for ingredients like vitamins A, C, and E, and natural oils such as almond and sunflower oil. The oils will help soften your cuticles and the vitamins can nourish and strengthen them, too.
To apply cuticle cream, massage a small amount into your nail beds after washing your hands. You can find cuticle creams at your local drugstore or beauty supply store.
2. Cuticle oil
Cuticle oil softens and hydrates the cuticle area. It’s usually made of a blend of oils and sometimes contains vitamins. Cuticle oil is quick-absorbing and also conditions your nails to help prevent future dryness and cracking.
Look for ingredients such as sunflower oil, grapeseed oil, and aloe vera for additional soothing.
To use cuticle oil, apply a thin amount to your nail beds using your fingertip or a soft brush.
Like cuticle cream, you should be able to purchase cuticle oil from beauty supply or drugstores.
3. Coconut oil
If you don’t want to spend a lot of money, coconut oil is an at-home treatment option. The saturated fat in coconut oil can help soothe and strengthen nail beds.
To use, massage a small amount of coconut oil, using your fingertip or a soft brush, into each nail bed.
4. Nail care
If you get manicures, the Mayo Clinic advises against cutting your cuticles. If you do decide to trim them or have a nail technician trim your cuticles, it’s important to confirm the equipment your nail salon uses is sterilized. That will help prevent infection.
You also want to confirm that the cuticle cutters are sharp. Clippers that aren’t sharp enough may cause more peeling along the cuticles.
You can bring your own equipment if you’re concerned.
Source: healthline.com
