We’ve heard about cuticles, but knowing exactly what they are and why we have them is a bit of a mystery! Yet, these tiny pieces of skin play a crucial role in protecting your nails and the health of your hands. So, we’re taking a closer look at cuticles to better understand their purpose and adopt the right steps to care for them.
The role of cuticles in the health of our nails
What is a cuticle and what is its purpose?
Cuticles are the thin layers of skin located at the base of the nail, which partially cover the nail matrix, the area where the keratin that allows the nail to grow is formed. They act as a natural shield against external aggressions, preventing bacteria, germs, and dirt from penetrating under the skin and infecting the nail matrix. If this protective barrier is weakened, the risk of infection increases, and you could end up biting your fingers.
Is mistreating your cuticles serious?
Whether you bite the skin or push back your cuticles too roughly, the result is the same: the cuticles are damaged or even torn off. These micro-injuries open the door to bacterial or fungal infections that cause redness and swelling, making your nails painful. Furthermore, mistreated cuticles can slow nail growth, resulting in soft or ridged nails. It’s therefore urgent to abandon these bad habits and pay a little more attention to your cuticles.
Daily habits to adopt for caring for your cuticles
Moisturize and nourish: the right approach
To maintain the suppleness and health of your cuticles, hydration is absolutely key. By regularly moisturizing and nourishing your nails with suitable botanical oils or a hand cream, you prevent them from drying out and boost their regeneration.
Gently push back your cuticles
Gentleness is the key to caring for your cuticles. While preparing your nails before applying nail polish, you must push back these little pieces of skin, but do gently to avoid damaging them. The foolproof solution to achieve this: soften your cuticles with emollient! Place a drop at the base of your nails and leave it on for 1 minute, massage gently, and remove the excess with a cotton pad.
Your cuticles are soft and can be pushed back with a cuticle pusher, in the opposite direction of growth and without going back and forth. If you notice dead skin around your cuticles, limit yourself to gently trimming them with nippers, but never go too close to the edges of your nails and only if necessary.
The Right Routine for Impeccable Cuticles
Care for Every Season
Cuticles can be cared for year-round with a routine that evolves with the seasons. In winter, when the cold and humidity are more intense, cuticles tend to dry out even more. It is therefore essential to boost hydration with nourishing oils like sweet almond oil and coconut oil. Rose Balm deeply nourishes and provides an immediate feeling of comfort. Cuticles are strengthened, ensuring a perfect manicure.
In summer, cuticles are often exposed to the sun and water, which can cause damage. Using sunscreen on your hands and a treatment with a UV filter can prevent discoloration and dryness of the cuticles.
Tips to remember to protect your cuticles
Maintaining healthy cuticles is essential for strong nails and beautiful hands. In addition to the nail hydration and preparation tips shared earlier in this article, here are some other tips to remember:
❌ NO GOOD: Avoid acetone-based nail polish removers, which dry out cuticles.
✅ GOOD: Use a gentle nail polish remover enriched with castor oil, which moisturizes the nail plate and the nail contour.
❌ NO GOOD: Also avoid excessive use of harsh chemicals (household cleaners, detergents) without wearing gloves. These products impair the protective function of cuticles, increasing the risk of infection and dryness.
✅ GOOD: Opt for a clean & safe manicure by using vegan and bio-sourced nail polishes and manicure supplies, whose formulas respect the health of your hands, protect them, and beautify them.
❌ NO GOOD: Be careful not to pick or bite your cuticles, as this creates wounds that can become infected.
✅ GOOD: Get a diagnosis to determine your nail type and adapt your care routine accordingly. As you can see, cuticle care is essential to ensure perfectly healthy nails and a flawless, long-lasting manicure.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to moisturize cuticles?
Moisturizing cuticles is essential to maintain their suppleness and protect them. You can apply a nourishing oil or a moisturizing cream daily to prevent the skin layers from drying out and promote regrowth.
Is it good to cut cuticles?
By trying to cut your cuticles, you risk creating wounds that can allow bacteria and other germs to enter, leading to painful and unpleasant infections. These attacks can also disrupt nail growth and make them soft or ridged. Before applying nail polish, safely prepare your nails by using an emollient treatment that softens the cuticles and facilitates their regrowth using a cuticle pusher.
Read also: The Essential Guide to the Nail Drill: Your Key to Professional Manicures
