The Importance of Caring for Your Cuticles

Cuticles are vital not only to nail health but to your overall health. Learn more about the importance of caring for your cuticles below.

Cuticles Are a Barrier Against Germs

Your cuticles create a seal at the base of your nail, keeping dirt and germs from reaching the nail bed and surrounding skin. This protects new nail tissue as it grows. Damaged cuticles allow germs to pass through, potentially causing infections. Healthy cuticles prevent infections and keep your nail beds, fingers, and hands healthy.

Overgrown Cuticles Can Split

While you should never cut your cuticles or allow any nail technician to cut them, overgrown cuticles are also a problem. To care for cuticles and keep them healthy, soak them in warm, soapy water for about 10 minutes, and then use an orange stick or sterilized cuticle pusher to gently push them back, off the top of your nail, to the nail base.

If your cuticles have become ragged, you can gently trim off bits of skin that protrude or hang off the edge of your nail. Don’t touch the part of the cuticle that lines the base of the nail along the proximal fold, or the skin at the base of your nail plate. You should avoid biting or picking at cuticle skin. Use a sterilized cuticle trimmer or cuticle scissors instead.

Keep Cuticles Moisturized

Dry cuticles can crack, and cracked cuticles create avenues of entry for dirt, germs, and fungus. Use cuticle oil, vitamin E oil, or even olive oil to keep your cuticles moisturized. Moisturizing is important for caring for your cuticles.

Wear gloves when washing dishes, gardening, or cleaning your home for added protection. Shielding your cuticles from physical damage will help maintain the health of your nails.

Use a Gentle Polish and Top Coat

If you are a nail art enthusiast, be sure to use products that are safe for your nails and nail beds. Products that require a long soak in acetone for removal expose your skin and cuticles to drying and damage.

DREAM Gel polish and gel top coat soak off quickly, reducing the time your nails and cuticles are exposed to polish remover. Ask for DREAM Gel at your nail salon to help keep your nails, nail beds, and cuticles healthy.