Very dry cuticle

Cuticles protect our nails and skin from infection. If they are dry and cracked, bacteria can enter the nail bed. Today we will talk about what to do if you have very dry cuticles and how to avoid it.

How to spot dry cuticles

Your cuticle is a layer of clear skin. They are located at the bottom of your nail, along the nail bed. The cuticle protects our nails by acting as a barrier to bacteria.

The cuticle area is very delicate. It can dry out and crack easily. This happens most often during the colder months of the year, due to the lack of moisture in the air and exposure to dry heat in the room.

You can see if cuticles are dry if they are flaking, cracking, or flaking. This can not only spoil the appearance of a manicure, but is also fraught with health consequences. Cracked and peeling cuticles can allow bacteria to enter the nail bed and cause an infection. Therefore, I highly recommend paying due attention to the cuticles as soon as you notice dryness.

Why does the cuticle dry?

Some of the most common causes of dry cuticles include:

• insufficient moisture
• washing hands too often
• frequent use of hand sanitizers or nail polish remover
• cold weather
• eczema
• malnutrition
• taking certain medications
• nail biting or cuticle biting

Although most of the above causes are not of great concern, see your doctor if you think eczema is the cause of dry cuticles. The doctor will be able to recommend the necessary medications in order to normalize the situation.

Can dry cuticles be harmful to health?

Dry cuticles usually do not lead to any serious complications. But see a doctor if your cuticles bleed frequently or look infected. Signs of infection may include:

• redness
• swelling
• pain in the area around the cuticle

Your healthcare provider may recommend a stronger moisturizer to help manage dryness. If your cuticles are infected, you may need to take antibiotics.

How to treat dry cuticles

The easiest way to treat dry cuticles is to moisturize this delicate area with a cream or oil. Some treatment options include:

Cuticle Cream

Cuticle Cream is an emollient that nourishes and moisturizes dry cuticles. It is desirable that the cream you choose contains ingredients such as vitamins A, C and E, as well as natural oils, such as almond or sunflower. The oils will help soften the cuticles, and the vitamins will help strengthen and nourish them.

After washing your hands, rub a small amount of cream into the nail bed with massage movements. You can buy cuticle cream at any pharmacy or beauty supply store.

Cuticle oil

Cuticle oil is the most effective way to soften and moisturize the cuticle area. It is usually a mixture of oils with added vitamins. Cuticle oil absorbs quickly and is also great at moisturizing nails and skin, and helps prevent future dryness and cracking.

To use cuticle oil, apply a small amount to the nail bed using your fingertip or a soft brush.

As with cream, you can buy cuticle oil from beauty salons, pharmacies or specialty beauty stores.

Coconut oil

If you're on a budget, then coconut oil is an affordable alternative to treating dry cuticles at home. The saturated fat in coconut oil can help soothe and strengthen nails.

Rub a small amount of coconut oil on each nail, using the tip of your finger or a soft brush, several times a day. After a short amount of time, you will notice that the cuticles have become noticeably softer. The healing properties of coconut oil will also help with cracks.

Make Your Own Biotin Cuticle Ointment

Some research suggests that biotin can help prevent dryness and strengthen cuticles. On sale you can find biotin in the form of powder and liquid.

Combine biotin with antioxidant-rich vitamin E, moisturizing argan and coconut oils and make a homemade ointment for dry cuticles. Apply this mixture daily or every other day for best results.

How to prevent dry cuticles

The easiest way to prevent cuticle dryness is to moisturize your hands frequently. This is especially true during the winter months. Apply lotion or cream after every hand wash.

Avoid any products with harsh chemicals that can dry out your cuticles, such as:

• hard soap
• Hand sanitizers
• Nail polish remover
• Household chemicals

We very often underestimate the importance of cuticles for the health and beauty of our nails. I hope after reading my article today, you will pay increased attention to ways to moisturize the cuticle. Be healthy and beautiful! :)