This thin layer of skin called the cuticle protects the nail matrix. Taking care of this natural barrier between the nail root and various possible external aggressions is essential to ensure the beauty and health of your nails. Wholesale nail supply distributors share several tips for beautifying your hands!
What are “cuticles”?
The cuticle is a tissue. The main role of the cuticle is to hermetically seal the matrix. This layer of skin adheres to the nail plate to seal the matrix at the nail root. This matrix, which is invisible, allows keratin to be produced and therefore allows nails to grow. The cuticle thus protects the matrix and allows the nail to grow without infection or other problems.
Note that the cuticle is a horny layer. In the skin, or more precisely in the epidermis, there are several layers. The cuticle is represented by a stratum corneum, a layer composed of dead cells. When you cut the cuticle, you only want to cut the dead tissue; bleeding occurs if you touch skin that is still alive.
Why should you take care of your cuticles to have beautiful hands?
To have beautiful hands, your cuticles must receive special attention. And for good reason: the cuticle is a stratum corneum composed of dead cells. Dead skin generally has a less than aesthetically pleasing appearance. Dead skin is dry and rough. Visually and aesthetically, your hands will not look well-groomed.
If the cuticles aren’t cared for, the skin around the nail appears dry. Furthermore, the cuticle underneath won’t be exfoliated. The idea behind taking care of your hands and cuticles is to successfully remove all dead skin or, at the very least, push back the cuticles to achieve a neat and aesthetically pleasing appearance.
Taking care of your cuticles also helps ensure a beautiful nail polish application. If the cuticle isn’t pushed back or trimmed, it can take up a lot of space on the nail. Although this varies from person to person, the cuticle will grow over the nail and sometimes slide back down onto the nail, making nail polish application less successful.
How to trim your cuticles?
The safest and most careful way to trim your cuticles is to go to a salon. However, it’s important to ensure that the professional in question has mastered the manicure technique and that a strict hygiene protocol is followed. When you cut the cuticle, there’s a risk of bleeding and therefore infection. The equipment must then be sterilized and disinfected after each client to avoid any risks.
As a matter of fact, cuticles can be trimmed using different methods:
1. Using a file: Diamond-tipped cutters and nail bits are used to trim the cuticles. This is a “dry manicure,” meaning water is not used in the procedure.
2. Cutting the cuticles with special scissors: In the same way as with a file, the specialist will work on the cuticle and dead skin. Next, the professional will cut it with scissors or cuticle nippers. This technique allows for a cleaner result than the first.
Is it possible to trim your cuticles at home?
It is technically possible to trim your cuticles at home. However, if the cuticle trimming is done incorrectly or with the wrong tools, you can injure yourself and bleed, since the cuticles are still skin. As a layperson, distinguishing between dead and living skin can be very tricky. If an injury occurs during cuticle trimming, a wound will be opened, with the possibility of infection beneath the matrix, leading to numerous possible repercussions. Regardless of the tool used, always be careful never to pull the cuticle, but simply to cut it to avoid tearing it and thus producing dead skin.
However, it is possible to adopt daily steps to care for your cuticles at home. Using a wooden stick, you can gently push back your cuticles. Once you have your wooden stick in your possession, after getting out of the shower or after washing your hands, when the cuticles are well softened, you can gently push them back so they don’t take up space on the nail. This should be done every day, if possible.
How and why should you moisturize your cuticles?
Moisturizing your cuticles helps maintain them. Generally, it is recommended to apply hand cream to moisturize and nourish the entire hand to reduce the formation of dry and dead skin. And sweet almond oil is very beneficial. The oil won’t moisturize the skin, but it will create a sort of waterproof protection around it and thus maintain optimal moisture within the cuticle.
Daily Steps to Care for Your Cuticles
On a daily basis, it’s essential to maintain the health of your cuticles by ensuring proper hydration. Drinking enough water throughout the day is crucial for their well-being. The recommended daily water intake varies depending on various factors such as weight, physical activity level, climate, and the overall health of each individual. However, a general recommendation is to drink approximately 2 to 2.5 liters of water per day for adult women, or about eight 250-milliliter glasses, and 2.5 to 3 liters for adult men. Furthermore, eating a balanced diet plays an important role in the health of our cuticles. Indeed, our skin reflects what we consume and our lifestyle in general. At the same time, it’s recommended to apply a moisturizing or nourishing cream tailored to your skin’s needs to protect the epidermis.
Read also: How to find the best professional nail file?