Cuticles are essential for strong, healthy nails, but they can sometimes have dry skin buildup. The cuticle cutter is a useful device that allows you to cut unwanted cuticles. Before using it, it is good to disinfect it and soften the nails. Gently peel off the dead skin layer and finally moisturize the nail bed.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Ensure an Easy and Clean Cut
Step 1. Wash the cuticle cutter
Gently wash the cuticle cutter using warm water and antibacterial soap. The soap can be applied with your hands or with a cotton swab.
If you use your hands, wash them well first
Step 2. Disinfect the tips of the cuticle cutter
Use isopropyl alcohol or iodine tincture. You can dip the tips in the solution itself or tap the disinfectant on them with the help of a cotton swab. Sanitizing the tips helps prevent nail infections.
Step 3. Dip your hands or feet in warm water
Fill a basin with warm water and dip your fingers or toes into it. This allows you to soften the nails, so that the cuticles can be removed more easily. It is not necessary to leave them to soak for a specific amount of time, in general about 10 or 15 minutes should be enough.
You can also trim your cuticles when you get out of the shower
Part 2 of 3: Pushing and Cutting the Cuticles
Step 1. Push the cuticles back with a special tool
In addition to the cuticle cutter, you will need a cuticle pusher. It is a small device that allows you to push the cuticles back, placing them back in the nail bed. This way - they will be raised slightly, making cutting easier.
Step 2. Initially make tiny cuts
Focus on the dead skin that is at the end of the cuticle. Point the tip of the blade towards the nail and make cross cuts.
Step 3. Peel off the dead skin
Once you have made the cuts, gently pull it upwards to detach the dead skin from the cuticle. Repeat this until you have cut the entire cuticle.
Step 4. Apply a moisturizer
The skin under the cuticle and next to the nail bed may become irritated during removal. To counter the irritation, dab a moisturizer next to the nail bed and surrounding skin. This product is supposed to soothe the skin, reducing the likelihood of complications from cutting the cuticles.
Part 3 of 3: Precautions to Take
Step 1. Avoid cutting your cuticles if you have diabetes or other health problems
Diabetes can make fingernails and toenails more susceptible to infection. If you have this condition or other disorders that weaken your immune system, avoid cutting your cuticles. Their function is to protect the nails and surrounding skin.
Step 2. Cut the cuticles in moderation
Cutting the cuticles should not be done every day. Most experts recommend doing it in moderation. To prevent infections and discomfort in the nail bed area, try to do this every two to three weeks.
Step 3. Leave part of the cuticle intact
Do not remove it completely. The cuticle is needed to protect the nails from germs. Cut only the tips, which are made of dead skin, leaving the rest intact.