Everyone hates the cuticles around their nails, they are unsightly and can sometimes even cause pain. It is quite easy to eliminate them once they appear, but things get complicated if you want to prevent this problem from recurring periodically; it is therefore better to opt for prevention. However, you can prevent cuticles from forming by taking care of your hands and nails to keep them healthy and hydrated.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Preventing Dry Skin Around the Nails
Step 1. Moisturize the cuticles
Cuticles are small films that can form on the top of the nails, near the phalanx. It is important that they are healthy to prevent them from growing. This means that the skin should not be allowed to dry out excessively. The best way to do this is to apply cuticle oil regularly to hydrate them.
- You can regularly use a hand cream or moisturizer designed specifically for the cuticles.
- Apply cuticle oil once a day before bed for perfectly healthy cuticles.
Step 2. Moisturize the skin around the nails
As you heal your cuticles, even moisturizing the skin on the sides of your nails can help prevent cuticle growth. If you apply regular hand cream to your fingers once or twice a day, focusing on the area around the nails, you can have healthier and less dry skin in these delicate spots.
- Use a vitamin E lotion or cream for more effective hydration and soften any cuts or scrapes.
- Petroleum jelly is an excellent moisturizing product that is easy to find on the market.
Step 3. Remove all traces of nail polish
If you have lacquered your nails and find that some polish residue has settled on the skin around your nails, try to remove them right away. Nail polish tends to dry out the skin, so take it off carefully, taking care not to hurt yourself.
- This recommendation applies to the lower enamel layer as well as to the upper one.
- Acetone-based nail polish remover also dries the skin around the nails.
Part 2 of 3: Taking Care of Hands and Nails
Step 1. Don't bite your nails and don't bite your cuticles
Tearing the dry skin around your nails with your teeth will only aggravate the problem by encouraging cuticle growth. Typically, the cuticles are made up of the dead skin that advances to the sides of the nails, but they can include damaged parts of the nail body. The problem will not go away if you keep pulling on the cuticles.
There is a risk of spreading an infection if you gnaw your nails, so try to avoid this too
Step 2. Remove the cuticles as soon as possible
If your cuticles are growing, don't hesitate to cut them before they cause irritation. However, before removing them, gently wash your hands and soak your fingers in hot water for 5 minutes. When the nails are still wet, carefully remove the cuticles with the nail clipper.
- You can use a pair of cuticle nippers if you have one.
- If you have difficulty cutting, pay more attention and always avoid pulling on the skin.
Step 3. Wash your hands regularly
To take care of your hands and nails and keep your skin healthy and free from infections, you need to wash them regularly with soap and water. This is a fairly common hygiene rule, but an important one for well-groomed hands and nails. Therefore, don't neglect it.
Choose a soap that doesn't dry out the skin
Step 4. Don't lacquer your nails too often
Over time, regular use of nail polish, followed by the application of the solvent, can damage nails and skin. This is especially true if the products you use are acetone-based, contain formaldehyde or formaldehyde resin.
- These chemicals can cause dryness and irritation and promote cuticle growth.
- Look for products that do not contain acetone.
Step 5. Go to a beauty center
If you realize that the cuticle problem does not go away or if you have difficulty caring for your nails, you can make an appointment at a beauty center. Try asking for some advice on cuticle prevention or just getting a manicure. Sometimes, when the beautician gets the job done, it's easier to take care of your hands and keep them tidy.
Just shorten your nails regularly to keep them healthy and prevent cuticle growth
Step 6. Know when to contact your doctor
Growth of the cuticles is not a serious health problem, despite the pain and discomfort it can cause. However, in certain circumstances it would be advisable to bring them to your doctor's attention. If you develop an infection that resists applying antiseptic or antibiotic creams, don't hesitate to see your doctor.
- The infection could spread to other areas of the hand and cause nerve endings problems.
- Symptoms of an infection include: redness, swelling, generally feeling unwell, fever or high body temperature.
Part 3 of 3: Consume Foods That Nourish Skin and Nails
Step 1. Get adequate amounts of Vitamin B and C
To preserve the health of skin and nails, it is important to follow a healthy and balanced diet. However, the consumption of certain vitamins is recommended to promote the health of these areas of the body. A large supply of vitamin B can help strengthen and thicken the nails. A vitamin C deficiency is associated with the growth of cuticles and the phenomenon of ingrown nails.
- Try to get these vitamins through regular consumption of healthful foods rather than supplements.
- Foods rich in vitamin C include kiwifruit, broccoli, peppers and tomatoes.
- Foods rich in vitamin B include seafood, fish, liver, and milk.
Step 2. Get plenty of iron
To have healthy skin and nails, you should increase your iron intake. A deficiency of this substance can cause irritation and dryness of the skin, and the nails can become brittle. Iron can be found in numerous foods, such as:
- Whole grains;
- Low-fat meat;
- Fish;
- Egg.
Step 3. Drink lots of water
Dry skin is the main cause of cuticle growth, so by drinking plenty of water, you can keep yourself healthy and hydrated. Water does not directly hydrate the skin, but it is an important element for staying healthy.
Normally, it is recommended to drink eight glasses of water per day
Step 4. Get adequate amounts of essential fatty acids
Foods rich in essential fatty acids help hydrate the cells of the epidermis. Consume 3-5 servings of foods containing fatty acids each week to help skin health and hydration. If it tends to be very dry, you may want to try supplementing your diet with linseed or borage oil to further nourish it.
- You can find these substances in foods such as nuts, fish and olive oil.
- If you choose supplements, always take them following the directions on the package.
Advice
- Don't be discouraged if you don't get results right away.
- Aim to drink 8 glasses of water a day!
- Take care of your nails regularly to keep them healthy.
- Follow these methods for a few days.
