Hint: starts with “K”, ends with “A”.
Have you ever guessed that we are talking about the cuticle? “It covers the matrix of the nail – the place where it starts to grow, so it’s no surprise that the state of the plate depends on the health of the cuticle,” explains nail technician Geraldine Holford. Here’s what experts say will help save it.
Always use cuticle oil
“Hydrating your cuticles is the best thing you can do for them,” says Holford. Hand creams are good, but cuticle oil is even better: it penetrates not only through the skin, but also through the nail, bringing nutrients to the matrix. It is not necessary to buy a special product – regular products will do. Geraldine recommends trying jojoba: “Its texture is similar to the oil our skin makes, so it absorbs into it well.”
Don’t cut, move
It’s best, says Holford, to do this after showering, when skin is soft and moist and cuticles are supple. Lightly rub the base of the nail with a towel in a circular motion or use an orange stick – both methods will give the desired effect. Manicurist and salon owner Ruth Cullens advises caution: “Don’t press too hard or you’ll get ridges and dimples that distort the nail.”
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Use a liquid cuticle remover
This will save you if pushing back doesn’t help: put a drop on each plate, wait a few seconds, then buff the cuticle with a toothbrush. “It’s a great way to keep the nail clean and tidy,” says Holford.
Don’t forget the scrub
Intense exfoliation should be done once every month or two. Model Jay Wen’s exfoliating hands use charcoal soap and a facial cleansing brush for sensitive skin. Maybe his method will work for you too.
Make a night mask
Jay advises applying a thick layer of cream to your hands at night, and cuticle oil to your fingertips, then putting on cotton gloves. “Overnight it will all absorb and you will wake up with flawless skin and nails,” she says.
Take care of your cuticles while you do the dishes
Washing dishes should be done with gloves – this is a well-known fact. But you can go further and combine household chores with a beauty treatment. Cullens advises taking some olive oil or coconut oil, pouring some into latex gloves, putting dishwashing gloves over it, and only then getting to the work. “The heat from the water, combined with the gloves, will help the oil soak in, leaving your hands and nails nicely hydrated,” she says.
Read also: “Nude, come back”: what to do if your nails turn yellow
Source: The Voice Mag
I am Amanda Gans, a motivated and ambitious professional in the news writing industry. With over five years of experience in this field, I have developed an eye for detail and an ability to craft stories that captivate readers. I currently write for Gossipify, where I specialize in beauty & celebrities news. My passion lies with exploring the world of beauty through writing, interviewing experts and developing articles that are both informative and entertaining.
