If taking care of your cuticles isn’t on your skincare to-do list, we need to have a chat. But TBH, most women are guilty of not paying attention to their cuticles. So consider this a PSA. Cuticles serve a very important purpose and that is keeping your nails protected from bacteria and inflections. They seal the area at the bed of nails and keeps your nails protected. So proper cuticle care is a must!

Here are five skincare tips to keep your cuticles healthy and happy.    

 

Don’t pick at them

Don’t pick at them

No matter how annoying that dreaded hangnail looks, don’t pick it; just leave it alone. Picking or peeling the skin off can do more harm than good and can even leave you with a bad skin tear or infection. Gently push it back with an orange stick and apply cuticle oil.

 

Wear gloves to protect your cuticles

Wear gloves to protect your cuticles

Drying agents like soap can make your cuticles dry and flaky and can even damage the skin around your nails. Make sure you wear gloves while doing daily chores like washing dishes. Also, invest in a good nail polish that doesn’t leave your nails and the skin around them dry.

 

Clip hangnails with care

Clip hangnails with care

To cut the loose skin and hangnails, use a clean cuticle trimmer or clipper and trim very carefully. The right time to do this is after a shower as your cuticles are softer them, so you’re less likely to hurt your skin.

 

Moisturise

Moisturise

Keep the skin around your nails hydrated with a cuticle cream or oil Massage your cuticles every day with the oil or cream to keep them healthy and well moisturised.

 

Apply sunscreen daily

Apply sunscreen daily

Rub some sunscreen around your nails to prevent sun damage. Yes, your cuticles can get affected by the sun too. Sun exposure can make them dry, scaly and cracked. So treat them with a good amount of SPF to maintain their health.