Nothing can ruin the look of a manicure faster than an accidentally chipped nail or dry and peeling cuticle skin. While unfortunate chips can be avoided by being careful with your nails the next 24 hours, peeling cuticle skin is a whole different ball game. The patchy, flaky and prickly skin around your cuticles can be caused due to various reasons but has a simple solution too. Read on to find out why your skin below the nails is peeling! Bookmark this guide for a perfectly moisturised skin around your nails.
01Why Is the Skin Around My Nails Peeling? Common Causes Explained
1. Environmental causes
If you've ever wondered, 'why do my cuticles peel?' you're in the right place. Your hands are one of the most exposed parts of your body and suffer a lot of environmental damage. Unfavourable weather conditions like sunny summers and extreme winters can cause your cuticles to peel. If you have a dry skin type, factors like pollution and harsh water can further damage them.
2. Bad habits and underlying health conditions
Is your cuticle skin peeling? Habits like nail-biting and picking the skin around your nails can cause damage and pain. Health conditions like psoriasis, chronic eczema, atopic dermatitis and pompholyx can lead to cuticle peeling. Also, nutritional deficiency of vitamins B, A, E and C can all cause peeling skin around the nails. We all know that the food we eat affects our skin and hair directly, so any changes in diet can also temporarily cause your skin to peel, especially around the nails.
3. Chemical agents
Why do my cuticles peel? You use your hands for essential tasks like cooking, cleaning, shampooing, washing dishes and sometimes even gardening throughout the day. This exposes your cuticles to a lot of different chemical agents that can irritate the skin around it. Even if you wear gloves while doing it, the latex material might interact with your skin and cause irritation. All of this in addition to the chemicals used on your skin during the manicure can cause your cuticles to become dry and flaky.
4. Aggressive Manicures
Excessive cuticle removal, strong nail polish removers, and the use of acrylics or gel manicures could damage the delicate skin surrounding your nails. Therefore, to protect the skin around your nails, make sure that the manicurist is gentle while handling your nails and the skin around it.
02How to Treat and Prevent Cuticle Skin Peeling
While cuticle skin peeling is not a cause for concern, there are ways to deal with it for aesthetic reasons. Home remedies like switching to skin-friendly detergents or soaps; improving your diet to promote skin health and finally quitting your nail-biting habit will help. Prevention is always better than cure. Keep your hands moisturised with a hand cream such as the Vaseline Intensive Care Healthy Hand Stronger Nails Hand Cream to keep them soft, smooth and healthy-looking. Infused with petroleum jelly and keratin, this hand cream is lightweight and non-sticky too. Peeling cuticles can be uncomfortable and unsightly, but with the right care and prevention strategies, you can restore the health of your cuticles and prevent further peeling. Here's how you can treat and avoid this issue:
Prevention Tips:
1. Avoid Excessive
Hand Washing Frequent hand washing can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness and peeling of the cuticles. Try to limit hand washing and use gentle, moisturizing soap to protect your skin. Always apply hand cream after washing to lock in moisture.
2. Moisturize Regularly
Keeping your cuticles well-moisturized is essential to prevent dryness and peeling. Use a nourishing cuticle oil or a rich hand cream daily, especially before bedtime, to allow your skin to repair overnight.
3. Wear Gloves
When cleaning or washing dishes, protect your hands by wearing gloves. Harsh chemicals and prolonged exposure to water can weaken the skin around your cuticles, leading to peeling.
4. Avoid Biting Your Cuticles
Biting or picking at your cuticles can lead to injury and peeling. Practice self-control and resist the temptation to chew on your cuticles to avoid causing further damage.
5. Stay Hydrated
Drinking plenty of water keeps your skin hydrated from the inside out. Proper hydration can help prevent dryness and peeling, ensuring your cuticles stay healthy.
6. Use Gentle Nail Care Products
Harsh nail polishes or removers can dry out the cuticles, causing them to peel. Opt for acetone-free removers and use non-toxic nail products to protect the delicate skin around your nails.
03DIY Treatments for Peeling Cuticles:
1. DIY Cuticle Treatment:
Honey & Coconut Oil Mask Honey is a natural humectant, meaning it helps to retain moisture in the skin, while coconut oil has healing and moisturizing properties. How to Use: Mix equal parts honey and coconut oil, and apply the mixture to your cuticles. Leave it on for 15-20 minutes before rinsing off. Repeat this 2-3 times a week to hydrate and repair peeling cuticles.
2. DIY Cuticle Treatment:
Olive Oil & Lemon Juice Soak Olive oil helps to nourish dry cuticles, while lemon juice can help to exfoliate dead skin and promote healing. How to Use: Mix a few drops of lemon juice with 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil in a small bowl. Soak your fingertips in this mixture for 10-15 minutes. Follow up with a moisturizing hand cream. This treatment can be done a few times a week to keep your cuticles soft and healthy.
04FAQs On Why The Skin Around Your Nails Is Peeling
Below are some frequently asked questions answered by experts regarding the problem of your skin peeling around your nails:
Q: Is peeling skin around my nails a sign of a serious health problem?
A: Usually no. It's often due to dryness or irritation. If you notice severe redness, swelling, or pus, consult a dermatologist.
Q: Can a vitamin deficiency cause peeling cuticles?
A: Yes, deficiencies in vitamins like B, C, or Zinc can contribute to peeling. See a doctor for advice if you suspect a deficiency.
Q: Is it okay to cut my peeling cuticles?
A: Avoid cutting peeling cuticles as it can cause infection. Focus on moisturizing and gently pushing them back instead. Q: How often should I apply cuticle oil? A: Apply cuticle oil several times a day, especially after washing your hands, and before bed for best results.
Q: Can hand sanitizer cause peeling skin around my nails?
A: Yes, alcohol-based sanitizers can dry out the skin. Use moisturized sanitizers or follow with hand cream.
Q: My cuticles are peeling and red. Is this a sign of infection?
A: Redness and peeling can be from dryness or irritation. If there's pain, swelling, or pus, see a doctor for possible infection.
Q: How long does it take for peeling cuticles to heal?
A: With proper care, healing may take 1-2 weeks, but severe cases may take longer.
Q: Can I use regular lotion on my cuticles?
A: Regular lotion helps, but cuticle oil or thick hand creams with shea butter or vitamin E are more effective for healing.
In essence, peeling skin around the nails, while often a minor annoyance, serves as a signal that our cuticles need care. The primary reasons—dryness, habitual picking, and sometimes underlying skin issues—are manageable through regular, gentle attention. Prioritising hydration, both internally and externally, is crucial. Incorporating a routine of frequent cuticle oil application, not using harsh chemicals, and resisting the urge to pick or bite your nails will drastically enhance cuticle health. For severe symptoms, consulting a healthcare professional is advisable. Maintaining healthy skin around your nails is about understanding their delicate nature and providing them with the nurturing attention they deserve.
