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While we all know the importance of an effective daily skin care regimen, it’s easy for cuticle care to fall off our beauty radar. But like the rest of your skin, translucent cuticle skin needs regular pampering to look its best and function properly. Rather than seeming like an ugly nail accessory, healthy cuticles are barely noticeable and help keep nasty bugs out of your body. Get crack-free cuticles with regular moisturizing treatments.
1.
Make cuticle care part of your normal beauty routine. Treat cuticle skin to a twice-daily massage with regular hand lotion or a special cuticle moisturizer.
2.
Top up on moisturizer after washing your hands or using nail polish remover.
3.
Protect your hands with gloves when doing household chores that involve using harsh detergents or chemicals that can dry out cuticle skin.
4.
Limit nail polish changes or go polish-free to minimize contact with nail polish. Switch to an acetone-free remover product that will be kinder on cuticles.
5.
Skip the cuticle-pushing -- which can cause tearing -- when giving yourself a manicure. Instead, massage cuticle oil into the base of your nails and gently dislodge loose cuticle skin by circling an orange stick on the surface. Sweep away the debris with a cotton ball.
6.
Slip your hands into a pair of cotton cosmetic gloves after moisturizing your cuticles at bedtime for a nourishing cuticle treat as you sleep.
Things You'll Need
1.Hand lotion or cuticle moisturizer
3.Acetone-free polish remover
5.Cuticle oil
2.Rubber gloves
4.Cosmetic gloves
6.Cotton ball
Tips & Tricks
Avoid tears and possible infections by resisting the urge to bite or pick at annoying ragged cuticle skin.
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References
Nail Aid Cares: Six Top Tips for Healthy Nails
Mayo Clinic; Nails: How to Keep Your Fingernails Healthy and Strong; November 2009
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