Do you struggle to push back your cuticles when you do your nails? Are they visibly dry and overgrown? Do you have hangnails? Then let’s talk about how to use cuticle oil to make things better!
How Often Should You Apply Cuticle Oil?
At a minimum, you should put on cuticle oil each night at bedtime. But if your hands are in water a lot or exposed to the weather, you might need to apply it more often. There’s nothing wrong with rubbing in a few drops every time you wash your hands.
If you have a nifty tool like a dual-ended cuticle pusher, it’s simple to keep your nails looking fabulous! After you put on oil at night, take a minute to push back the cuticles if needed.
Do You Wash off Cuticle Oil?
Unfortunately, cuticle oil isn't impervious to washing. Dish soap is notorious for sucking the oil right out of the skin, but any soap will remove it. Of course, before you do a manicure, it's important to remove the oil before applying polish. Otherwise, the polish might lift.
Do You Put Cuticle Oil on Before or after Soaking?
Apply cuticle oil as the last step in your manicure. If you soak your hands to push back your cuticles, and you won’t be applying polish, it’s okay to put on cuticle oil after soaking and shaping your nails.
What Is the Correct Way to Apply Cuticle Oil?
You only need a few drops of oil to do your hands and feet. More isn’t better. Oils work best when they can absorb into the skin. It may take a few minutes for full absorption.
After you’ve washed your hands or feet, rub in the oil. You don’t need special tools to dab it on. Feel free to put three or four drops in the palm of your hand and spread it with your fingers. Massage the leftover oil into your hands.
If your hands feel too greasy afterward, follow up with a little hand lotion to help it absorb. Otherwise, give your nails a spot treatment with nail slugging. After you’ve put on cuticle oil, massage a thin layer of petroleum jelly into your fingertips and slip on a pair of gloves for sleeping. Your hands will look younger and healthier and your nails so much shinier when you wake up.
Why Is Cuticle Oil Important? (Why Isn’t Lotion Enough?)
Lotion provides moisture to the skin and has some ability to seal in the hydration. However, it's not as heavy on emollients as cuticle oil. Emollients are oily, thick ingredients that lock in moisture.
If you want to get the best of both worlds, try this:
24k Gold Nail & Cuticle Oil
This deliciously nutritious cuticle oil is enriched with hyaluronic acid. That’s one of the world’s best moisturizers as it can hold up to 1000 times its weight in water. It’s the same ingredient in the best hand creams and body lotions.
Moreover, the oil features 24-karat gold and essential oils to brighten and beautify the skin and nails. That's not surprising as it's a professional formula!
Rub it in and enjoy the silky feeling it creates.
What Do Cuticles Do?
Cuticles may seem unnecessary especially since they’re always getting in the way. But it turns out that these little bands of skin protect your fingers from infection. They prevent germs from getting inside the nail bed.
If your cuticles are healthy and moisturized, you’re unlikely to end up with a fungus infection, for example. Not to mention that your manicure will look so much better if your cuticles are cared for.
Is It Okay to Trim Cuticles?
It depends on who you talk to whether or not they recommend trimming cuticles. Lots of nail techs cut them. But the American Academy of Dermatology says not to. Who’s right?
It all comes down to infection. If you’ve pushed back your cuticles and end up with a thick ridge of skin, it’s tempting to trim it. To play it safe, it’s best to only trim loose skin and hangnails. Use a sanitized and sharp pair of nippers to do the job without tearing the skin.
(If you have diabetes or other health concerns where an infection could be risky, please don’t trim your cuticles!)
Instead, consider using a product like this:
CND Cuticle Away Cuticle Remover
Get rid of dead skin the easy, painless way. This cuticle remover has a gel texture that’s easy to apply. It won’t damage the nails or irritate the skin if used according to the directions.
Apply it to the base of the nails and wait for one minute. Then use an orange stick to scrape off the dead skin.
Finish by washing your hands with warm water and soap to remove any residue.
How Else Can You Remove Cuticles?
Instead of trimming or using cuticle remover, a nail drill can also help you remove cuticles. It requires the right kind of bit, specifically a cuticle ball. These tools clean the hard, dry skin off the nail plate and can also be used for smoothing calluses.
The good news is that if you are applying cuticle oil regularly and pushing back the skin, you probably won’t need to worry about removing cuticles!
What Else Can You Use Cuticle Oil For?
Cuticle oil is an excellent all-purpose moisturizer, too. If you have rough elbows or calluses on your feet, put cuticle oil on them.
Better yet, treat yourself to spa socks or shea butter gloves and let the moisture sink in while you watch your favorite show. Then rub in cuticle oil as the finishing touch.
Can’t get enough cuticle oil? There are so many scents to choose from!
Blossom Scented Cuticle Oil
Should you try rose, jasmine, or lavender first? It doesn’t matter – all three come in this set. They are formulated to repair dry cuticles and strengthen nails on your hands or feet.
What’s more, the paraben-free formula is also cruelty-free and vegan.
Conclusion
Dedicate a minute of your day to putting on cuticle oil and you’ll soon be impressed by the results! It’s a worthwhile addition to your self-care routine.
In the meantime, take advantage of our deals and the free shipping we offer on orders over $100.