You may have weak, brittle nails after years of consecutive manicures but applying cuticle oil correctly can make a big difference. This multipurpose product will help more than just the base of your nails. Before you know it, you’ll have stronger, healthier nails from bed to tip if you add it to your nail care routine.
Cuticle oil is essential for nail health, according to award-winning nail artist and beauty creator Jessica White. She tells Glamour, “It’s the one step that makes the biggest visible and structural difference.” “Oiling your nails on a regular basis will keep them stronger, shinier, and healthier over time, even if you do nothing else.
Cuticle oil: what is it?
It’s useful to know what cuticle oil is and how it functions before we move on to application advice According to White, “cuticle oil is a concentrated blend of nourishing oils designed to hydrate the nail plate and the cuticle area.” Because it penetrates deeply to soften dry cuticles, increase flexibility, and maintain the health of the nail matrix, think of it as a serum for your nails. Even without color, nails tend to appear glossier, smoother, and more polished when the cuticle area is hydrated.
Why is cuticle oil necessary for strong, healthy nails?
In addition to damage from gel and acrylic nails, picking, biting, and harsh chemicals can also result in brittleness thinning peeling, and splitting. According to White, “cuticle oil is one of the simplest but most transformative steps in nail care Frequent oiling helps prevent peeling and splitting, increases nail elasticity and replenishes lost lipids. Additionally, it’s essential for preserving the skin surrounding the nail, which promotes healthy growth and lessens irritation and hangnails.
How does cuticle oil function?
According to White, “dehydration causes the keratin layers that make up nails to separate and weaken, which results in peeling and breakage.” Cuticle oil helps the nail retain moisture and maintain its flexibility by penetrating those layers and strengthening its natural lipid barrier. Because it bends rather than snaps, a flexible nail is strong. She suggests searching for cuticle oils that are high in almond oil jojoba, and vitamin E—ingredients that work especially well because they imitate the natural oils found in nails.
How to properly apply cuticle oil
When your nails are at their most dehydrated such as after washing your hands or taking off nail polish White suggests applying cuticle oil. “Gently massage a tiny drop into the nail and surrounding skin after applying it to each cuticle,” she advises. “The massage is essential because it promotes healthy nail growth and improves circulation.” Before using hand cream or nail polish, she advises letting the oil completely absorb “so it doesn’t dilute the products or how your polish adheres.
How frequently should cuticle oil be applied?
According to White, “cuticle oil should ideally be applied every day, especially if you wear gels, use hand sanitizer frequently, or are exposed to cold weather Twice a day can be helpful for extremely dry nails.” The good news? Your nails will only absorb as much oil as they require, so you really can’t go overboard. Consistency is more crucial, according to White: “Little and often is better than a lot once a week.
How can I naturally strengthen my nails?
White advises “wearing gloves for cleaning and avoiding using nails as tools for opening cans or peeling stickers in addition to using cuticle oil to strengthen and repair nails. She also points out that using a nail file incorrectly is another error, advising gentle filing in one direction, rather than sawing back and forth to prevent splitting Above all, keep in mind that hydration is crucial, so applying cuticle oil and hand cream on a regular basis is crucial.
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