Although you usually only pay attention to the cuticles around your nails when you do your nails, do you know if it is good to cut them off? The cuticle around the nail is “born for a reason” and needs your care. The epidermis is part of your skin. They develop on the skin covering the inside of the nail.

Dr. Richard Scher, professor of dermatology at Cornell University, said: "The epidermis does not appear naturally on your body. They act as a barrier or a protective barrier for the nails.” Let's explore with Hello Bacsi 6 very simple secrets to keep that protective layer healthy.

You should not cut the cuticle

According to dermatologists, there is no valid reason to "justify" the removal of the epidermis. Worse yet, this could leave you with an infection or irritation. "If you remove the cuticle, the space between the skin and the nail is enlarged, allowing foreign objects to get in," says Dr. Scher.

Cutting your cuticles can also lead to nail problems, like ridges, white spots, or white lines.

If you have a bacterial infection in the cuticle area inside the nail, the infection will interfere with nail growth. "The infection will make your nails look unsightly and make you uncomfortable," says pharmacist and dermatologist Ella Toombs.

The cuticle around the nail needs to be developed naturally

If you want your nails to look longer, you can use a small wooden stick to gently push the cuticle down.

This cuticle is usually soft, and repeated cuts can make it harder," says Dr. Toombs. If you cut many times, this cuticle will become thicker due to the frequent removal of you.”

Some people cut these cuticles out of fear that not removing them will make them thicker and thicker, making their hands more unsightly. Experts say that won't happen, switching from cutting the cuticle to letting it grow naturally is a smart choice.

“Many people say that shaving will make the beard grow more while letting the beard grow naturally will slow down the growth rate,” says Dr. Scher. That's not right. Similar to nail care, cutting the cuticle does not make it grow out faster. The natural growth rate will remain the same no matter what you do.”

Cuticles around the nails also need to be moisturized

Although the cuticles aren't as soft as the rest of the skin on your hands, the cuticles are basically your skin, so they need to be moisturized.

“When the epidermis is dry, the epidermis cracks, just like normal skin,” says Dr. Scher. Just like for dry skin, the epidermis also needs a good moisturizer. Any hand moisturizer can be used on the cuticles. When you moisturize your hands and have a little cream leftover, you should use that cream to rub the cuticles around the nails."

Most dermatologists recommend using strong moisturizing products, such as ointments or creams, for best results. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends vaseline as an economical way to care for the cuticles. But some doctors say that not everyone can use a product with a thick layer of fat like vaseline all day long. Therefore, you need an alternative to moisturize your skin when you are active during the day.

“Ointments are often difficult to apply during the day because they feel greasy,” says Bruce Robinson, Pharmacist and clinical instructor of dermatology at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City. You can use the ointment at night when you are not touching papers in the office. Lotion can be used throughout the day because hands are not greasy when applying lotion, but lotions are not as moisturizing as creams and ointments.

"At nail salons, hot wax is also a great way to keep cuticles moist," says Dr. Toombs. Special oil wax is heated until melted. Customers will have their hands dipped in warm petroleum jelly, then put on plastic gloves and warm up with heat for about 10-15 minutes. After taking off gloves, hands, nails, and cuticles will be softer. This is a great treatment for nails and cuticles.”

Whichever method you choose, you need to remember to moisten your hands regularly. Toombs also adds that: "The more often you lubricate your hands, the stronger and more beautiful the nails and cuticles will be."

You need to avoid doing too much manicure

Many people visit a dermatologist when their nails are red, painful, and in the cuticle around the nail due to a skin infection. This disease is commonly known as paronychia.

“Typically, patients come in when they have had their nails done at a new nail salon and have had their nails done by a staff member who is so aggressive that the nails are red, sore, or cut,” says Dr. Scher. infected. The patient may now need antibiotics.”

Before you get your nails done at the salon, you should tell your manicurist you want to cut your cuticles gently. If the staff cuts the cuticles on your hands too hard, ask to stop immediately.

Avoid chemicals that dry out your hands

The skin of your hands, nails, and cuticles can dry out when you wash dishes frequently and use nail polish remover that contains acetone. Therefore, experts recommend wearing gloves when washing dishes and using nail polish remover that does not contain acetone.

"Whether you're washing clothes or preparing dishes, you should wear vinyl gloves," says Dr. Toombs. This is a good time to apply lubricants. Gloves help trap oil on cuticles and nails, and protect your cuticles and hands from drying out.”

Nail-biting also affects the cuticle around the nail

Our mouth is full of bacteria, and saliva is an enzyme that breaks down the skin. You can get an infection if you damage the cuticles. So if you have a habit of biting your nails or trimming the cuticles around your nails.

Try to apply the above tips, Hello Baci believes that you will own beautiful and healthy hands.