Cracking Cuticles

TLC for your Cuticles

I usually don’t pay much attention to my cuticles until one decides to hang out on the side. Then I won’t leave it alone—picking and pulling until it tears off. I know I should just go and get the clippers, but my limbic brain sees no reason. Of course, there is a very good reason (this coming from my cognitive side) and that is to avoid infection. In fact, this is the exact purpose of your cuticles. Cuticles create a seal between your skin and nails, shielding you from any invasion by bacteria. They also help protect the new keratin cells of your fingernails until they grow and harden.

Your cuticles play an important role in the health of your fingernails and it’s important to take care of them. This means keeping them moisturized and soft to avoid cracking or ‘hanging chads.’ Most health experts recommend not cutting or trimming your cuticles to avoid the chance of infection. However, it’s okay to gently push your cuticles back (especially after moisturizing them). Here’s an easy recipe from Secrets of the Spas to help you rejuvenate your cuticles and nails.

Almond-Jojoba Nail & Cuticle Treatment

The oil in this treatment locks in moisture and the honey conditions and strengthens nails. The oils can be found at Whole Foods or your local health food store.

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons almond oil

2 tablespoons jojoba oil

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 teaspoons honey

1 teaspoon vitamin E oil (or 3-4 vitamin E capsules, broken open)

Method:

Mix together all the ingredients. Soak nails in warm water for 10 minutes and pat dry. Massage treatment into hands and feet, concentrating on nails and cuticles. Repeat after washing hands and feet, or after a bath or shower.

Yield:

Enough for 4 hand treatments or 2 hand treatments and 2 foot treatments.