We've all heard of cuticles, but knowing exactly what they are and why we have them can be a bit of a blur! Yet, these small pieces of skin play a crucial role in protecting your nails and keeping your hands looking beautiful. Let's take a closer look at cuticles to understand their purpose and adopt the right routine to care for them.
The role of cuticles in nail health
What is a cuticle and what is its purpose?
Cuticles are the thin layers of skin located at the base of the nail that partially cover the nail matrix, the keratin production center that allows the nail to grow. Cuticles act as a shield against external aggressors, preventing bacteria, germs, and dirt from getting under the skin. They are your best allies in preserving the natural balance of your nails. If this protective barrier is weakened, the risk of infection increases and you'll regret it. It is therefore essential to care for them properly so they can fulfill their protective mission.
Cuticles are your nails' natural shields—take care of them!
Why do cuticles become dry or damaged?
On the front lines, cuticles often have a tough time. Among the most common causes of damage are:
- Exposure to harsh chemicals such as household cleaning products handled without protection.
- Cold and dry air that dry out the skin.
- Compulsive biting or picking due to stress.
- Poor manicure techniques, such as overly aggressive cuticle removal during nail prep or using acetone remover during polish removal.
- The lack of regular care.
In all cases, the outcome is the same: cuticles are dry, damaged, or torn, and that comes with consequences.
The risks of damaged cuticles
Every micro-wound on the cuticles creates a breach in the protective barrier of the nails, opening the door to bacterial or fungal infections that cause redness and swelling and make the nail painful.
Weakened cuticles can also disrupt the nail matrix function. Nails grow more slowly and become damaged more easily, turning soft or ridged. It is therefore crucial to start paying closer attention to your cuticles to avoid putting the health of your nails at risk.
How to push back cuticles properly
Don't panic, cuticle care is simple. The secret? Gentleness in your technique and products to protect your nails' balance and ensure a long-lasting, flawless manicure. Start your nail prep with a 4-step cuticle routine:
Step 1: Soften the cuticles
To push back cuticles without damaging them, you must first soften them. The foolproof solution: use a few drops of a cuticle softener that softens the skin. With its gel texture and formula enriched with plant glycerin, Manucurist's Effective Emollient is easy to apply around the nail contour and works gently while hydrating.
👉Place a drop at the base of each nail and leave on for 2 minutes, massage gently and remove excess with a cotton pad.
Step 2: Use a cuticle pusher
A cuticle pusher is an essential tool, to be used delicately and only on previously softened cuticles. You can opt for a steel or glass cuticle pusher, ideal for sensitive nails.
👉Clear the nail contour by gently pushing back small pieces of skin, without excessive pressure. Hold the cuticle pusher in the opposite direction of growth without moving back and forth.
Cuticle care requires gentleness and precision.
Step 3: Remove dead skin if necessary
If you notice dead skin around the cuticles, limit yourself to trimming it delicately with a cuticle nipper, but never go too close to the nail edges and only if necessary. Careful: this is not about cutting the cuticles, but only removing excess dead skin.
Step 4: Hydrate after care
After pushing back cuticles, hydration is essential. Apply an oil or balm to intensely nourish the area. The ultra-nourishing Green Oil or the Rose Balm are perfect for regenerating the nail and its contour.
If you are continuing your manicure with nail polish application, replace the oil or balm with a degreasing treatment to rid the nail of oil and dust residues before applying the Base Coat.
The ideal routine for flawless cuticles
Daily routine
To durably maintain the suppleness and health of your cuticles, regular hydration is absolutely key. Applying a nourishing oil with a daily massage around the nail contour offers multiple benefits. Rich in a powerful cocktail of 6 botanical oils, Green Oil helps to:
- Deeply hydrate thanks to the antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals concentrated in passion fruit oil, coconut oil, and sweet almond oil.
- Nourish and regenerate nail fibers thanks to omega-3 and 6, proteins, and calcium found in baobab oil and walnut oil.
- Soothe and protect thanks to the fatty acids and antioxidants contained in kukui nut oil.
👉Apply a drop at the base of each nail, preferably in the evening, massage, and let the product work overnight. By massaging your cuticles this way, you stimulate microcirculation and promote the absorption of active ingredients that strengthen cuticles and boost nail growth.
For intense, continuous cuticle hydration, carry a tube of Perfecting Concentrate in your bag to apply to your nails and cuticles any time of day. This on-the-go treatment based on pistachio oil intensely hydrates while repairing and soothing.
Enjoy the benefits of plant oils to nourish and hydrate your cuticles.
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Adapting care to the seasons
Cuticles need care all year round with a routine that adapts to the seasons.
❄️In winter, when cold and humidity are more intense, cuticles tend to dry out more. It is therefore essential to boost hydration with other botanical oils beneficial for skin and nails. The Rose Balm, rich in coconut oil, Damask rose oil, and wakame extract, intensely nourishes and hydrates with an immediate feeling of comfort. Combined with the Hand Cream, your nails and cuticles are protected for winter.
☀️In summer, cuticles are often exposed to sun and water, which can cause damage. Using a sunscreen on your hands or a UV-filter care product can prevent cuticle discoloration and dryness. Green Oil is also an excellent after-sun care that instantly regenerates nails and cuticles and stimulates regrowth.
Enhanced hydration in winter, sun protection in summer for healthy cuticles all year round.
Mistakes to avoid with cuticles
Keeping cuticles healthy is essential for strong nails and beautiful hands. In addition to the hydration and nail prep tips shared above, here are the mistakes to avoid with your cuticles:
⛔Never tear or bite your cuticles, as this creates wounds that can become infected.
❌Avoid exposure to harsh chemicals (household cleaners, detergents) without wearing gloves. These products impair the protective role of cuticles, increasing the risk of infection and dryness.
⛔Never cut cuticles, only dead skin.
⚠️Push back cuticles gently and only once they are softened.
❌Do not get polish onto the cuticles when applying. If you do, the polish cannot adhere properly and the manicure will chip in just a few days. If the polish used contains sensitizing ingredients, cuticles coming into contact with the product can develop inflammatory or allergic reactions.
❌Avoid acetone-based nail polish removers that dry out cuticles. Opt for bio-sourced nail polish formulas that remove gently, without acetone or buffing, to protect your nails.
In summary, cuticle care is an essential step in maintaining the health and beauty of your nails. By understanding their protective role, avoiding aggressive practices, and adopting a regular routine combining hydration and gentle gestures, you can prevent damaged cuticles and enhance your manicure for longer. Well-maintained cuticles are the key to stronger nails and radiant, long-lasting manicures.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to hydrate cuticles?
Cuticle hydration is essential to maintain the suppleness and protective function of cuticles. You can apply a nourishing oil or hydrating treatment daily to prevent dry skin and encourage regrowth.
Is it good to cut cuticles?
Trying to cut your cuticles risks creating wounds that can let in bacteria and other germs, causing painful and unpleasant infections. These aggressions can also disrupt nail growth, leaving nails soft or ridged. Before applying polish, prep your nails safely using an emollient treatment to soften cuticles and gently push them back with a cuticle pusher.
How often should you push back cuticles?
It is recommended to push back cuticles once a week maximum. Be sure to soften them beforehand with a cuticle softener, then use a steel or glass cuticle pusher or a wooden stick. Use a gentle, smooth motion without back-and-forth rubbing to achieve a clean, neat contour. Between routines, prioritize daily hydration to maintain their suppleness.
Why are my cuticles dry or damaged?
Dry or damaged cuticles are often caused by lack of moisture, frequent washing, cold weather, harsh products, or stress-related habits. Without proper care, they become dehydrated, crack, and can even tear. A nourishing routine helps restore their protective role.
Which oil or treatment should you choose for cuticles?
Opt for a cuticle oil rich in natural active ingredients such as botanical oils (sweet almond, coconut, pistachio, kukui nut...). Rich in fatty acids and vitamins, they durably nourish, repair, and protect cuticles while strengthening nails. Daily application is ideal for healthy, neat cuticles.
