Cuticles are often overlooked, as we tend to just apply some cute, non-toxic nail polish and move on. But if we ignore or mistreat them, cuticles can split, peel, and even get infected. This natural cuticle cream cares for cuticles, helping to prevent or even repair damage.
Cuticles may be small, but they play a big role. They are part of your skin and protect the nail bed from damage and infection. Plus, they act as a barrier for the nail as it grows. It’s fine to gently push them back, but cutting or harshly treating cuticles can lead to issues. Applying a cuticle cream is the best way to maintain the skin’s soft protective barrier.
I usually steer clear of nail salons due to the toxic chemicals in the air. However, if you do visit a salon, make sure they handle your cuticles gently.
Since I often have vitamin E, jojoba oil, essential oils, and other ingredients around for my homemade beauty products, it makes sense for me to create my own cuticle cream instead of buying one. The recipe only takes about five minutes to make, and it lasts a long time, so I don’t need to make it frequently.
There are many cuticle creams available for purchase, even some natural ones. However, some natural brands include ingredients that I’m not thrilled about. For instance, a popular natural brand might have fantastic oils and butters but also include canola and soy oil.
This cuticle cream is primarily made with sweet almond oil, which is moderately light and doesn’t leave hands feeling greasy. It is rich in vitamin E, oleic acid, and linoleic acid, and it’s great for retaining moisture around the nails.
Vitamin E oil has been shown in dermatological studies to boost nail growth and improve nail color. Jojoba oil is actually a liquid wax that closely resembles sebum, an oily substance that safeguards the skin. It attracts moisture to the skin and aids in producing the acid mantle that defends against harmful bacteria.
Helichrysum oil adds a nice scent and soothing properties. Though it’s a pricier essential oil, it’s valuable for natural remedies, often called “liquid stitches” for quickly healing damaged skin. It’s also naturally antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory.
Citrus essential oils soften cuticles and help other oils’ vitamins and nutrients penetrate the skin better. A French study demonstrated that lemon essential oil significantly enhances the absorption of both water-soluble and oil-soluble vitamins into the skin, increasing vitamin E absorption by nine times.
The recipe makes one ounce of cuticle cream. What are your best manicure tips? Have you discovered an easy, natural way to care for cuticles?
