HELP for Cuticles!!

Apr 16, 2012

Mally S.

I probably have the WORST cuticles ever....they are super, super dry and flaky all the time, and I have a habit of picking at them because the dry skin looks awful. I can't even push them back before I paint my nails without them just flaking up and getting everywhere. My nails are also really brittle (due to this magnificent thyroid problem I have & the medicine I'm on) and I can never grow them out. I have to constantly keep a nail file and clippers in my bag (even in my bookbag I carry to class!) because my nails are always chipping and splitting. I find it pointless to go get my nails done because the sight of my cuticles ruins any kind of pretty manicure.

I've tried a lot of things for my nails and cuticles, like oils & lotions, but none seem to have worked. Most of the things I've tried, though, are either Sally Hansen or treatments from Bath & Body Works. They seem to work for like 5 minutes, and then my nailbeds are back to the way they looked before. Do I like, have sponges for cuticles or WHAT?

Does anyone have recommendations on what I can use? Or does anyone else share my terrible fate in having manicure-ruining cuticles? I'm kind of picky about lotions on my hands, because I can't stand for my hands to feel greasy, and oils seem to soak right in and dry up. Any help/suggestions are much appreciated. xoxoxo

Apr 16, 2012

Tara B.

I am def watching this, I have the same problem!

Apr 17, 2012

Tania A.

Here are some options you can consider. Since your cuticles are very bad have you considered using cuticle cream or balm. The two I would suggest are:
Drugstore: Burt's Bees Res-Q ointment around $8.00
Department store: LUSH lemony flutter (cuticle cream) around $14.00

These two brands are packed full of different moisturizing oils and because they are waxy creams you can pile it into the cuticle (bed time treatment of course). I would have suggested the Burt's Bees lemon cuticle balm, but I think the Res-Q ointment is a bit more medicinal, and therefore more effective in healing your damaged cuticles. Also, I don't know about you, but I don't always want to keep applying lotions to my hands just to moisturize my cuticles so you could consider buying the cuticle pen from e.l.f. Since you already carry a nail file and clipper with you, carrying the cuticle pen will be like a targeted moisturizing treatment on the go. So when you have a minute, whip it out and apply, apply, apply.
I would suggest you also carry an orange stick with you, and after you moisturize with the pen, just lightly push them back. Have you thought about taking any supplements? Maybe you might have a vitamin deficiency from all the medication.

Apr 17, 2012

Emily L.

Hmm...I've seen this kind of cuticles before (from work). Tania is right with using cuticle cream regularly. It'll be good to remember to always have some on so that they are always moisturized. After showers, washing hands, dishes etc. It would be good to check with your doctor if the medication causes your cuticles and nails to react to it (like a side effect) or if it causes and mineral deficiencies. If it's a side effect there isn't much you can do except prevention but if it causes deficiencies, you can ask for supplements that will work with your medication.

If you have difficulty removing cuticles, here's one way you can do your manicure. Working one finger at a time, soak your hands in warm water before applying cuticle remover. Make sure the cuticles on the finger you are working on has thoroughly softened from the soak before gently pushing them back and trimming them off. Follow with your regular polish and always finish with cuticle cream.

For extremely brittle nails, I usually recommend gel overlays or Gelish manicures. It helps to make your nails harder and as it grows out, you can always repeat the steps to remove cuticles and do an infill on the exposed nail. This way, you can grow out your nails without worrying about any chips, splits or breakages. Unless you slam your nails between the door. If you prefer natural nails, you can use hardening base AND top coats but they wouldn't work as well since your brittle nails are most probably caused by health and medication.

Oh! I also recommend this super simple and affordable cuticle treatment to clients.
Cuticle Treatment:
Apply cuticle oil or olive oil generously on and around cuticles, including under your nail edge and wrap your hands in cling wrap or put on warm gloves or mittens. Leave on for 10-15 mins and rinse with warm water. Follow with cuticle balm or cream. Repeat approx. 3 times a week.

Hope this works for you!