The role of cuticles in nail health
What is a cuticle and what does it do?
Cuticles are the thin layers of skin located at the base of the nail that partially cover the nail matrix, i.e. the area where the keratin that allows the nail to grow is formed. They act as a natural shield against external aggressors, preventing bacteria, germs and dirt from penetrating the skin and infecting the nail matrix. If this protective barrier is weakened, the risk of infection increases, which is a nail-biting prospect.
Is it bad to mistreat your cuticles?
If you bite the skin around your nails (even if you don't bite your nails) or push back your cuticles too roughly, you'll end up with the same result: damaged or torn cuticles. These micro-injuries open to the door to bacterial and fungal infections, which can cause redness, swelling and pain. In addition, mistreated cuticles can stunt nail growth, leading to soft or ridged nails. So it is vital that you nip these bad habits in the bud and pay a little more attention to your cuticles.
Daily steps to care for your cuticles
Do the right thing: moisturise and nourish
To keep your cuticles soft and healthy, moisturising is key. If you moisturise and nourish them regularly using specially selected botanical oils or hand cream, you'll prevent them from drying out and boost their health.
For example, you can apply a few drops of Complete Serum every day. Its water-based formula with vegetable glycerine and chestnut extracts will hydrate and restore the nail and surrounding skin. You can complete this step with a drop of Green Oil, a complex of 6 plant oils you apply by massaging it in gently, preferably in the evening so it can work overnight.
However, if you prefer to use a moisturising cream, your go-to will be our Hand Cream, which is easily absorbed and leaves no oily residue. Choose your favourite fragrance from rose, lavender and orange blossom.
Gently push back your cuticles
When it comes to cuticle care, gentle is the order of the day. Yes, you have to push back your cuticles as part of your nail prep before applying your polish, but you must do it gently so as not to damage them. The fail-safe solution to get it right every time: soften your cuticles with our Cuticle Remover! Apply a drop to the base of your nails and leave it to work for one minute, then massage it in gently and remove the excess with a cotton pad.
When your cuticles are soft, they can then be pushed back with our cuticle pusher, in the opposite direction to growth and without moving back and forth. If you notice any dead skin around your cuticles, carefully trim it with cuticle nippers, taking care not to get too close to the edge of the nail and only if needed.
The right routine for flawless cuticles
Nail care products suitable for each season
Care for your cuticles all year round with a routine that changes with the seasons. In winter, when the cold and humidity are at their worst, your cuticles tend to dry out more. It is therefore essential to boost hydration with nourishing oils like sweet almond oil and coconut oil. Our Rose Balm deeply nourishes and gives a feeling of instant comfort. Your cuticles are strengthened, so your manicure is perfect!
In summer, your cuticles are often exposed to the sun and water, which can cause damage. Using sunscreen on your hands or a skincare product with a UV filter can help prevent your cuticles from discoloring and drying out. Green Oil is also an excellent after-sun product that instantly revitalises your nails and cuticles and stimulates growth.
Top tips to care for your cuticles
Keeping your cuticles healthy is essential for strong nails and beautiful hands. In addition to the moisturising and nail prep advice we shared earlier in this article, here are a few more tips for you to remember:
❌ NOT GOOD: avoid acetone-based nail polish remover, which will dry out your cuticles.
✅ GOOD: use a gentle nail polish remover enriched with castor oil, which will moisturise the nail plate and nail contour.
❌ NOT GOOD: also avoid excessive use of harsh chemicals (household cleaners and detergents) without wearing gloves. These products affect the cuticles' protective abilities, increasing the risk of infection and dryness.
✅ GOOD: opt for a clean & safe manicure using plant-based, vegan polish and nail care products with ingredients that keep your hands healthy, protected and beautiful.
❌ NOT GOOD: make sure you don't tear or bite your cuticles, as this can cause sores that then get infected.
✅ GOOD: complete our nail analysis to find out your nail type and tailor your nail care routine accordingly. As you can see, cuticle care is a must-have to ensure your nails are in perfect health and your manicure looks amazing and lasts flawlessly.
FAQs
How do I moisturise my cuticles?
Moisturising your cuticles is essential to keep them supple and maintain their protective role. You can apply a nourishing oil or moisturising cream daily to prevent the skin from drying out and promote nail growth. Manucurist's Green Oil and Rose Balm are particularly good at deeply nourishing the area around your nails.
Is it a good idea to trim your cuticles?
Attempting to trim your cuticles risks causing sores that can let in bacteria and other germs, leading to painful, unpleasant infections. These aggressors can also affect nail growth and make your nails soft or ridged. Before applying your polish, prep your nails safely using a cuticle remover to soften your cuticles and push them back with a cuticle pusher to help boost growth.
