Why push down cuticles

Your cuticle is the area on the nail bed where the almost translucent, extremely thin tissue grows tightly over your nail. You might think that if you can see your cuticles, you should remove them. But is there any real reason to push them back, or more drastically, cut them? It turns out that whether or not you push your cuticles back is entirely about appearance. Richard Scher, MD, a Cornell University dermatology professor told WebMD that cuticles are "there for a reason, like a barrier or a protection for the nail matrix.

If you do decide to push them back, you should do so gently and with proper care so as not to leave an opening for bacteria or infection. Be careful to only trim the translucent, dead skin, though. Don't cut the skin along the bottom of your nail. Use a pair of nippers to trim any hangnails you might have. Nippers are often used to trim cuticles, but their long pointed blades are perfect for trimming hangnails as well. Angle the trimmers to get as close as possible to the base of the torn skin, then snip the hangnail away in one smooth cut.

If you don't trim your hangnails, they can tear more, leading to more pain and an increased risk of infection. Wash your hands in warm soapy water when you're finished. You may have residue from the cuticle oil left on your hands, or there may be small pieces of skin left from the exfoliation process.

However, these should come off easily when you wash your hands. It may be helpful to wipe each nail with a cotton ball dipped in a non-acetone polish remover to help dry them out. Part 3. Moisturize your cuticles daily.

To keep your cuticles healthy, you should moisturize them every day. You can use moisturizing lotion, petroleum jelly, or your favorite oil, depending on what you prefer. Apply the moisturizer, then rub it so that your cuticles can absorb the moisture. If this happens, it can be very painful and can lead to infection, and it can also cause your cuticles to grow back thicker than before.

Push your cuticles back once a week. Over time, your cuticles won't need to be pushed back as much, but it's still a good idea to keep them touched up. Keep an orange stick near your hand cream and take a few minutes to moisturize and push back your cuticles about once a week after you take a shower. Don't bite your nails or the skin around your nails. Biting your nails can irreparably damage your nail bed, and chewing on your cuticles, hangnails, or the skin around your nails can lead to dangerous infection.

In addition, damaging your cuticles can cause them to grow back thicker, making them harder to push back. Use a new orange stick each time you push back your cuticles. Wooden orange sticks are porous, meaning it's difficult to completely sanitize them. It's best to just toss out the stick after you're finished using it so you don't have to worry about spreading bacteria the next time you give yourself a manicure.

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Mia Rubie. Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer. Not Helpful 0 Helpful 3. Laura Martin Licensed Cosmetologist. Laura Martin. Not Helpful 1 Helpful Not Helpful 8 Helpful Not Helpful 12 Helpful Not Helpful Helpful 3. Not Helpful 0 Helpful 2. Not Helpful 7 Helpful Sometimes you can use your other nails instead, but make sure your hands are clean. Not Helpful 15 Helpful Yes but it's called an orange stick, it's basically a stick with a slated tip designed for your nails.

Not Helpful 25 Helpful If it burns stop, and soak. An alternative is to use finger nails or to slightly push back with toothpicks. Soaking your nails helps you push them back. Not Helpful 14 Helpful Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. By using this service, some information may be shared with YouTube. Never trim or tear off your cuticles. In addition to being painful, the cut could allow bacteria to enter your nail beds, leading to a serious infection.

Helpful 3 Not Helpful 0. Related wikiHows How to. How to. Nail Artist. Because your cuticles are a part of your skin, cutting them or tearing them could lead to pesky skin irritation or harmful skin infections. Just like any other part of your skin, cuticles must be consistently moisturized in order to stay soft and smooth. Our intensive hydrating Hand Cream absorbs quickly and contains nourishing ingredients like Vitamin E, Shea Butter, and Aloe Vera: the perfect combination for those seeking happy cuticles and healthy hands.

However, taking a little extra time to focus on cuticle care will benefit you in tremendous ways. People who speed through cuticle care tend to be too rough with their cuticles and injure them in the process, which can lead to soreness and irritation. We know you want your nails to look fabulous instantaneously, but slow down and take your time when caring for your cuticles! Your nails will thank us later.

Pushing your cuticles back with a cuticle stick can help make your nails look longer while simultaneously keeping your cuticles healthy.