I by no means take away cuticles.
I do know they “spoil” an in any other case completely polished manicure, BUT, these cuticles are there for a purpose. They stop micro organism and different nasty stuff from coming into our nails. Sort of a superb purpose to maintain them there, don’t you agree?
Possibly not. Doesn’t matter. I’m not gonna bounce on my soapbox and begin preaching towards cuticle removers. As a substitute, I’ll simply let you know how cuticle removers work, okay?
However earlier than we dive into that, let’s take a second to understand what cuticles do. They’re not simply sitting there to harass us, They’re tiny bodyguards. Cuticles kind a barrier that retains micro organism, filth, and different irritants out of that delicate space the place your nail meets the pores and skin. That is no small feat. When the cuticle is broken, it opens the door to infections, and that results in every kind of drama, like redness and swelling.
Nonetheless, we get it: generally you need that super-clean, polished look. Enter cuticle removers. There are two varieties of cuticle removers. Neither of them is especially good for the nails, however one is approach worse than the opposite. Let’s have a look:
The Harsh Approach To Take away Cuticles
Historically, cuticle removers include Potassium Hydroxide and Sodium Hydroxide.
These two chemical substances are very alkaline. In plain English, meaning they have a really excessive pH. Have you learnt what occurs while you put one thing in your pores and skin that has a really excessive pH? Trace: it’s NOT fairly.
Right here’s a fast science lesson: your pores and skin has a pure pH of round 4.5 to five.5—barely acidic. This acidic atmosphere helps shield your pores and skin by protecting dangerous micro organism at bay and sustaining a wholesome moisture barrier. Once you introduce one thing extremely alkaline, like Potassium Hydroxide (which has a pH of round 13), you disrupt that delicate stability. The outcome? Irritation, dryness, and a weakened pores and skin barrier. Not precisely what you need on your arms.
These chemical substances work by breaking down the useless pores and skin across the nails, in order that it’s straightforward to take away with a nail knife or an orange wooden stick.
The catch? The excessive pH is a recipe for irritation and dryness. The extra you employ them, the more serious it will get. In the event you’re not cautious, you might find yourself with cracked, infected pores and skin round your nails. And belief me, that doesn’t simply damage. It makes your nails extra liable to an infection. So use them sparingly!
Not so enjoyable reality: some cuticle removers with Potassium Hydroxide are so robust they’re truly thought-about corrosive! All the time comply with the directions to the T and by no means go away them in your pores and skin for too lengthy.
The Delicate Approach To Take away Cuticles
Just lately, manufacturers have been popping out with a gentler kind of cuticle remover.
Like facial exfoliants, they use Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs), a bunch of exfoliants derived from fruit and milk sugar. Essentially the most well-known family members are glycolic acid and lactic acid.
I’m certain you’ve heard of them. If not, right here’s how they work. They dissolve the glue that holds pores and skin cells collectively, to allow them to simply be pushed away.
What makes AHAs gentler? Not like Potassium Hydroxide, which blasts away at your cuticles like a sledgehammer, AHAs work extra like a chisel. They’re designed to melt the useless pores and skin and make it simpler to push again with out damaging the wholesome pores and skin beneath.
However, there’s a catch right here, too. As a result of they’re gentler on the pores and skin, they work extra slowly. In the event you’re used to instantaneous outcomes, you may have to be slightly affected person. Personally, I feel the commerce off is price it.
P.S. AHAs can irritate pores and skin too for those who use them too usually. Over-exfoliating makes pores and skin too delicate and liable to redness. Moderation is vital right here (as in all issues skincare). And don’t overlook to moisturize afterward!
Associated: The Full Information To Gycolic Acid In Skincare: What It Is, What It Does, And How To Use It
How To Use Cuticle Removers Safely
In the event you’ve made it this far (thanks!), you’re in all probability questioning: how do I take advantage of these merchandise with out ruining my nails? Nice query! Listed here are some ideas:
- Prep Your Nails: Begin with clear, dry arms. You may soaking your nails in heat water for a couple of minutes to assist soften the cuticles earlier than you get began. Nonetheless, make certain they’re dried earlier than you go to the following step.
- Apply Fastidiously: Use a small quantity of nail cuticle remover and apply it on to the cuticle space. Be certain that it doesn’t contact the encompassing pores and skin (it might irritate it!).
- Observe Directions: All the time, all the time learn the label. Whether or not you’re utilizing an AHA-based remover or an old-school alkaline formulation, leaving it on for too lengthy can do extra hurt than good.
- Push Gently: Use a picket orange stick or a cuticle pusher to softly push again the softened cuticles. Don’t scrape or drive it (you’ll simply tear the pores and skin and trigger infections!).
- Moisturize: After eradicating the cuticle, wash your arms completely to take away any residue, and comply with up with a nourishing cuticle oil or hand cream. This helps you moisturise and shield your nails.
Which Kind Of Nail Cuticle Remover Is Higher?
If you really want to make use of a nail cuticle remover, make certain it’s the exfoliating type. AHAs are a lot gentler on the pores and skin and don’t destroy your nails.
Nonetheless, take into account that much less is extra. Your cuticles serve an essential function, and overdoing it (even with the gentlest merchandise!) may cause extra hurt than good. In the event you’re in search of a low-maintenance, nail-friendly different, think about merely pushing your cuticles again after a heat bathe and skipping the removers altogether.
So, what’s the decision? Are cuticle removers a pal or a foe? The reply, as with most issues in life, is stability. Use them properly, deal with your nails with care, and do not forget that generally, much less actually is extra.
About Gio
Hello, I am Gio. I am a no-nonsense, tell-it-like-it-is pores and skin coach and author on a mission that can assist you obtain your greatest pores and skin day ever – each day. I bust skincare myths and debunk advertising and marketing jargon that can assist you work out what’s well worth the splurge and what’s greatest left on the shelf – utilizing science, not hype. I additionally provide skincare consultations that can assist you create the very best skincare routine on your distinctive wants.