I by no means take away cuticles.
I do know they “wreck” an in any other case completely polished manicure, BUT, these cuticles are there for a motive. They prevent bacteria and other nasty stuff from entering our nails. Type of a superb motive to maintain them there, don’t you agree?
Perhaps not. Doesn’t matter. I’m not gonna bounce on my soapbox and begin preaching in opposition to cuticle removers. As an alternative, 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 bother us, They’re tiny bodyguards. Cuticles kind a barrier that retains micro organism, grime, 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 all types of drama, like redness and swelling.
Nonetheless, we get it: typically you need that super-clean, polished look. Enter cuticle removers. There are two forms of cuticle removers. Neither of them is especially good for the nails, however one is manner worse than the opposite. Let’s have a look:
The Harsh Manner 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 once 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 setting helps shield your pores and skin by conserving dangerous micro organism at bay and sustaining a wholesome moisture barrier. Whenever you introduce one thing extremely alkaline, like Potassium Hydroxide (which has a pH of round 13), you disrupt that delicate stability. The consequence? 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 lifeless pores and skin across the nails, in order that it’s simple 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 utilize them, the more serious it will get. In the event you’re not cautious, you may find yourself with cracked, infected pores and skin round your nails. And belief me, that doesn’t simply damage. It makes your nails extra susceptible to an infection. So use them sparingly!
Not so enjoyable truth: some cuticle removers with Potassium Hydroxide are so sturdy they’re truly thought of corrosive! All the time comply with the directions to the T and by no means depart them in your pores and skin for too lengthy.
The Delicate Manner To Take away Cuticles
Just lately, manufacturers have been popping out with a gentler sort of cuticle remover.
Like facial exfoliants, they use Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs), a gaggle 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? In contrast to Potassium Hydroxide, which blasts away at your cuticles like a sledgehammer, AHAs work extra like a chisel. They’re designed to melt the lifeless 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 prompt outcomes, you would possibly should be a bit of affected person. Personally, I believe the commerce off is price it.
P.S. AHAs can irritate pores and skin too in case you use them too usually. Over-exfoliating makes pores and skin too delicate and susceptible to redness. Moderation is essential right here (as in all issues skincare). And don’t neglect to moisturize afterward!
Associated: The Complete Guide 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 below are some ideas:
- Prep Your Nails: Begin with clear, dry arms. You possibly can soaking your nails in heat water for a couple of minutes to assist soften the cuticles earlier than you get began. Nonetheless, ensure they’re dried earlier than you go to the subsequent 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 may irritate it!).
- Comply with 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 system, leaving it on for too lengthy can do extra hurt than good.
- Push Gently: Use a wood orange stick or a cuticle pusher to softly push again the softened cuticles. Don’t scrape or pressure it (you’ll simply tear the pores and skin and trigger infections!).
- Moisturize: After eradicating the cuticle, wash your arms totally 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 actually need to make use of a nail cuticle remover, ensure it’s the exfoliating sort. AHAs are a lot gentler on the pores and skin and don’t destroy your nails.
Nonetheless, remember that much less is extra. Your cuticles serve an vital function, and overdoing it (even with the gentlest merchandise!) could cause extra hurt than good. In the event you’re searching for a low-maintenance, nail-friendly different, contemplate merely pushing your cuticles again after a heat bathe and skipping the removers altogether.
So, what’s the decision? Are cuticle removers a buddy or a foe? The reply, as with most issues in life, is stability. Use them properly, deal with your nails with care, and keep in mind that typically, 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 will help you obtain your finest pores and skin day ever – every single day. I bust skincare myths and debunk advertising jargon that will help you work out what’s well worth the splurge and what’s finest left on the shelf – utilizing science, not hype. I additionally provide skincare consultations that will help you create one of the best skincare routine on your distinctive wants.
