I by no means take away cuticles.
I do know they “damage” an in any other case completely polished manicure, BUT, these cuticles are there for a motive. They stop micro organism and different nasty stuff from getting into our nails. Sort of a great motive 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 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 Approach To Take away Cuticles
Historically, cuticle removers include Potassium Hydroxide and Sodium Hydroxide.
These two chemical substances are very alkaline. In plain English, which means 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 defend your pores and skin by maintaining dangerous micro organism at bay and sustaining a wholesome moisture barrier. While you introduce one thing extremely alkaline, like Potassium Hydroxide (which has a pH of round 13), you disrupt that delicate steadiness. The outcome? Irritation, dryness, and a weakened pores and skin barrier. Not precisely what you need on your palms.
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 utilize them, the more serious it will get. Should you’re not cautious, you could possibly find yourself with cracked, infected pores and skin round your nails. And belief me, that doesn’t simply harm. 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 robust they’re truly thought-about 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 Approach To Take away Cuticles
Lately, manufacturers have been popping out with a gentler kind of cuticle remover.
Like facial exfoliants, they use Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs), a gaggle of exfoliants derived from fruit and milk sugar. Probably 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 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. Should you’re used to prompt outcomes, you may have to be a bit of affected person. Personally, I feel the commerce off is value it.
P.S. AHAs can irritate pores and skin too when you use them too typically. 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 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
Should you’ve made it this far (thanks!), you’re most likely questioning: how do I exploit these merchandise with out ruining my nails? Nice query! Listed here are some suggestions:
- Prep Your Nails: Begin with clear, dry palms. You’ll be able to soaking your nails in heat water for a couple of minutes to assist soften the cuticles earlier than you get began. Nonetheless, make sure that they’re dried earlier than you go to the subsequent step.
- Apply Rigorously: Use a small quantity of nail cuticle remover and apply it on to the cuticle space. Ensure that it doesn’t contact the encircling 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 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 palms totally to take away any residue, and comply with up with a nourishing cuticle oil or hand cream. This helps you moisturise and defend your nails.
Which Sort Of Nail Cuticle Remover Is Higher?
If you actually need to make use of a nail cuticle remover, make sure that it’s the exfoliating variety. 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 goal, and overdoing it (even with the gentlest merchandise!) may cause extra hurt than good. Should you’re in search of 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 good friend or a foe? The reply, as with most issues in life, is steadiness. Use them correctly, deal with your nails with care, and do not forget 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 greatest pores and skin day ever – day by day. I bust skincare myths and debunk advertising and marketing jargon that will help you work out what’s well worth the splurge and what’s greatest left on the shelf – utilizing science, not hype. I additionally supply skincare consultations that will help you create the perfect skincare routine on your distinctive wants.