How to use cuticle remover: Everything you need to know about cuticles

Everyone knows that a perfect manicure can’t be achieved without tending to the cuticles. Overgrown and dry cuticles can make even the best mani look bad. If pre-pandemic times allowed the comfort of having our nails pampered at the salon, once the pandemic stroke, many of us decided to take a shot at DIY nails at home. With the ease of restrictions, some mani enthusiasts have altogether ditched visiting a nail salon and instead continued to tend to their nails at home. However, when it comes to cuticle removal, things get a bit risky. Improper removal may lead to infections and even damage to the nailbed. That’s why learning how to use cuticle remover is essential. Below is a list of tips on keeping your nails healthy and helping them look their absolute best!

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What are cuticles?

You may have never realised this, but your fingers and nails are pretty complex in tissue and have a vast array of layers and sublayers. The thin layer of clear dead skin at the base of your nailbed is called a cuticle. Although you may think that cuticles aren’t a necessary element of our anatomy, they serve an important function. The cuticle’s main function is to hold your nailbed and the underside of your skin together. They also act like a barrier that keeps out dirt and bacteria. Essentially, they are what protect your growing nails from harmful factors, allowing them to form correctly.

How to remove cuticles?

Although it is not recommended to peel or clip them off entirely, you can safely remove the excess skin found on the cuticles. However, this needs to be done with caution. By cutting too much or reaching too deep, you can risk exposing your growing nailbed, allowing in bacteria. This, on the other hand, can lead to an infection. To avoid any potential irritations or conditions, you will want to take a few extra steps:

First, clean your nails
Next, apply a cuticle remover
Based on the instructions on the bottle, allow the remover to sit for a while and then wash it off
Apply cuticle lotion to prevent nail damage
Gently push back your cuticles with the help of a cuticle pusher
Remove the excess using manicure scissors or nippers

Now you can enjoy clean and fresh nails!

Best cuticle remover

As you’ve just read, there isn’t one cuticle remover. There are several tools and products you’ll want to use. However, since the thickness of cuticles tends to vary, there are two tools you can choose from when pushing them back. For those with thinner skin, we recommend using an orange stick. It’s gentler and won’t accidentally damage your nails. On the other hand, if your cuticles are thicker, you may want to opt for a cuticle pusher. The cuticle pusher tool is typically made of metal, allowing you to really take care of that hard skin.

Cuticle cutter

Known also as a cuticle trimmer or nipper, this tool is an optional step when getting your nails cleaned up. However, if you want to achieve a flawless look, a cuticle cutter will help you do just that. Moreover, sometimes you get that little hangnail and nipping it is the only way to go. In such cases, using a stainless steel cuticle trimmer is entirely justified. Finally, a cuticle trimmer can also come in handy when shaping your nails or performing a full-on manicure.

Cuticle cream

A cuticle remover cream is a thick and moisturizing product, making it great for those with dry nails. If you decide to use it, you’ll want to apply it before going to bed for a longer action time. Just apply a small amount to your cuticles, massage your fingers and let it work its magic overnight. An example of an excellent cuticle cream is the CND Cuticle Eraser. It is the complete package that contains exfoliating AHAs and hydrating ingredients such as aloe, glycerin, vitamin E, and panthenol. Moreover, you can apply it throughout the day, even multiple times.

Cuticle remover gel

For those that prefer to keep things as clean as possible, we recommend a cuticle remover in gel form. If that’s what you are looking for, you can try out the Le Mini Macaron Bye Bye! Cuticle Remover. This cruelty-free cuticle remover contains moisturising ingredients, like glycerin, to nourish your cuticles while removing the excess dry skin. Another fan favourite is Instant Cuticle Remover from Sally Hansen. With thousands of great reviews, this remover contains chamomile and aloe, making it extra gentle for your skin.