Dry, flaky cuticles don’t look great and can sometimes hurt and bleed, but it’s not that big of a deal, right?
This is true most of the time, but in some cases, dry and flaky cuticles can indicate an underlying health concern.
In this post, we explain why taking care of your towels is so important, not only for aesthetic reasons but also for health reasons.
Dry, flaky cuticles: Why it’s important to take care of them
Well-groomed cuticles make your nails look more beautiful, creating a shiny and healthy appearance. Neglected cuticles, on the other hand, not only look dry and ragged, but can lead to an uneven nail bed, even if your nails are perfectly manicured.
Dry and flaky cuticles can also damage your nails. Here’s how:
Risk of infection
When cuticles are dry and flaky, they can create openings for bacteria and fungus, leading to infections that can affect the nail bed and overall nail health. This is especially true for your hands, which are exposed to many germs every day. If you run barefoot, dry and flaky skin on your toes can also lead to infections.
Weak Nail Structure
Healthy cuticles can protect the nail right where new growth occurs, but damaged cuticles compromise the protective barrier, potentially leading to weaker nails that tear or break more easily.
Nails
You know how those feel. Ouch! Dry cuticles often lead to ingrown toenails, which are painful and can lead to inflammation and infection around the nail area.
Nail growth issues
Poorly maintained cuticles can disrupt natural nail growth, leading to irregular shapes and uneven surfaces.
Pain and discomfort
Inflammation and irritation from dry skin can make it uncomfortable to use your hands, making everyday tasks difficult.
Dry and flaky cuticles: A health warning?
In some cases, dry and flaky cuticles can be a sign that something else is going on with your health. Here are some possibilities.
Dehydration
If you don’t drink enough water during the day, your cuticles can become dry and start to peel. Even mild dehydration can start the process.
Nutritional Deficiencies
Deficiencies in certain essential vitamins and minerals—especially biotin, vitamin E, and zinc—can affect nail and skin health. If you regularly take care of your cuticles but they are still dry and flaky, it may be a good idea to consult a doctor.
Health Conditions
Skin disorders such as eczema and psoriasis can cause skin to become dry and flaky more quickly than usual. Other health conditions such as thyroid problems and autoimmune diseases can also have dry and flaky skin as a symptom.
Dry and Flaky Skin: What Causes Them?
In addition to the problems mentioned above that can cause dry and flaky skin, it is most often caused by the following:
Dehydration
As noted above, if you don’t drink enough water during the day to hydrate your skin and cuticles from the inside out, they can become dry.
Environmental Factors
Exposure to harsh weather conditions such as cold air, wind or low humidity can strip moisture from the skin and cuticles.
Frequent Hand Washing
Frequent washing with soap and water or hand sanitizer can remove moisture from the skin. Without restoring this moisture, you may end up with dry cuticles.
Harsh Chemicals
Prolonged contact with cleaning products, detergents and some nail care products can irritate and dry cuticles.
Nutritional Deficiencies
As noted above, a lack of certain essential nutrients, including vitamins A, C, and E, biotin, and omega-3 fatty acids can affect skin and nail health.
Skin conditions
Conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and fungal infections can affect skin health and cause dryness and flaking.
Nail biting or picking
These habits can damage cuticles and lead to inflammation or infections.
Hormonal Changes
Hormonal fluctuations, especially during pregnancy or menopause, can affect the skin’s moisture levels.
Dry and Flaky Cuticles: How to Prevent and Treat Them
Taking the time to care for your cuticles not only makes them look and feel better – it also helps promote a strong nail matrix, which in turn supports healthy nail growth. Soft, intact cuticles minimize the chances of cracks around the nails, thus reducing the risk of infection. They are also less likely to cause painful nails.
Ultimately, taking care of your cuticles keeps your hands healthy overall, reducing problems like chapping or dermatitis. To keep your cuticles looking and feeling their best, follow these tips.
1. Moisturize regularly
Drink water throughout the day for overall skin hydration. Aim for at least eight glasses a day to keep your skin soft and glowing from the inside out.
2. Moisturize your cuticles
This is a step we often miss when taking care of our hands. We moisturize our hands, but do not focus on the cuticles. Regular hand cream may not penetrate deep enough to nourish the cuticles, specifically. Using a dedicated cuticle only product can provide more concentrated moisture and nutrients.
Try our dermatologist-recommended multitasking Restorative Skin Balm to prevent dry cuticles and soften them if they’re already dry. The balm serves as a protective barrier, helping to prevent bacteria from entering the base of the nails while calming inflammation. It helps lock in moisture as it is packed with nourishing and healing ingredients. Apply morning and night to the skin area to keep it soft and supple.
3. Avoid harsh chemicals
Limit exposure to harsh soaps, detergents and nail products that can strip the skin of its natural oils. Use gloves when cleaning or washing dishes to protect your hands and always apply Restorative Skin Balm after a manicure to help your cuticles recover. You can feel good knowing this balm is 100% free of harmful ingredients.
4. Practice good nail hygiene
Trim and trim your cuticles regularly, but avoid cutting too deeply as this can lead to bleeding and infection. Soak your hands in warm water and then gently push the cuticles back using a cuticle stick. Cut off any excess.
Tip: You can also apply a little Restorative Skin Balm to soften the cuticles, making them easier to push back.
5. Exfoliate
Just as you would regularly exfoliate your face, gently exfoliating your hands and towels can help remove dead skin cells and prevent dryness. Use a sugar scrub or a soft brush to keep cuticles smooth.
6. Eat a balanced diet
Include foods rich in biotin (such as eggs and nuts), vitamin E (such as avocados and seeds), and omega-3 fatty acids (found in fish and flaxseed) to nourish your skin from within.
7. Limit hot showers and baths
Hot water feels great, but it quickly strips moisture from your skin. Prefer lukewarm water most of the time and try to limit long soaks.
8. Consider using a humidifier
If you live in a dry climate, having a humidifier in your room can help add moisture to the air, making it less likely that you’ll wake up with dry skin and cuticles.
9. Try a DIY Cuticle Soak
If your cuticles need extra care, try creating a soothing soak using warm water mixed with a few drops of olive oil and a tablespoon of honey. Soak the tips of the fingers (or feet) for about 10-15 minutes. This treatment moisturizes and softens cuticles while honey provides antibacterial properties. After soaking, gently push your cuticles and apply Restorative Skin Balm for added moisture and production.
10. Do an overnight treatment
To speed up recovery for dry, flaky cuticles, apply olive or coconut oil directly to them. Let it soak in for 1-2 minutes, then apply Restorative Skin Balm. Put on soft cotton gloves (or socks), then go to bed and let your cuticles heal overnight. You’ll be happy to wake up with softer, healthier cuticles, hands and feet.
Struggling with dry, flaky skin?
Featured image by Tristan Perrier via Pexels.
