The nails and cuticles are often overlooked when it comes to taking care of our bodies, but they are actually very important. The skin around our nails and cuticles is thin and delicate, so it's important to use a good quality product that will help keep them healthy.
Our hands are tools we use every day to touch, feel, respond, and navigate the world around us. An integral part of the fingers, the role of nails is not merely aesthetic. This semi-transparent plate fulfils a genuine hygienic and protective function. Like the hair and the skin, the condition of the nails acts as an indicator of our overall health. The majority of the nail is composed of keratin, a fibrous structural protein also present in hair and skin. An insoluble protein in the skin, keratin ensures the impermeability of nails. However, it can become damaged due to a deficiency in nutrients or minerals in the body or certain bad habits such as nail-biting or frequent exposure to chemical products.
Symptoms such as brittle nails, breakage, spooning, yellowing, splitting, and discoloration can signify an underlying health issue.
Many factors affect the health and appearance of our nails and cuticles. Cold weather, repeated hand washing, and exposure to detergents and household cleaners can cause drier, more rigid nails that can crack easily, as well as rough ragged cuticles that are visibly starving for moisture. During cold weather especially, nails and cuticles become dehydrated, resulting in peeling and splitting as well as frayed edges. Nails are also more susceptible to fungal and bacterial infections during the winter months.
The good news is that there are many natural and essential oils that can be used to moisturize, treat and heal nails and cuticles, without any of the toxins, chemicals or drying agents in most over the shelf products.
While battling dry skin, people often turn to lotions and creams that moisturize the surface of the skin, yet fail to properly absorb, thus providing only temporary relief. Creams and lotions typically include alcohol, which is a drying agent, and many synthetic ingredients designed to enhance colour, texture and scent but unfortunately these can cause more harm than good.
Maintaining healthy and beautiful nails can be done by incorporating natural oils into your nail care routine. Not only do these oils provide essential nutrients, but they can also assist in the removal of semi-cured gel nail stickers. By helping to break down the adhesive, making it easier to lift and remove the gel nail stickers without causing damage to your nails.
Carrier oils like Coconut and Apricot are hydrating, while Vitamin E oil is strengthening and Jojoba is nourishing.
Jojoba Oil
Derived from the seeds of the jojoba plant, Jojoba oil is one of the best oils to treat and soften dry cuticles. A seed-based oil with small molecules (similar to human sebum, our skin's naturally occurring oil), it easily absorbs into the skin for intensive hydration and natural moisture. Jojoba oil contains lots of long-chain alcohols and fatty acids that have been shown to nourish skin. It helps to strengthen nails, prevent breakage, and promote healthy cuticles. Rich in vitamins E and B, Jojoba helps to repair damaged collagen inside nail beds, improving strength and promoting healthy nail growth. It also aids in the absorption of other ingredients, making it an excellent carrier oil for nail care products.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is very hydrating and can help strengthen your nails and soften your cuticles. It can help prevent nail breakage. It has both antibacterial and antifungal properties that can help fight off infections which can cause nails to discolour or become brittle.
Apricot Oil
Apricot oil is rich in fatty acids and antioxidants that can be beneficial for nail health. These compounds possess moisturizing properties useful for strengthening the cuticle of the nails and preventing them from splitting as well as making nails shinier by improving hydration. This botanical extract can also be used to combat fungal colonization of the nails and can help protect nails and cuticles from infections and fungal diseases.
Vitamin E Oil
Vitamin E oil has long been used to help strengthen brittle nails and hydrate chapped skin. It hydrates, strengthens, and protects all in one. It acts as an antioxidant to help protect against free radical damage to the nails while deeply hydrating and healing both the plates and the surrounding skin (aka, your cuticles). Vitamin E oil may work to repair and protect against damage on your nail bed and cuticle caused from nail polish remover and nail polish as it has been shown to improve the tissues involved in blood circulation which could be important for both nail growth and healing.
Essential oils that target specific nail issues may help to prevent fungus and bacteria from growing on the nails, which can cause infection and discoloration of the natural nails.
Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender possesses moisturising properties that nourish dry cuticles and replenish lacklustre nails. For brittle nails prone to breakage and splitting, Lavender's fortifying properties can help rebuild strength and prevent further damage.
Lavender essential oil helps to strengthen the nails and cuticles and keep them both moisturised. It is deeply hydrating and soothing, which makes it an excellent choice for dry, ragged or inflamed cuticles. It has a sweet, floral scent that is relaxing and refreshing.
Lemon Essential Oil
Lemon essential oil is high in vitamin C and is reputed to help to make your nails stronger, brighter, and less prone to splitting and cracking. Its rich antioxidant profile also replenishes dry cuticles when applied with a moisturizing carrier oil. It is a strong antiseptic which can help to prevent fungal nail infections.
Carrot Seed Essential Oil
Carrot Seed oil has a host of benefits for the nails and skin. It is high in antioxidants, making it great for anti-aging. It is also anti-inflammatory, so it's great for those with sensitive skin. Carrot Seed oil is also a natural sunscreen, with a SPF of around 30. This makes it perfect for using on areas that are exposed to the sun, like your hands and feet.
Rosemary Essential Oil
Rosemary essential oil possesses moisturising and disinfecting properties. This oil is anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiviral, which makes it effective in treating nail fungus, hangnails, and other infections. Rosemary essential oil is believed to rehydrate dry cuticles and replenish moisture and shine in the nails. Additionally, Rosemary oil's antioxidants help to strengthen nails and improve their appearance.
I LOVE your cuticle oils. They're the best I've ever used! 😍
very interesting 👍
👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻