Although, there have been few talks about why you shouldn’t remove or cut your cuticles, due to the problems it can lead to. This does not belittle the cosmetics’ benefit of removing the cuticle. And some nail technicians or beauticians are actively involved in removing the cuticle. The majority of them are guilty of not knowing how to use cuticle remover safely and effectively.
Professional nail technicians who remove the cuticles so as to get more beautiful nail art or pedicures, do this by following certain procedures so as to avoid harming the individual. And this includes using the cuticle remover. And most individuals and a few nail technicians do not know how to use cuticle remover correctly without affecting the nails. So this is where we come in.
Before we dive deeply into how to use cuticle remover. Let’s briefly talk about what the cuticle is.
What is a Cuticle?
The cuticle is the clear layer of skin located at the base of fingernails and toenails. The base of the nail, called the nail bed or plate, is delicate and can be easily exposed to bacteria that cause infections. This exposure to bacteria occurs even when cuticles are not cut, but only when they are neglected.
It is necessary to ensure that area is taken care of. Ensure it is not dry and it stays hydrated and moisturized. You can introduce massaging the area with essential oils to improve blood circulation in the region. The cuticle is a protector for your nails and fingers in general. So it is necessary to take care of that area so your nails and fingers are safe from fungus or bacteria.
When the cuticle is taken care of in the right manner, you tend to have beautiful nails, and your nails grow longer and stronger without dryness.
Taking care of the cuticle is as important as you never imagined it to be. It is the bedrock of nice healthy nails. Make sure your cuticles are moisturized always.
What Does Cuticle Remover Do?
Cuticles are the thin layers of skin that naturally form around nails. Cuticles protect the nail and the skin surrounding it from outside contaminants. Medical experts advise against cutting off the cuticle, recommending instead that one carefully nicks or trims it away. Nail technicians find this controversial, however, as they feel that cutting off cuticles allows them to create more intricate nail art designs.
One of the few ways to care for your nails and cuticle is by using cuticle removers. Cuticle removers are used to remove the cuticles with less effort. Cuticle removers are used to remove dried or dead cuticles on the nail beds, it also helps get rid of hangnails. If you want hangnails and dried cuticles off your fingers, then you need to know how to use cuticle remover yourself without consulting any manicurist.
Cuticle removers are used to remove the dead skin around the nail bed. They dissolve cuticles so you do not have to reach for razors to chip them off. Cuticle removers help keep your nails neat and most contain ingredients that will help keep bacteria away so they do not infect your nails.
Features of Cuticle Remover
The main ingredient in cuticle removers is sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide, with a pH level between 11 and 13. Sodium hydroxide and potassium hydrogen are used to adjust the alkaline pH in products. Cuticle removers differ from one another in their functionality: some act as exfoliators, while others are conditioners. The ingredients in exfoliating cuticle removers differ from those in conditioning cuticle removers.
Exfoliating cuticle removers contain ingredients such as glycolic, lactic, and citric acid. The pH level of the product is adjusted to comfortably suit the area it is meant for the area around the nail is sensitive. When the ingredients are not adjusted to fit this area, it can lead to drying up or flaking of the skin and nails.
It is recommended to read and follow the instructions for use that are usually provided on the pack of the products. So as to avoid using them wrongly. Also, take note of the ingredients that the product you picked contains so as to stay safe. It is advised to go for products that contain natural ingredients and are non-toxic.
Should You Use Cuticle Remover?
Yes, you can use cuticle remover. To improve the look of your manicure, professional nail technicians often remove the cuticle. Cuticles are thin layers of skin that cover the base of a fingernail or toenail. Removing cuticles can be beneficial because they are susceptible to breakage and can interfere with paint application during a manicure session.
When removing cuticles, one must proceed with caution. This is why it is best to leave cuticle removal to a professional. If you do decide to remove them yourself, however, be sure to purchase good cuticle removers and learn how to use them correctly.
When you perform cuticle removal at home, always read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Do not leave the cuticle remover on your nails for too long, for this can cause irritation and flaking of the skin. When you are through with the process, remember to thoroughly wash your hands with warm water.
4 Steps to Apply Cuticle Remover Safely
Having beautiful nails requires you fully take care of your nails, and this includes the cuticle. Although removing the cuticles is frowned upon, we can not deny its cosmetic value. And that is why most people choose to remove them safely without causing harm to their nails.
This is detailed information on how to use cuticle remover correctly without hurting yourself.
1. Start By Cleaning Your Nails
Ensure you have no nail polish residue on your nails, use a nail polish remover to do this. After that, wash your hands under running water to clean off the nail polish remover.
2. Proceed to Apply the Cuticle Remover
If you are using a cuticle cream or perhaps a gel, apply a thin coat on your cuticle. If the cuticle remover comes with a pen for application purposes, use the pen to apply a decent amount of it on your cuticle. Leave for a minute or two before you wash your hands.
It is advised to read the instruction provided by the manufacturer on the pack of the cuticle remover. This is because some cuticle removers do their job within 15 to 45secs. So always follow instructions to be safe.
Note that the time it takes for your cuticles to soften depends on the type of cuticle remover you are using.
3. After washing off the cuticle remover
Proceed to remove the dead skin using an orange stick or a manicure stick wrapped with a cotton ball. This will be quite easy to do because the cuticle remover has softened the skin on that area.
4. Finish off the process by applying cuticle treatments
Apply treatments such as cuticle oil or cream to keep your cuticles well moisturized.
Does Cuticle Remover Work?
Yes, they do. How cuticle removers work sometimes depends on the particular product you are using. For the dissolvers, mostly make the cuticle soft, and when you push back the cuticles after the allotted time, and wash it in warm water, the dead cuticles are washed away.
While for the softeners, this is quite similar to the dissolvers, they make your cuticles soft, so you can gently push them back and use a cuticle stick or manicure stick wrapped with cotton wool to remove the excess skin.
Cuticle removers do their job when you apply them to your nails and ensure that they touch the nail plates. The cuticle remover will break down the dead or dried skin around the nails. Washing hands after using cuticle removers is important to wash away dead skin. It is best to read the instructions on your cuticle remover and follow the directions given by the manufacturer.
How Long to Leave Cuticle Remover On
What you want to do is apply the cuticle remover and let it soak for two or three minutes, then use your cuticle pusher to push back the cuticles. The remover should start to soften up the skin around the nail, making this easier than when doing it on a dry cuticle.
Is Cuticle Remover Necessary?
Cuticle removers are necessary if you are one of those who like to have their cuticles trimmed or pushed back so as to achieve the aesthetic benefits related to the act. Though, there are several reports on why you shouldn't remove the cuticles, due to the damage it can do to your nails.
How Often Should You Use Cuticle Remover?
As was stated earlier, removing cuticles opens the nails to bacteria and fungus. However, if one wishes to have manicured hands due to aesthetic reasons, it is recommended that one not remove the cuticle more than once every two weeks.
How Can I Dissolve My Cuticles at Home?
To dissolve cuticles at home, take a warm shower, and allow your skin to soften, including your cuticles. You can also soak your hands in warm soapy water if you do not wish to shower. When your cuticles are softened, use a manicure stick wrapped in cotton wool to gently push back the cuticle and remove any excess skin. Apply a cuticle cream or oil to keep it moisturized.
How Do You Get Rid of Cuticles Without Cuticle Remover?
If you do not have a cuticle remover on hand, you can use warm soapy water or soak your fingers in warm water mixed with a few drops of apple cider vinegar for 15 minutes. You can also remove cuticles using a cuticle pusher or manicure stick wrapped in cotton wool. After soaking, gently push back the cuticles and remove excess skin by massaging it with coconut oil or olive oil and rinse your hands when finished.
Is Cuticle Remover Bad?
Cuticle removers may have a bad reputation, but they are a quick and easy way to remove cuticles. No, they are not bad. However, when used aggressively, cuticle removers can dry out your nails, so it is important to read the instructions on the pack and use cuticle removers that contain natural ingredients, not harsh chemicals.
Conclusion
Based on the available scientific evidence, it looks like using cuticle remover is a safe way of peeling and removing cuticles. However, you should avoid using it when there is an infection or inflammation of the nail bed.
Furthermore, you should also avoid using peeling and cuticle-removing products with oil in them, these ingredients will help loosen the cuticle, but they can also cause the nails and cuticles to peel on their own, which can lead to fungal infections. Instead, you should use water-based formulas that are low in chemicals but still effective in getting rid of unsightly cuticles.
