How Does Nail Cuticle Remover Work? – Lovely With Brains

I by no means take away cuticles.

I do know they “smash” an in any other case completely polished manicure, BUT, these cuticles are there for a purpose. They forestall micro organism and different nasty stuff from getting into our nails. Type of purpose to maintain them there, don’t you agree?

Possibly not. Doesn’t matter. I’m not gonna bounce on my soapbox and begin preaching in opposition to cuticle removers. As an alternative, 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 type 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: generally you need that super-clean, polished look. Enter cuticle removers. There are two sorts of cuticle removers. Neither of them is especially good for the nails, however one is method worse than the opposite. Let’s have a look:

The Harsh Means To Take away Cuticles

Historically, cuticle removers comprise Potassium Hydroxide and Sodium Hydroxide.

These two chemical compounds are very alkaline. In plain English, which means they have a really excessive pH. Are you aware what occurs whenever 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 setting helps shield your pores and skin by preserving 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 stability. The end result? Irritation, dryness, and a weakened pores and skin barrier. Not precisely what you need on your fingers.

These chemical compounds work by breaking down the lifeless 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. When you’re not cautious, you may find yourself with cracked, infected pores and skin round your nails. And belief me, that doesn’t simply harm. It makes your nails extra vulnerable to an infection. So use them sparingly!

Not so enjoyable reality: some cuticle removers with Potassium Hydroxide are so sturdy they’re truly thought-about corrosive! All the time observe the directions to the T and by no means depart them in your pores and skin for too lengthy.

The Gentle Means To Take away Cuticles

Lately, manufacturers have been popping out with a gentler sort 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 positive 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? Not like Potassium Hydroxide, which blasts away at your cuticles like a sledgehammer, AHAs work extra like a chisel. They’re designed to melt the lifeless 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. When you’re used to instantaneous outcomes, you may have to be somewhat affected person.  Personally, I feel the commerce off is price it.

P.S. AHAs can irritate pores and skin too in the event you use them too typically. Over-exfoliating makes pores and skin too delicate and vulnerable to redness. Moderation is vital 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

When you’ve made it this far (thanks!), you’re in all probability questioning: how do I exploit these merchandise with out ruining my nails? Nice query! Listed here are some suggestions:

1. Prep Your Nails: Begin with clear, dry fingers. You may soaking your nails in heat water for a couple of minutes to assist soften the cuticles earlier than you get began. Nonetheless, ensure that they’re dried earlier than you go to the subsequent step.
2. Apply Fastidiously: Use a small quantity of nail cuticle remover and apply it on to the cuticle space. Ensure that it doesn’t contact the encompassing pores and skin (it might irritate it!).
3. Comply with 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.
4. Push Gently: Use a picket orange stick or a cuticle pusher to softly push again the softened cuticles. Don’t scrape or power it (you’ll simply tear the pores and skin and trigger infections!).
5. Moisturize: After eradicating the cuticle, wash your fingers completely to take away any residue, and observe up with a nourishing cuticle oil or hand cream. This helps you moisturise and shield your nails.

Which Sort Of Nail Cuticle Remover Is Higher?

If you actually need to make use of a nail cuticle remover, ensure that it’s the exfoliating form. AHAs are a lot gentler on the pores and skin and don’t destroy your nails.

Nonetheless, needless to say much less is extra. Your cuticles serve an vital function, and overdoing it (even with the gentlest merchandise!) could cause extra hurt than good. When you’re searching for a low-maintenance, nail-friendly various, contemplate merely pushing your cuticles again after a heat bathe and skipping the removers altogether.

So, what’s the decision? Are cuticle removers a pal or a foe? The reply, as with most issues in life, is stability. Use them properly, deal with your nails with care, and do not forget that generally, 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 can assist you obtain your finest pores and skin day ever – day by day. I bust skincare myths and debunk advertising jargon that can assist you work out what’s definitely worth the splurge and what’s finest left on the shelf – utilizing science, not hype. I additionally supply skincare consultations that can assist you create the most effective skincare routine on your distinctive wants.