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Hopefully, we are all washing our hands often as we continue with COVID-19 #stayhome efforts to do our part to “flatten the curve.”
The Center for Disease Control has made it clear frequent hand washing, hand sanitizer, and cleaning products that kill 99.9% of germs can minimize the spread of Coronavirus.
But you know what is also said, “too much of anything good is…bad,” and the excessive amounts of water and alcohol is no exception. While washing our hands, using hand sanitizer, and harsh cleaning products are a national mandate, those samepractices can and will dry out our cuticles and hands.
In cosmetology school, nails are a part of the curriculum. I remember NOT caring to learn about skin or nails, but I’m so happy I did! I’ve learned to appreciate the knowledge of our skin and nails and the importance of keeping them healthy. Your cuticle is that thin layer of skin right before your lunula (the lighter half-moon shape part right before your nail bed starts). Healthy cuticles help to protect your nails from bacteria and infection (Chertoff, 2018).
Take a look at a couple of useful tips below to counteract the inevitable dryness that comes from excessive handwashing.
First, soak your hands in warm soapy water for about 10 minutes every few days. Soaking your hands will help to soften the cuticles. After soaking your hands, follow up with some cuticle oil and/or massage cream.
Jojoba oil, almond oil, sunflower oil, olive oil and/or coconut oil are a good start. You can massage any one of these oils into the nails and cuticles daily or before bedtime the same way you would the vitamin E oil.
And if you’re REALLY feeling creative, you can make your own! Try this recipe below for a nice self-care session at home:
(Cuticle Oil with Tea Tree Essential Oil, 2020):
Ingredients Directions
1 fluid ounce of grapeseed oil
1. Combine essential oils in a bottle
1 fluid ounce of almond oil
2. Add grapeseed and almond oil 12 drops of patchouli essential oil 3. Place lid on the bottle and shake well
12 drops of tea tree essential oil
4. Massage a small amount onto the cuticle
5. Allow to soak into the skin for 5-15min, wipe away excess
Follow up with moisturizing hand cream to seal the deal. Here are a few hand creams that we love:
