Dry, peeling cuticles are quite painful and unsightly. Fortunately, this is one problem you can solve without too much time or effort—you just need to be willing to give your hands a little TLC. Dry cuticles can be treated by moisturizing and caring for them. Fortunately, you can prevent cuticles from peeling!
Do a homemade cuticle treatment. If you have the time, you can use hand creams and lotions to treat cuts at home really effectively. It includes:
Heat 1/3 cup of hand cream, a few drops of olive oil (or grapeseed oil, if available), and 3-4 drops of lavender oil (available at health food stores) in the microwave. at a temperature that is hot but not too hot to touch.
Apply a small amount to each nail and gently massage into the nail, cuticles and surrounding skin, spending a minute or two on each. The cream is great for your hands (and feet!) and will keep your cuticles soft.
If you store it in a dark glass container, this homemade oil can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated.
Use olive oil for quick and easy results. Olive oil is a great moisturizer that you can use to treat your cuts yourself. Apply a small amount to each cut using your fingertips or a damp cotton swab. Massage the oil into each cuticle for 1-2 minutes. Then soak the oil in before washing your hands.
You can use olive oil for cooking.
Get a hot wax treatment. If you can afford it, investing in a hot wax treatment at your local nail salon can do wonders for your hands, nails and cuticles.
During a hot wax treatment, the technician will apply oil or cream to your hands. They will then cover your hand with melted paraffin wax. After that, you put on plastic gloves and put your hands inside the gloves.
After 10-15 minutes, you’ll remove the gloves and the technician will remove the wax, leaving your hands and cuticles soft and supple.[1]
You can also buy paraffin wax treatment kits online that you can use at home.
Use petroleum jelly to seal in moisture. Although not a moisturizer, jelly absorbs your natural moisture and protects your skin from environmental stressors. It can also be used after applying hand cream to seal in moisture. Petroleum jelly will soften your cuticles and prevent them from flaking, but it can be very greasy. Wash your hands thoroughly before eating or drinking anything.
Although petroleum jelly is more convenient to use with other products, it is a cheaper alternative. You can get a giant bathtub for less.
Try essential oils. Essential oils will not only moisturize your cuticles, they will also smell amazing! Try jojoba oil[2], sesame oil, lemon essential oil, lavender essential oil, myrrh essential oil, frankincense essential oil, balsamic fir essential oil, or wintergreen essential oil to moisturize your nails. You can also use tea tree oil to keep your nails clean and prevent infection.
Most of the time, you will need to dilute your essential oils with a carrier oil because they are too concentrated to apply directly to the skin. Great oils include olive oil, grapeseed oil, or coconut oil.