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Most of us, when it comes to nail care, tend to focus on clearly visible stuff like nail length, shape, and the perfect polish color. However, there is one tiny detail that, if ignored, can silently ruin all the work you have done: the unkept cuticles. Just picture this: you get engaged, the photographer zooms in on your hand and the sparkling ring, your nails look flawless, and then, all of a sudden, there it is, a dry, crusty white line of skin around the nail that attracts attention to the point of stealing the focus from what is supposed to be a forever memory. 

That alone is a good enough reason to take cuticle care seriously. Moreover, it is so crucial that even the most indifferent to beauty individuals, yes, including the VP at my company, would agree that it matters.

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Cuticles are more than just loose skin abruptly ending at your nails’ base. They contribute heavily to the overall health of the nails. The cuticle is a protective layer that is sandwiched between the nail plate and the skin around the nails. This layer acts like a barrier that protects the nail matrix, the place where new nail cells are produced, against bacteria, fungi, and other infections. Having dry, cracked, cut, or bitten cuticles means that the protective layer is no more, thus the nails are left open to attacks by infections and inflammations.

Healthy cuticles also have a direct impact on the way your nails grow. If the skin around the nails becomes dry or damaged, it may hamper the growth of nails in a smooth manner and cause them to have ridges, peeling, or to be brittle. Well, moisturised cuticles, however, lead to stronger, more flexible nails that grow evenly and look healthier with time.

Also, the care of cuticles can significantly reduce the occurrence of hangnails, which is another great reason to focus on them. These little cracks in the skin may look like they won’t cause any trouble, but they are often painful, unattractive, and can even get infected. In fact, the majority of hangnails are the result of dry skin. It is by keeping your cuticles soft and hydrated that you will be able to prevent the skin from tearing, thus sparing yourself the discomfort and unsightly nails.

via GIPHY

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Well, moisturized cuticles provide a major refuge in the prevention of hangnails. These tiny tears in the skin, superficially, might look as if they don’t have the potential to cause any trouble, but most of the time, they are painful, ugly, and can get infected. Dryness is the main culprit in the majority of hangnail cases. It is through the regular hydration and nourishment of your cuticles that you will be able to avoid skin tearing and thus, save yourself from discomfort and shabby-looking nails.

In the realm of beauty, manageable cuticles can instantaneously change the overall appearance of your nails.

When the cuticles are soft and you have neatly pushed them back, it gives an impression that your nail bed is longer and cleaner, which instantly lifts your manicure. Besides that, nail polish goes on more smoothly and stays longer if your cuticles are healthy, which in turn prevents the polish from chipping prematurely or becoming uneven.

Thankfully, making your cuticle healthy is not that complicated. Giving them a little bit of moisture in the morning and the night is pretty much all they need. Just a few drops of cuticle oil, especially if it contains natural oils like jojoba, almond, or vitamin E, can penetrate the skin and keep it from getting stiff. When grooming, you can push back the cuticles very gently with a cuticle pusher rather than cutting them to keep their natural protective function intact. Also, try to cover your hands while cleaning or washing dishes by putting on gloves, since cleaning agents quickly dry out the skin.

Essentially, having beautiful nails, flawless manicures, and picture-perfect hands for those special moments in life means that cuticle care is not a choice but a necessity.

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The post Did You Know Cuticle Care Is The Most Important Step In Nail Health? Here’s Why first appeared on MissMalini.