Essential oils for nails: for healing, strengthening and growth

Why you need to take care of your cuticles

Formal manicure and treatment of gel coating under a UV lamp harm the delicate skin of the nail folds. The purpose of the cuticle is to protect the bed - the growth zone. Damage to it is fraught with infection and the development of an inflammatory process. Any cosmetic procedures with nails, including the application of decorative coatings, injure the skin ridges. Regeneration of damage causes excessive cell division, the growth of excess epidermis, the appearance of hangnails and cracks. Physical manual work also does not add beauty to the fingers. For these reasons, their delicate skin, especially the cuticle, requires not only regular correction, but also special care.

Liquid cosmetic oil based on vegetable fats ensures restoration and regeneration of cuticle tissue, makes them elastic, smoothes and moisturizes. Ordinary hand creams cannot replace it, since the concentration of nutrients in them is not enough. And the glycerin contained only increases dryness.

How to use smart enamel to thicken nails?

Enamel for thickening nails

Although smart enamel is very similar in appearance to clear varnish or base, it is very different from them in its composition. In addition to the usual vitamins and minerals, it contains large quantities of collagen and calcium. The presence of these two components makes it possible to make the most fragile nails stronger and thicker. Literally after the first application, you will be able to notice how the nail plate has leveled out and become more shiny.

To obtain a positive result, this product must be used for at least three weeks. If you want the beneficial substances contained in smart enamel to penetrate into the nail structure as deeply as possible, then do the proper preparation before applying it. To do this, first remove the old layer of varnish from your nails, and then dip your fingers in a warm bath.

After the nails have steamed, you just have to wait until they are completely dry and you can apply enamel to thicken the plate. If possible, try not to paint them with decorative varnish during the entire period of strengthening your nails with this product. This way the effect of using enamel will be more noticeable and lasting.

Composition and effect of nail oil

In the composition of nail care products:

fine oils;
essential compounds of plant origin;
vitamin E concentrate;
aromatic fragrances;
bleaching particles.

A high-quality product does not contain parabens, synthetic fats and other harmful chemicals.

When applied to the skin, the oil penetrates deep into the layers of the epidermis, nourishes and softens it, fills microcracks, retains moisture, creating a thin protective layer. The effect is noticeable after the first use: the rollers become soft and smooth out. The elastic cuticle is less damaged, stops peeling, and keratinized edges grow back more slowly. On the contrary, the growth of nail plates with regular use of skincare cosmetics accelerates. Vitamin E activates the division of new cells, strengthens tissues and prevents disruption of metabolic processes in them.

The Best Nail and Cuticle Oils for 2021

EO Laboratorie oil 3 in 1

This is a very nourishing mass that protects dehydrated skin around the nail: it softens cuticles, prevents their rapid formation and smells pleasant.

Biological components: oils and extracts of hazelnut, rosemary, magnolia, myrrh, cinnamon. Provitamin B5, vitamin E.

Three actions in one bottle: for nail growth, strengthening and softening cuticles. In addition, the description of the product guarantees hydration, nutrition of the nail plate, elimination of fragility and an antibacterial effect.

As for the sponge, opinions are divided. Inside the plastic jar there is a sponge with slits through which you can dip your fingers and then massage. Reviews from some customers are positive; they feel that the product is distributed in equal doses. According to others, the amount of oil cannot be adjusted, sometimes there is more, sometimes less.

EO Laboratorie oil 3 in 1

Advantages:

Without parabens, silicones, nothing unnecessary;
Composition enriched with vitamins;
Versatility, many useful effects;
Noticeably accelerates nail growth;
Sponge applicator;
Pleasant soothing scent.

Flaws:

Not everyone likes the greasy, oily consistency; it takes a long time to absorb.

Bohemia Oil Peach

Intensely moisturizes and has a pleasant peach aroma: in just one application, the skin becomes soft and smooth, and the nails are saturated with vitality.

Contains: fragrance, dyes, dried flowers and fruits. For those who don’t like peach, the manufacturer offers other options for nail beauty: cherry, banana, watermelon, blackberry, etc. The bottles are 16 ml. Medium thick brush. Attractive design. Budget prices.

Cosmetics with a restorative effect: moisturizes, softens, prevents inflammation, regenerates cells.

Bohemia Oil Peach

Advantages:

Healing extracts of flowers and fruits;
Sweet, long-lasting aroma;
Absorption without the formation of a greasy film;
Brush for easy application;
Beautiful design of the bottles;
For manicure with perfect results.

Flaws:

Not detected.

Care product CND Rescue RXx

Professional cosmetics from a famous American manufacturer. Leaves the skin soft, supple, silky, and gives nails a healthy, well-groomed appearance. Recommended for both salon and home use. The result is always excellent and clearly visible.

Jojoba oil has soothing properties and strengthens the skin thanks to the presence of vitamin E and B vitamins. Contains minerals such as copper, zinc, iodine. They provide hydration, nutrition, softening, restoration, strengthening of the nail plates and the skin around them. Rescue RXx is supplemented with keratin.

Three or four regular procedures are enough and you will have beautiful nails, a neat manicure that lasts for a long time. The skin quickly gets used to the new state and thanks for its long-lasting well-groomed appearance.

Care product CND Rescue RXx

Advantages:

Branded nail care product;
Salon results in a home environment;
The smell is delicate, barely noticeable;
Absorbs instantly;
Long-term preservation of softness and moisture;
Brush for easy application.

Flaws:

Not detected.

DIVAGE BB Nail Cure Cuticle Nail Drops

An aromatic, super-healthy blend to soften cuticles and nails, leaving them shiny, smooth and ready for a manicure.

Corrects, smoothes the nail surface, softens cuticles. Creates an invisible, durable film on the nail, due to which the plates become stronger after the first use. Fills uneven spots, stripes or grooves. Suitable for brittle, delicate nails with a tendency to yellow. Works against dryness and flaking of the skin.

The complex contains the following valuable substances: almond oil, sunflower oil, extracts of orange, ginger, turmeric, cinnamon, ginseng, vitamin E.

According to buyers, it can be used as a mask, as an SOS product, such a rich composition and quick results.

DIVAGE BB Nail Cure Cuticle Nail Drops

Advantages:

Non-greasy consistency, closer to gel;
The aroma is pleasant;
Rich formula enhanced with vitamin E;
Therapeutic effect;
Adds shine;
Prevents yellowing;
Pipette dispenser, economical consumption;
Durable, beautiful nails from the first application.

Flaws:

Not everyone likes the feeling of a film on their nails.

Gehwol Med Protective Nail and Skin

Sold not only in pharmacies. But the type of product is professional medical. Apply in a course, twice a day. The composition includes panthenol and bisabolol. Clotrimazole works against fungal infections. Chamomile extract disinfects and eliminates inflammation. Vitamin complex nourishes. All this is based on wheat germ oil.

It can be described as a 3 in 1 product: strengthens nails, softens cuticles, and has an antifungal effect. Suitable for manicure and pedicure.

The amber glass bottle guarantees the best preservation of the contents. Lid with spout for ease of use. Volume: 15 ml. Average price: 1000 rub. For a volume of 50 ml the price is a little more than 2000 rubles.

Gehwol Med Protective Nail and Skin

Advantages:

Production in Germany;
For sick nails affected by fungus;
Pharmacy nail care product;
Convenient spout applicator;
Fast, complete absorption without traces;
Hygiene of hands and feet.

Flaws:

High price.

Mavala Cuticle Care Mavapen (pencil)

The manufacturer offers a series of products for nails and cuticles: two options with a brush, one with a regular composition, another with a vitamin one, and the third in a pencil called Mavapen. Which one is better to buy? The latter is more expensive than others, the average price is 600 rubles, but this format is much more convenient. Narrow, lightweight, does not drip, useful for travel.

It’s not difficult to use: lightly walk the pencil over the skin, massage to improve absorption and stimulate blood flow to the fingers, wait, remove excess. Repeat 3-4 times a week. Result: natural long beautiful nails.

After using this oil pen, your fingers are moisturized, healthy, well-groomed, and wonderfully fragrant.

Oils: wheat germ, olive, almond, sunflower. The consistency is not very greasy, it leaves a comfortable feeling after use, and after a couple of minutes you can safely return to your normal activities.

Mavala Cuticle Care Mavapen (pencil)

Advantages:

Made in Switzerland;
Portable, convenient to carry;
Spot application without unnecessary waste;
Instantly conditions and softens cuticles;
To strengthen nails;
With whitening effect.

Flaws:

Not detected.

Jessica Cosmetics International Nourish Cream

This nourishing cream-oil protects the cuticle, accelerates nail growth, and beneficial components nourish the plate. Multi effective. One of the beneficial effects is slowing down cuticle growth. Regular use improves the condition of the skin around the nail, hands and feet.

It is highly concentrated, quickly absorbed, and begins to act immediately. Suitable for all ages. Volume: 15 ml. Average price: 500 rub.

The reviews are the best. Especially from girls with very dry skin. This cream retains moisture, your hands look healthy, well-groomed, and become younger. A tightened, strong cuticle maintains healthy nails and increases the duration of the manicure.

Jessica Cosmetics International Nourish Cream

Advantages:

Calm, painless cuticle removal;
Stimulating nail growth;
Creamy consistency;
With a restorative effect;
Antibacterial properties;
Antioxidant components.

Flaws:

Not detected.

Grandma Agafya's recipes

Cream-butter made in Russia. Softens and protects the skin, eliminates irritation, restores the cuticle, improves nail growth.

The composition includes a rare ingredient, mulberry grown on Sakhalin. Another name is mulberry. It is a strong natural plant antioxidant and antiseptic. Contains potassium, magnesium and calcium, which is good for nails, hair, bones, teeth. The oil of this plant is one of the most expensive in cosmetology. Strong allergen. There are no reviews of individual intolerance to the cream. Probably because the amount of mulberry is moderate, a balance is maintained with other components, shea butter, rose hip extract, and vitamins.

The brand, in general, often receives positive feedback from consumers; girls like the composition, the price, and the results of using the products.

Grandmother Agafya's recipes cuticle oil

Advantages:

Ultra concentrated formula;
Unusual ingredients;
To soften cuticles;
For nutrition, whitening, strengthening of the nail plate;
Pleasant consistency, aroma, appearance;
Budget prices.

Flaws:

Not detected.

Essie Apricot

A deeply moisturizing, nourishing, regenerating cuticle concentrate that helps strengthen nails so they don't break. Massaging the nail bed stimulates the growth of healthy, strong, beautiful nails. The manufacturer recommends applying it as a medicine, twice a day. According to consumers, this is unnecessary; using it a couple of times a week is enough. Some girls have found additional uses: applied over varnish, gel, acrylic. Dries in seconds. Protects the enamel, significantly prolongs the manicure, at the same time strengthens the nails and maintains the cuticle in the required condition, it does not grow too much, remains moist, and looks well-groomed.

Ingredients: valuable nourishing jojoba and apricot oils. The product is transparent, with a pleasant shine, and can be used instead of varnish. A colored version is also sold in America, giving a subtle warm pinkish tint. Possible to order online.

Essie Apricot

Advantages:

For the treatment of nails and cuticles;
Intensive hydration;
With a restorative effect;
Brush applicator;
Rapid penetration into the dermis;
Instant drying;
Delicate apricot aroma;
Beautiful shine;
Compatible with any other coating.

Flaws:

Fast consumption.

OPI Cuticle Revitalizer Apple (pencil)

A famous brand with a wide range of products. Pencil formats, with spout applicators, brushes, pipettes. The most popular models: pencils. Available in floral and fruit scents: strawberry, cherry, blueberry, rose, lily, lemon, watermelon... Price: up to 100 rubles. Convenient to carry in your cosmetic bag for use as often as needed.

The nails become flexible, do not break, and do not dry out. Helps quickly moisturize, revitalize, and give a well-groomed appearance.

The manufacturer also produces expensive cosmetics, for example the Pro Spa series. A bottle costs from 1 to 2 thousand rubles. But this is a universal product, it can be added to milk, cream, body lotion. Guarantees long-lasting deep hydration on any dry areas. Consists of sunflower oil, avocado, cupuacu plant (theobroma), etc.

OPI Cuticle Revitalizer Apple (pencil)

Advantages:

Trusted manufacturer;
Innovative formulas;
Various types, types, formats;
Nourishes the nail surface;
Softens the cuticle for further removal;
Fragrances that lift your spirits;
Immediate hydration;
Reasonable prices for pencils.

Flaws:

Not detected.

Popular oil brands

Cosmetics are available in glass or plastic bottles equipped with lids with brushes or dispenser tips. Volume of one package: 7–10 ml. Among the proven oils, the following are popular:

Cuticle Oil from Mavala: provides the skin with complete hydration, prevents the appearance of hangnails and cracks;
Solar Oil of the CND brand with the scent of almonds protects hands from the effects of aggressive ultraviolet radiation, softens and nourishes the skin;
Argan Oil Cuticle Drops from Orly: bottles with convenient dispensers that allow you to apply the oil evenly along the edges of the nails;
Oils from Sally: provide basic care for skin and nails, saturate with moisture, nourish and vitaminize;
The One from Oriflame: a popular affordable product for the restoration and regeneration of cuticle tissue, contains essential oils and vitamins.

An alternative to industrial care products is self-made products. They are easy to make if the necessary components are available.

Homemade cuticle oils

For an effective product you will need a suitable vegetable fat base. It is recommended to choose from the following:

apricot oil;
almond;
grape seeds;
wheat germ;
jojoba.

Cheaper types: burdock or castor are also suitable. They nourish the skin well, stimulate nail growth, and prevent inflammation.

To the chosen base - a volume of about 10 ml, you need to add a few drops of essential oil: lemon or tea tree. You need to squeeze the contents of one capsule of pharmaceutical vitamin E into the resulting mixture (you can replace it with two drops of an oil solution of the drug).

It is recommended to pour the resulting product into a small bottle with a lid or an aerosol can.

How to use oil correctly

It is recommended to take care of your cuticles every day, preferably in the evenings, when all your work is behind you. All that is necessary is to apply 1-2 drops of the product around the nail and gently rub into the skin until completely absorbed.

For the oil to work effectively, it is important to prepare the skin for care in a timely manner:

after washing your hands, use a special brightening peeling;
regularly take cosmetic baths with preparations to soften the skin;
Use a revumer about twice a week to remove overgrown cuticle edges.

These procedures will help you create a neat, aesthetic manicure. It is necessary to apply oil at the last stage, after shaping the cuticle and nails.

The duration of care is determined individually. The basic course is usually about 4 weeks. Using oil is useful not only for fingernails, but also for foot care, especially after the winter season and wearing tight closed shoes. The product will significantly soften the skin, prevent fungal infections and abrasions, and help prevent ingrown nails.

Essential oils for beautiful nails

Beautiful, well-groomed nails are not only an indispensable attribute of a self-respecting woman, but also part of the status that tells others who you are and what level of the social ladder you are on.
But taking care of your nails can be very time-consuming, especially if your nails are prone to breaking and splitting. Does this mean you have to spend half your life in a nail salon? Not at all, if you know some of the secrets of aromatherapy. With its help, you will avoid both time and money costs.

The most important

First, try to avoid any contact with hot water and cleaning chemicals and abrasives. Any rubber gloves will help you cope with this task. Regular contact with an aggressive environment can cause onycholysis (detachment of the nail plate from the nail bed).

Secondly, do not use acetone or other harsh solvents to remove nail polish. Such solvents will, of course, remove the varnish, but they will also cause considerable damage to the nails. Even if you use the mildest nail polish remover, do not forget to immediately wash your hands with soap and then rub a few drops of vegetable oil into the nail plate.

Thirdly, do not use varnishes that contain formaldehyde. It has a destructive effect on both nails and skin. If you have damaged your skin and are experiencing pain in the area around your nails, a gentle massage with a drop of pure myrrh oil will help you. It is especially useful to carry out this procedure at night, and the next morning the cuticle area will calm down, and cracks and damage will begin to heal.

Nail moisturizers

In aromatherapy, there are enough base oils that are ideal for creating nail care products. Excessively dry, brittle, cracked nails need high-quality hydration. Optimal base oils for retaining moisture in nails are avocado, kukui, coconut, crambe, jojoba, sasanqua, cedar, castor bean, macadamia, wheat germ, cupuaçu, shea and rosehip oils. These oils perfectly soften the cuticle and help moisturize the nails even on their own, without adding esters. Simply apply a small amount of carrier oil to your nails and massage gently, paying special attention to the cuticles. Repeat the procedure daily, and very soon you will forget about the problem of dry and brittle nails. But remember: the key to success here is persistence and regularity, as with many other cosmetic procedures.

Care seriously

If your nails are in really bad shape, you'll need more serious nail care products: essential oils added to carrier oils or creams can work real miracles. You will need essential oils of sandalwood, frankincense, ylang-ylang, lavender, lemon, myrrh, rose, patchouli, bergamot, rosemary, sweet orange. The usual dosage is 5 drops of essential oil per 5 ml of selected base oil.

A very effective composition is the synergy of myrrh and lemon added to jojoba base oil. Another healing compound is a drop of frankincense and a drop of myrrh added to sasanqua oil. As practice shows, these two compositions show the best results when it comes to restoring damaged nails.

To prevent splitting and brittle nails, use these compounds at least 2 times a week. It is quite convenient to add these esters to hand cream to keep it with you at all times and use it several times a day to speed up the healing process.

Do not forget that essential oils cannot be added to ready-made industrial cosmetics. Use basic emulsions for this or make your own cream. Products based on reverse emulsion have a special therapeutic effect on the skin of the hands, cuticles and nails. The rapid restoration of their healthy appearance is ensured by both the active ingredients and the structure of the cream itself.

We also recommend purchasing a special hand cream SENTIO, the action of which is based on an inverse emulsion related to skin cells. This cream will significantly improve the appearance of the cuticle and strengthen the nails.

An important nuance: do not limit therapy to oils and creams alone: pay attention to your diet. You need a sufficient amount of vitamins and minerals that will help the body strengthen the process of repairing nail tissue.

Revitalizing nail care

Here's a simple but effective way to spice up your nails. To do this, prepare yourself a special nail salt.

Take 200 g of pure sea salt (preferably finely ground).
Add 10 drops of lemon essential oil and 10 drops of ylang-ylang to this salt.
Pour into a glass jar and shake thoroughly. After a few hours, the aromatic salt will be completely ready.

Add a couple of tablespoons of this salt to warm water and soak your nails in this water for 5 minutes. You can also add a few drops of lemon juice to this water. Aromatic water with lemon will soften the nails and make them more permeable, thereby preparing the tissues for massage. After five minutes, dry your hands and apply a small amount of a mixture of base oil and esters to your nails (see compositions above). Massage each nail in a circular motion, including the area around the nails.

After the oil or cream is completely absorbed, gently lift the cuticle with a cotton swab. Never use metal tools for these purposes! Metal will damage the protective layers of cells, and instead of therapy, you injure your nails. There is no need to put pressure on the cuticles, just gently lift them - just a little, without effort or rough influence.

Use this treatment at least 2 times a week until your nails look noticeably better. After this, reduce the number of treatments to one per week. It is also useful to rub special wax into your nails and cuticles several times a day. Many cosmetic companies offer such a product, but it is very easy to make it yourself.

Nail wax

Melt 5 grams of natural beeswax in a water bath. Pour a teaspoon of vegetable oil (any of the above) into the wax and mix thoroughly. Add 7-10 drops of strengthening essential oils to the slightly cooling wax (see above). Pour into a clean small jar and leave to set. This wax can be stored for a long time and is convenient to always carry with you. Regular use of wax has the most beneficial effect on nails and cuticles: it adds shine, increases the elasticity of the nail plate, prevents the tendency to split, and gives the cuticle a well-groomed appearance.

At first, all these procedures may seem too tedious and boring, but believe me: you will really like the results and your nails will look great!

Author: Ekaterina Naumchik (Aromashka team) October 29, 2015 at 21:56

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Selection rules

When purchasing an unfamiliar product, you need to study its detailed composition. The components should not contain petroleum jelly, alcohol, “technical” fats and other chemical components. Vegetable oil should be first on the list, then essential oil. The presence of preservatives and flavorings is acceptable.

Any cosmetic oil, including caring or medicinal oil, can cause an allergic reaction. Its possible signs: redness, burning, swelling or itching of the skin, peeling. If such symptoms appear, a small amount of the product should be applied to the bend of the elbow and observed for 24 hours. A similar reaction means that the product must be changed to a new one with a different composition.