Moisturizes brittle and brittle nails and cuticles

Dry skin around the nails and cuticles occurs when there is not enough moisture in the stratum corneum (according to Bhupinder Kaur, MD). The stratum corneum is the outer layer of the epidermis made of dead cells. It consists of almost 20 layers of flattened cells without nuclei or cellular organelles.

According to Dr. Kaur, too much soapy water, exposure to harsh chemicals, the normal aging process and certain types of skin conditions are some of the causes of decreased protective oil, which in turn causes dry skin.

Depending on the underlying cause, the skin will eventually begin to peel, crack, or bleed. Due to hormonal fluctuations, this problem is common in pregnant women. Most will have changes in their skin, hair and nails, which are most often normal and disappear after pregnancy.

During pregnancy, you may notice changes in the texture and growth of your hair and nails. For some women, nails and hair will grow faster and stronger. For others, hair may fall out and nails may peel after childbirth. Over time, your hair and nails will return to their normal state before pregnancy. So says George Krompouzos, MD, dermatologist.

Causes

Dry skin around the nails can be caused by any medical condition or activities that reduce the amount of sebum produced. It protects the skin from moisture loss. Here are some possible reasons:

• Bad habits such as nail and cuticle biting
• Harsh weather , especially in winter and summer, can strip the skin of oil
• Yeast infection or fungal growth on fingers
• Skin conditions and diseases such as psoriasis, eczema and others such as dyshidrosis
• Vitamin and mineral deficiencies can also cause dry skin. In severe cases, it can lead to dryness, cracking and flaking.
• Prolonged exposure to moisture , for example, long steaming or use of aggressive soap. This can be prevented by using skin moisturizers.
• Long-term use of drying agents such as detergents.

Reasons for the problem

There can be several reasons for the appearance of dry skin around the fingernails:

• fungal diseases;
• weakened immune system;
• lack of vitamins;
• poor nutrition;
• influence of chemicals.

Secondary factors will help identify the cause of this symptom. If inflammation, redness, and itching also appear on the skin of the hands, then the person most likely has a fungal infection. It may even be accompanied by blackening of the area around the nails. In this case, you should not self-medicate; you should immediately consult a doctor.

Nutrition as a factor in dry skin

Amino acids are responsible for the growth of epidermal cells in the human body; their lack leads to dry skin. You can reduce the amount of amino acids you receive through diet. A change in diet affects the functioning of the immune system, which will provoke a peculiar reaction in the form of peeling of the skin of the hands around the nails.

The lack of vitamins B, A and E, which are responsible for the elasticity and beauty of the skin, also affects its appearance. Improper nutrition deprives the body of essential microelements and minerals, which provokes metabolic disorders in the body. Therefore, a person needs to eat proteins every day; they are the building blocks of the body that create the skin. Lack of proteins causes dryness of the epidermis. Fats are responsible for the elasticity of the epidermis; they also need to be included in the diet in the right quantity in accordance with the individual characteristics of the body.

How household chemicals affect the skin

If the skin around your fingernails is dry, the cause may be the aggressive effects of household chemicals. Washing dishes or cleaning an apartment without protective gloves exposes the skin of your hands to negative effects. It gets rough, so you need to wear rubber gloves when doing housework.

Other reasons

The skin of the hands around the nails dries and cracks due to the negative influence of weather factors. Sudden changes in temperature, exposure to direct sunlight, and low air humidity provoke peeling of the epidermis. Cold and dry air dry out the skin. Frequent hand washing has the same consequences, since the alkaline environment of soap constantly washes away the protective layer of the skin.

Hand creams can not only save the healthy appearance of your hands, but also harm them. Individual incompatibility of components can cause peeling and further development of the problem.

Many people are concerned about dry skin around their fingernails. The causes may also have their roots in the following chronic diseases:

• hormonal disbalance;
• diabetes;
• metabolic failure;
• disruption of the gastrointestinal tract.

Vitamin deficiency

Dryness around the nails can be a sign of vitamin and mineral deficiency in both children and adults. According to the World Health Organization, vitamin deficiency is considered a societal problem to which children and women in developing countries are particularly vulnerable.

Symptoms of vitamin deficiency:

• Dryness, flaking and thinning of the skin
• Night blindness (impaired vision at dusk)
• Respiratory infections
• Immunity disorder

Dry, hard skin

The appearance of your nails can provide valuable health warnings. It can signal the presence of illness and possible infections. You should monitor the condition of your nails: crooked, humpbacked, striped, thin, thick.

You should also pay attention to the color of your nails and the skin under and around your nails. Dry, hard skin around the nail is not natural. Dry, brittle nails are a common sign of fluctuating hormonal levels. Hard skin can also indicate a possible bacterial infection.

Thyroid disease often results in brittle, dry nails that split and break easily. Problems with this organ can vary in severity, from a relatively harmless goiter (an enlarged thyroid gland) to more life-threatening cancer. A common problem of the thyroid gland is abnormal production of hormones. This is called hypo- or hyperthyroidism. Thyroid hormones are essential for metabolism.

Another possible cause is a fungal infection . It makes the nail dry and crumbly. Fungal nail infections affect about 12% of people in developed countries.

Both a fungal infection and a thyroid condition that causes hardening of the skin around the nail take a long time to heal. When treating these conditions, you probably won't see a difference in the appearance of your nails until the growth cycle is complete.

More rare causes

The skin around the nails peels off.
Much less often, the skin around the nails dries out, peeling and cracking occurs due to an unfavorable environment. Sudden temperature changes from hot to cold, excessive exposure to sunlight, ultraviolet radiation, and excessive dry air cause cracking of the epidermis. In this case, the peeling is much less intense and causes less inconvenience.

This happens as a result of the skin drying out very quickly. Moreover, cold in this sense is more dangerous than dry air. However, keeping your hands in hard water causes the same effect. Frequent hand washing, especially with soap, promotes more intense peeling.

The use of unsuitable cosmetics is also a reason why the skin may become dry. However, this happens much less frequently. It is important to choose hand and nail creams that are suitable for your skin type.

Flaky dry skin

Dry, flaky skin around the nails is an unpleasant condition characterized by peeling, itching and cracking. The reasons may vary. Peeling is common in people who have naturally dry skin, while those with oily skin may experience dryness from time to time. Dry skin most often occurs on the arms and legs, but can occur on any part of the body.

Dry skin on your hands and feet can cause the skin around your nails to peel. In mild cases, all you need is simple lifestyle changes and the use of over-the-counter moisturizers. If dryness persists for more than a week, contact your dermatologist.

In addition to the underlying cause, peeling can occur as a result of exposure of the skin to dry weather, hot water and harsh chemicals. Types of dermatitis that are accompanied by dry skin:

• Allergic contact dermatitis is a red, itchy, severe reaction that occurs when your skin comes into contact with a substance that your body recognizes as foreign. This substance is sometimes found in preservatives in creams and lotions.
• Seborrheic dermatitis, also called seborrheic eczema, is a chronic, recurring and usually mild dermatitis.
• Atopic dermatitis is a type of skin inflammation that results in itching, redness, swelling and cracking. Scratching your skin makes symptoms worse. Those who suffer from this type of dermatitis have an increased risk of developing a skin infection.

Moisturizers

Products that moisturize the cuticle from the outside are typically made using oil. The key to the effect of using a professional product or a self-prepared product is regular use. It is necessary to moisturize the cuticle not only after a manicure. The more often you perform the ritual, the longer the effect will last.

Any moisturizing of the cuticle includes applying the product to clean and dry periungual ridges, followed by rubbing it in with massage movements. Massage enhances the effect, promoting deeper penetration of the beneficial composition. In addition, this stimulates blood circulation, thanks to this vitamins will penetrate into the base of the nail.

Natural oils

Natural esters have a beneficial effect on the cuticle and can moisturize it with regular use. But not all of them are suitable for moisturizing; only some of them have the necessary effect.

Properties of oils suitable for moisturizing nails and cuticles:

• Myrrh – has a moisturizing and soothing effect. Use alone or mixed with moisturizer.
• Geranium – suitable for moisturizing, while simultaneously acting as a nail strengthener. It is recommended to mix a few drops of geranium oil with 5 ml of almond oil and rub into the cuticle.
• Sandalwood ether not only moisturizes, but also promotes the healing of cracks if they have already formed. Can be used without adding other oils.
• Patchouli – suitable for people suffering from frequent hangnails. The oil can be used as a separate product, or added to moisturizers to enhance the effect.
• Sage – acts as a healing and moisturizing agent. It is used as part of baths in combination with other base oils (grape seed, olive, and others).
• Chamomile – helps fight hangnails and increased dryness. Works well with lemon oil, which enhances its effect.

When choosing an ether, you should rely on the desired result, as well as the aroma. It should not be unpleasant, since the oil should be used as often as possible. It is better to purchase them in pharmacies or specialized stores, since the effect can only be obtained from 100% natural oil, without additives.

Professional products

For local cuticle care, it is recommended to choose special, narrowly targeted products; they are applied only to the periungual area, providing maximum hydration there. Of course, using hand cream will also benefit the area around the nail, but in cases of severe dryness they will not help.

Specialized products can be produced in different formats - a bottle with a brush, a tube, a pencil. It is more important to pay attention to the composition and effect promised by the manufacturer. Most cuticle moisturizers are oil-based.

The best products to moisturize the periungual ridges:

• AVON Nail Expert . Product, volume 15 ml. in a tube with a thin spout, with which the cream is applied only to the cuticle. The manufacturer recommends applying it 3 times a day. As a result of use, customers note that the cuticle becomes soft and moisturized.
• Cuticle Care Badger Company balm is a solid oil (contains Shea butter, beeswax and other essential oils). Available in a 21 g jar. It is recommended to apply with massaging movements at night.
• Inglot Nail Cuticle is a pencil with a brush at the end that allows you to apply the product locally without staining the surrounding area. Suitable for regular use.
• Express cuticle pencil Ciel Parfum Nail Cuticle Care NC Buyers note that the product is suitable for untreated cases. The oily product moisturizes the area around the nail, and the hard tip can be used as a stick to push away moisturized skin.
• Planet Nails Cuticle Care Pen . A pencil with a hard tip, however, the consistency of the product itself resembles water, not oil. Accordingly, its effect is quite weak, but is suitable for maintaining not very dry skin. Absorbs faster than its oilier counterparts.
• ALESSANDRO Cuticare Nourishing Pen NAIL SPA . Good moisturizer in pencil format. However, it is much more expensive than its analogues.
• Belweder Oil for nail and cuticle care. A bottle with a brush containing 8 ml. facilities. Contains natural oils - jojoba, castor oil, avocado oil, and others. The manufacturer recommends daily use for dry skin.
• ARAVIA Professional Cuticle Oil . The oil comes in a 100 ml bottle with a thin spout for easy application. Contains only natural oils and vitamin E. An effective and economical product to use.
• Relouis Helpful Oil . The oil is available in a 10.5 ml bottle with a brush. In addition to oils, the composition contains vitamins A and E. Buyers note it as an effective remedy.
• DIVAGE BB oil for nails and cuticles is nourishing and moisturizing. The product is sold in a bottle with a pipette, which can be used as an applicator for application. The volume of the bottle is 6 ml, one drop of the product is enough for 2 – 3 fingers. Average efficiency, but good composition, thanks to which the product is quite popular.

When choosing a product, you should choose formulations with minimal addition of other ingredients, except oils and vitamins. The format in which the product is produced does not affect its effectiveness, however, pencils are more economical and easier to take with you for moisturizing outside the home.

Folk recipes

You can independently prepare a product to moisturize the area around the nail by mixing essential oils aimed at moisturizing with any base oil. You can add the contents of AEVITA capsules or vitamins A and E, available in liquid form, to the mixture.

You can make your own moisturizing balm. To do this, add geranium or sandalwood oil to the melted beeswax. Depending on the proportions, the product can be more solid (with a small amount of oil) and more liquid. In any case, the effect will be noticeable after the first use.

Baths will also help to moisturize the area. It is important not to use salt, iodine, or other drying ingredients. Baths with the addition of milk and olive oil will have the best moisturizing effect. Only your fingertips should be dipped into the bath.

In emergency cases, with dry cuticles, you can prepare a moisturizing mask. To make it you will need honey and Aloe juice in equal quantities. Any moisturizing oil is added to the mixture. The resulting mask is applied to the periungual ridges overnight. It is better to wear large cotton gloves on your hands (so as not to wipe the mask off the area when putting it on).

Care and treatment

To treat dry skin around your nails, your doctor or dermatologist will first have to diagnose the condition to determine what the underlying cause of the dryness is. Once this is done, depending on how severe the condition is, the doctor may recommend lifestyle changes, natural remedies, or prescription ointments and creams to treat symptoms.

With simple life changes, you will need to do the following to protect against dry skin:

• Avoid hot baths and steamy showers
• Reduce the amount of time you spend in the shower
• Drink plenty of fluids, especially water, to keep your body hydrated at all times
• Use a humidifier indoors
• Avoid scratching or scrubbing the skin
• Always use moisturizing soap when you shower
• You can also use emollients to moisturize your skin
• For extremely dry skin, use mineral oil-based products
• In summer you can switch to a lighter water lotion

The American Academy of Dermatology's advice for skin care, treatment and restoration is that skin care won't be as effective if it doesn't have enough moisture. Without changes in care, air can make fine lines and wrinkles more noticeable. To prevent dry skin:

• Avoid hot baths and steamy showers. Limit your shower time to 10 minutes, wash with a mild, unscented cleanser, and pat your skin gently with a clean towel after bathing.
• After washing, be sure to apply gentle moisturizers to your skin. Ointments, creams and lotions are good for dry skin by retaining moisture. This way she can stay hydrated and moisturized
• Wear gloves and socks every time you go to bed or in winter. It reduces dry skin in the most problematic areas - around the toenails and fingernails
• If the air is dry, it will be useful to humidify it. To do this, you need to turn on the humidifier once or twice a day.
• If you have naturally dry skin, then use fragrance-free products. Some cosmetics and skin care products are too harsh for use on dry or sensitive skin.

Useful tips

To ensure that your hands always look well-groomed, you can take the advice of professionals. To do this you need:

1. 
   To keep the skin around the nails in good condition, you need to rub vitamins A and E into it several times a day, which are sold in ampoules.

2. In summer and winter, you need to use protective creams. In summer it is better to use a moisturizing composition, and in winter - a nourishing composition. Must be applied 30 minutes before leaving the room.
3. You need to drink at least 2 liters of clean water per day to prevent your skin from drying out.
4. Before doing housework that will involve prolonged exposure to water, you need to add talcum powder and chamomile into your gloves and then put them on.
5. Manicure must be done correctly and do not neglect steaming and baths.
6. Periodically, it is necessary to immerse your hands in a decoction of medicinal plants for 20 minutes.

It is recommended to remove the cuticle at least once every 2 weeks. Don't wait for it to grow onto the nail surface. Otherwise, you will need to visit a professional to have the defect repaired. A hand softener should always be on hand.

Home Remedies and Methods

In most cases, dry skin around the nails is more of a cosmetic problem than a health problem. However, before you accept dry skin as a harmless condition, you will need to get checked by a dermatologist to find out the cause.

If not properly treated or left untreated, dry skin around the nail can lead to other symptoms such as severe itching, cracking and flaking of the skin around the affected area. When dryness is not caused by a life-threatening condition, then you can control and manage the condition at home with simple natural and folk remedies.

Soak your hands in warm water

To relieve pain, irritation, and itching, you can apply a warm compress or soak your hands in a bowl of warm water. It will help soften the skin around the nails, relieving these symptoms.

After this, dry your hands with a clean towel. Make sure your cuticles are dry but remain soft while you do your manicure.

Honey

Another powerful natural remedy that you can use on dry skin is natural honey. Raw organic honey is rich in anti-inflammatory properties and relieves itching. After washing and drying your hands, apply a few drops of honey and leave it on for 20 minutes before rinsing.

You can also make a mixture of honey and olive oil and the results will be twice as good. For this:

1. Add equal amounts of honey and olive oil to a bowl
2. Stir slowly
3. Apply the mixture to the affected area around the nail
4. Leave it on for 20 minutes before rinsing with warm water and mild soap
5. Repeat this twice a day

Aloe vera gel

Aloe vera has natural antiseptic and antibacterial properties. In addition to fighting infection on chapped skin, aloe vera is an excellent cooling and soothing agent. You can either apply it to the affected area or drink it.

As a way to prevent and fight infection, drink two tablespoons of aloe vera gel diluted in water daily. For taste, you can add an equal amount of honey.

Wet your hand in diluted bleach

For dry skin around the nail caused by a fungal infection, you can fight the infection and relieve symptoms by soaking your hands in diluted household bleach (bleach).

To prepare the product:

1. Dilute a small amount of bleach with an equal amount of water
2. Soak your hands in the mixture for about 20 minutes
3. Repeat this process two or three times a day
4. If dryness persists, contact your doctor as soon as possible.

Moisturizers

Moisturizers or emollients are complex chemical mixtures designed to make the outer layer of skin softer and more pliable. Skin moisturizers increase skin hydration by reducing evaporation. These creams are available over-the-counter and by prescription.

Multivitamins and nutritional supplements

When the underlying cause is a vitamin deficiency, multivitamins and nutritional supplements can help resolve it quickly. To prevent overdose or underdose, it is important that they are prescribed by a specialist.

Strict nail and cuticle care regimen

When your skin is constantly exposed to drying substances, neglecting to do so can make the condition worse. Changing your skin care routine can help improve the condition and prevent cracking or flaking of the skin. A good manicure and cuticle removal are important to eliminate dry skin around the nail and prevent it from recurring in the future.

Olive oil

Moisturizing with olive oil is another way to relieve dryness and prevent cracking or peeling skin. For a stronger effect, use a mixture of honey and olive oil.

Using honey can also help reduce dryness and relieve symptoms such as swelling, itching and persistent irritation. Honey is also a good remedy for cracking and flaking skin.

Home Recipes

Experts recommend treating dry skin around the nails in specialized offices. But not everyone can afford it, because the procedures are mostly expensive, and consultations are paid. However, you should not give up, because there are many home remedies that have an effect no worse than the salon ones. These include baths, moisturizing peeling, and the use of vitamins, essential oils and hand creams. To decide on the method, let's consider each method in more detail.

Application of cream

Rubbing nourishing cream into the cuticle
The easiest way, which is an ambulance in the fight against dry skin. A good quality moisturizing or nourishing hand cream based on natural ingredients can quickly solve the problem. When purchasing a cream, be sure to pay attention to its composition, which should include ingredients such as glycerin, shea butter, almond or coconut oil, vitamins E and C.

If your favorite cream does not contain the listed components, then combine 20 ml of the product with 5 drops of rose, lemon, and grapefruit essential oils. You can also add 1 ampoule of vitamins purchased at the pharmacy. The result is a homemade miracle remedy.

Peeling

This procedure is one of the main ways to combat dry cuticles. To carry out peeling at home, we will prepare a scrub. We will need sugar, olive or almond oil and water in equal quantities. All components must be mixed, after which the resulting product is easily rubbed into the area around the nails with circular massage movements. After the procedure, the remaining product should be washed off with water and a nourishing cream should be applied.

Vitamins come to the rescue

Using vitamin E and C oil is an ideal way to make the skin around your nails soft and supple. The procedure is recommended to be performed before bedtime twice a week. If you choose this method to combat dry skin around the nails, then you should note that any essential oil is used only with a base oil. You can take olive, almond, sunflower. For example, the following combinations are good: almond oil + rosemary or grapefruit essential oil, any stone fruit oil + geranium or rose essential oil.

You need to know that each oil is applied differently. Oily vitamin E should be gently rubbed into the cuticle for several minutes, then wait about 2 - 3 minutes and rinse with water.

Vitamin C should be rubbed into the area around the nails and put on cotton gloves for 10 minutes, then rinse off any remaining liquid with warm water.

Nourishing masks

You can also make nourishing hand masks at home. A honey mask is perfect for this procedure. To prepare it, you need to mix equal amounts of aloe juice, honey and olive oil. Apply the resulting mass to the cuticle skin and nail plates for 5 minutes, then rinse. If this procedure is carried out twice a week, the skin around the nails will become tender and soft. The appearance of your nails will also change, they will become shiny and stronger.

A flower mask is also good, which will help restore the cuticle, moisturize it and nourish it with useful substances. To prepare, mix 30 calendula flowers with 10 g of Vaseline and place the mixture in a water bath, melt and leave for 24 hours. After a day, the mixture is ready for use. Use in the same way as in the above recipe.

Aroma baths

For a healthy cuticle, it is recommended to take warm baths. A procedure that works well is adding 2 tablespoons of lemon juice and the same amount of sea salt to a liter of warm water, as well as 2-3 drops of grape seed oil. The bath is ready, put your hands in the water for a quarter of an hour, then rinse, wipe with a towel and apply a moisturizer.