Are you dealing with dry cuticles after acrylic nails? Manicurists and Nail Techs come across this situation many times. Our nails, especially on our hands, are constantly exposed to different elements that can cause the cuticles of the nail plate to dry out or become hard like cardboard. Some may call it “over cuticle” but in fact, it is the dehydrated layer that develops on the cuticle due to our nails being exposed to different polishes, solvents, gels, acrylics, and other chemicals.
The skin around the nail is thinner and less oily than the skin on the rest of your body. So it needs a little more TLC (Tender Loving Care). The main reason why so many people have problems with the cuticles of their nails is that they don’t know how to properly take care of them.
What are cuticles?
The cuticles are the small pieces of skin that grow at the base of each fingernail. They serve as a barrier, protecting the delicate tissues underneath from getting infected or injured. The cuticle is usually attached to the nail plate by tiny blood vessels and nerves, which make them even more sensitive to pain.
Cuticles also have a vital function – they prevent water from going underneath the fingernails. They effectively stop microorganisms from settling under them, too – which is why nail infections are so painful. They may look like a harmless layer of dead cells, but they’re actually very sensitive to pain and pressure. Just as you’d expect, getting them cut or pushed back is no picnic either.
Cuticles should never be cut with nail clippers! By pushing them back, you risk splitting the skin underneath – it’s very sensitive, after all. And if the blade is not clean or sharp enough, there’s always a chance that you’ll end up injuring yourself.
Cause of dry cuticles after acrylic nails
Using solvent-based polishes – another cause of dry cuticles after acrylic nails. This polish is very drying and causes the skin to flake. The longer you wear it, the drier your fingertips will become. Eventually, this leads to cuticle cracking and bleeding because of repeated moisture loss.
Cuticle inflammation can be caused by monomer finger splints that encase the entire fingertip. These splints are often worn to protect the nails from breaking or tearing, but they can also cause cuticle problems. The edges of the plastic splint can rub against the cuticles, leading to redness, swelling, and even infection.
In some cases, dry cuticles after acrylic nails may be a sign of an immune system disorder. Systemic yeast infections, psoriasis, eczema, and contact dermatitis are often the cause of dry skin around the nails. If you have cuticle inflammation that does not go away or gets worse, talk to your doctor about what might be causing it.
Changing nail polish too often – Frequent changing of nail polish can strip the nails of their natural oils and lead to dry cuticles.
Frequent hand washing and the use of soaps, detergents, or disinfectants for household chores are commonly believed to protect against infection. However, many people do not realize that these same products can also cause skin irritation and dryness.
In fact, frequent use of household cleaning products can lead to dryness. This is because these products often contain harsh chemicals that can strip away the natural oils from your hands and skin.
In addition, using artificial nails, such as acrylic nails, can also cause your cuticles to become dry. This is because acrylic nails can prevent your natural oils from reaching your cuticles. As a result, your cuticles can become brittle and dry. The use of artificial nails can also lead to the development of an infection.
Using acetone to dissolve acrylic nails before removal. Acetone is a harsh chemical that can dehydrate the skin around your nail plate very quickly. If you must remove artificial nails with acetone, please do it at least one day after you applied them to your natural nails.
Exposure to water – Exposure to water, whether it is from daily showering or swimming, can cause the skin around the nail to dry out. If your cuticles are already delicate or ragged, they may begin to tear and bleed in response to this irritation.
Dehydration – Not drinking enough water can lead to dehydration, which in turn will cause the skin around your nails to become dry and cracked.
Age – As we age, our skin becomes drier and less elastic, which can lead to dry cuticles that are easily torn and damaged.
Vitamin or mineral deficiency – A lack of essential vitamins and minerals in the diet can cause a host of health problems, including dry skin and fragile nails.
What is the best way to avoid dry cuticles after acrylic nails? There are many causes for dry cuticles, but these tips will help you prevent them. Here are some things that you should do to make sure your cuticles stay hydrated and healthy!
- After removing artificial nails, use a hydrating cuticle oil or cream every day. There are many types of products you can use to help prevent dry cuticles, but make sure they have natural ingredients and don’t contain harsh chemicals that may damage the skin on your fingers! Products like this will also help strengthen nails so they don’t break as easily.
- Apply non-acetone-based nail polish remover before bedtime ONLY to remove any residue of oil or cream from the cuticles and around the nails. Use a cotton pad with a remover, wrap it in aluminum foil, stick your finger inside and leave for about five minutes so you can dissolve all oils on your nails.
- Apply a thick coat of your favorite nail polish to protect the cuticle area from dehydration and keep it moisturized overnight. That way, you can be sure that when you wake up in the morning, your nails will look as good as new!
- Drink plenty of water! Dehydration is one of the leading causes of dry cuticles. Staying hydrated will help your whole body stay healthy, including your cuticles.
- Avoid long baths or showers. Hot water can sap moisture from your skin, including your cuticles. limit your baths and showers to under 15 minutes.
- Use a humidifier in your home. Dry air can also cause dry cuticles. A humidifier will add moisture to the air and help keep your skin hydrated.
- Keep your nails trimmed short. Long nails can make it difficult to moisturize your cuticles properly. Keep them short so you can reach all the way around them with your moisturizer.
- Avoid any harsh chemicals around your nails including nail polish remover, detergents, soaps, and chemicals. These products can all be drying to the skin around your nails and cause dry cuticles.
- Be gentle when moisturizing your cuticles! Don’t push too hard or scrub them with a brush because this could damage the delicate area around your nail beds causing cuts that may become infected. Rubbing your cuticles can also cause them to dry out.
- Don’t pick or scratch at your cuticles! Picking and scratching are some of the worst things you can do for your nails, especially when they are dry. This could damage your skin causing cuts that may become infected, which will only make the problem worse.
- See a dermatologist if you have chronic dry cuticles or other skin problems. If none of these tips work, it may be time to see a professional who can help diagnose and treat the root cause of your dry cuticles.
Hopefully, these tips will help you keep your cuticles healthy and free from dryness! Remember that prevention is always better than cure, so start following these tips today and you should see a difference in the health of your nails and cuticles. If you have any questions, feel free to ask us in the comments section below!
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