Your cuticles are an asset to your nails—they protect new nail growth and help ensure they’re primed to grow long and strong. However, when booking a manicure or pedicure, cuticles are often removed during your service, a practice that could lead to inflammation and infection.
While the look of trimmed cuticles is aesthetically pleasing, experts say you should proceed with caution to protect your hands and feet. To get to the bottom of why cutting cuticles isn’t recommended, we spoke with Chanel Perkins, DPM, double-board certified podiatrist, founder of FabFootDoc, and Marisa Garshick, MD, NYC-based board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology about cuticle safety, how to care for them, and why you should avoid cutting them to prevent cuticle damage altogether.
What are cuticles?
According to Dr. Garshick, cuticles are the thin layer of skin cells located at the base of your fingernails and toes. “They serve as a protective barrier, preventing bacteria, fungi, and other harmful organisms from entering the nail matrix, where new nail growth begins,” she says. The cuticle is composed of dead epidermis cells and grows out to look like a thick layer of clear skin. “Although delicate, cuticles protect new nails as they grow out, keeping bacteria and fungus away,” Dr. Perkins says.
How to take care of cuticles
Taking care of your cuticles means keeping them moisturized like you would any other parts of your body, but you may be thinking, why are cracked cuticles a big deal? “Open cracks would be a portal of entry for bacteria and fungus to invade,” Dr. Perkins says, which can lead to inflammation, irritation, and infection, a.k.a an unhealthy environment for nail growth.
To address this, the experts recommend opting for a cuticle oil like the Essie Roll-On Apricot Nail and Cuticle Oil ($10) to prevent cracking and dryness. “Regularly apply cuticle oil or thick hand cream to keep them hydrated, and always use gloves when doing household chores or rough work to protect your hands,” says Dr. Garshick.
Is it safe to cut cuticles?
According to the experts, it’s not recommended to cut cuticles as it can lead to infections and other complications. “Research has found that cutting cuticles can compromise the protective barrier they provide, increasing the risk of bacterial and fungal infections,” says Dr. Garshick, similar to what cracks can do. When at the salon, ask your tech to gently push back the cuticles and give them proper moisture. “It’s okay to trim if they seem overgrown, but do not cut away the cuticle too much,” Dr. Perkins adds.
How to safely remove cuticles
While there is no safe way to remove cuticles altogether, the experts instead recommend pushing them back. “First, soak your hands in warm, soapy water to soften the skin. Then, gently push back the cuticles with a wooden or rubber cuticle stick,” says Dr. Garshick. It’s important not to use too much force when doing so. Finish by applying cuticle oil and a moisturizing hand or foot cream to keep them hydrated.
How to tell if cuticles are infected
Your cuticles can get infected, and signs include redness, swelling, pain, warmth, and sometimes pus, according to Dr. Perkins. She explains that this can happen with inadequate nail care or poor hygiene. “If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to treat the infection promptly,” Dr. Garshick adds. If your cuticles are infected, soak the area in warm water several times daily and apply an over-the-counter antibiotic ointment. “If the infection persists or worsens, seek medical attention from a healthcare professional,” Dr. Garshick notes.
How to protect cuticles in the summer
Your feet are more exposed in the summer (think sandals, pools, sand, etc.), which can expose you to infections if your cuticles are compromised. Our experts recommend avoiding cuticle cutting (again, soften and push them back if you want to clean them up). Then, use sunscreen to protect your cuticles in the summertime, especially when wearing sandals, according to Dr. Perkins. It’s also important to apply a cuticle oil daily. “Oils are going to absorb more efficiently than creams, but any amount of moisturizer is better than none when it comes to cuticles,” she says.
How can I prevent cuticle damage?
To prevent cuticle damage, the experts recommend moisturizing them and avoiding harsh chemicals. “It’s also important to refrain from biting or picking at your cuticles and nails,” says Dr. Garshick. When removing nail polish, avoid acetone remover, as this can also dry out cuticles.
Final takeaway
Cuticles protect new nail growth, so it’s important to take care of them with moisturizing cuticle oil and avoid cutting them. If cuticles are infected, they’ll become red and inflamed, and it’s important to treat them with an over-the-counter antibiotic if this is the case. Protect your cuticles in the summertime with sunscreen and oils, and avoid harsh soaps and acetone to prevent them from drying out. “Maintaining healthy cuticles is essential for overall nail health,” Dr. Garshick says, and trust, your nails will be much better for it.