Most of the women that don??™t take a proper care of their hands and nails, and those who use harsh products “suffer“ from dry cuticles. The skin around the nails gradually becomes rough, coarse and dry and later the skin begins to split, and dry cuticles appear. Some women solve this problem radically ??“ they cut their cuticles, while others prefer to push their cuticles back a few times a week.
The cuticles are essential as they protect the nails from infections, providing a protective barrier from bacteria and act as a seal between the finger and the nail.
Although the professionals advice not to cut the cuticles because they may grow back harder and thicker, many women prefer to cut them as this give them the chance to have good-looking nails for a few days.

How to remove and treat dry cuticles:

1. Soak your fingers in lukewarm water and add a few drops of essential oils. Soak your fingers for approximately 10/ 15 minutes to soften your cuticles. This way it will be easier for you to cut your cuticles or to push them back.

2. Use an orange stick and push your cuticles back but make sure they are soft enough.

3*. Use a cuticle nipper or small scissors and cut your cuticles very carefully.

Useful Tips For Dry, Rough Cuticles:

• Always wear rubber or plastic gloves every time you do the housework to protect your nails and skin.
• Always apply an oilier hand cream in the evening and in the morning to nourish and moisturize your hands and cuticles.
• Choose liquid soaps as they are less drying and contain more moisturizing natural ingredients and have antibacterial properties.
• Never use harsh soaps when washing your hands ??“ they can cause dry cuticles.
• Never apply nail polish straight after you push back or cut your cuticles.
• Always remove your nail polish with polish remover before treating your cuticles.
• You can apply olive oil or almond oil every time you want to soften and moisturize your cuticles.
• Always sterilize your nail tools with alcohol or with spirits.
• Always visit a manicurist if your cuticles are painful or if an infection is present.
• Visit a manicurist once a month to have your dry cuticles removed properly.
• use a good quality cuticle oil and gently rub into your cuticles twice a day.
• Never use metal or sharp instruments on your cuticles.
• The best way to prevent dry cuticles is to keep them moisturized all the time.
• Exfoliate your hands and nails once a week to get rid of rough, dry cuticles
• Choose a cuticle cream or oil that contains natural oils such as safflower, almond oil, sweet almond or passion flower.
• Always remove all cuticle cream or oil before polishing your nails.

To learn more see also the articles:

Artificial Nails - Types, Maintenance, Tips? 

Steps To The Perfect Manicure? 

How To Do French Manicure At Home? 

Recommended Products Treating Dry Cuticles:

OPI Avoplex Nail & Cuticle Replenishing Oil ($10) - Replenishes essential moisture and lipids to nourish dry cuticles. The professional way to pamper nails and cuticles. Formulated with a megadose of OPI’s Advanced Avocado Lipid Complex to treat dry cuticles or rough heels and elbows.

Revlon Cuticle Oil ($8.50) - features a blend of essential oils, vitamins and advanced ingredients to help strengthen condition and shield nails from daily stress. Rescues dry, cracked cuticles with instant moisture relief.

Sally Hansen Vitamin E Nail & Cuticle Oil ($6.10) - Helps strengthen and nourish nails and cuticles. With Wheat Germ Oil, Aloe, Apricot Kernel Oil, Safflower Oil and Panthenol that absorbs quickly to moisturize deeply and keep cuticles supple and nails resilient.

Sally Hansen Cuticle Massage Cream with Apricot Extract ($5) - This rich, emollient formula with Apricot Extract absorbs quickly to deeply moisturize and condition rough, ragged cuticles. The results are smoother, softer, more supple cuticles.

Sephora Cuticle Care Pen ($12) - Relieve dry cuticles without the mess of drippy oils and greasy creams.
Just a couple twists of the end of this pocket-sized nail perfector sends a precise wash of nourishing essential oils and vitamin-enriched emollients over the nails and cuticles.

Philosophy Exfoliating Hand and Cuticle Cream ($18.50) - contains aloe and panthenol to help smooth and condition skin. Helps relieve ragged cuticles.

Kiehl’s Imperiale Moisturizing Cuticle Treatment ($16) - A thick, rich moisturizing treatment with avocado oil and vitamin oils for overall hand-care maintenance as well as an aid in the relief of dry cuticles.