To remove the cuticle you need to sterilize the instruments, apply cream to soften the area and use a nail spatula to remove it.
After all, everyone always likes to have beautiful nails, whether they are polished or not, looking at your fingers and seeing that they are cut and clean is a good feeling of purity. Part of this process consists of removing the cuticle, and you need to follow the correct steps to avoid problems with your nails later.
The cuticle is a skin structure that surrounds the nail in its lower part, and it has an important function: to protect the nail from the entry of bacteria and fungi, in order to avoid inflammation and infections.
However, completely removing the cuticles can be harmful, precisely because you will leave your nails unprotected. See below for step-by-step tips on how to remove excess skin at home without harming your nails.
Used tools
To carry out the cuticle removal process, it is necessary to separate some items so that nothing is missing at the time. Therefore, some of the instruments are essential to perform this act, as the cuticle protects the nails and cannot be removed in any way. Therefore, you will need:
- 70% alcohol;
- Moisturizing or cuticle cream;
- Specific spatula for cuticles;
- Nail stick;
- Cotton;
- Nail pliers;
- Acetone;
- Colorless enamel.
Step by step to remove the cuticle at home
1. Sterilize instruments
Cuticles are protective skin on your nails, so removing them requires a lot of care and attention. That said, it is necessary to sterilize the instruments that will be used in the process, as this prevents infections, bruises and other skin problems from arising after removing the cuticles.
To sterilize it is very simple, just wash the pliers, the spatula and the nail stick under running water and, after that, apply 70% alcohol and let it dry. Always repeat the process before starting to remove the membrane.
2. Clean your nails
First, wash your hands well and, after that, use cotton wool to apply acetone or nail polish remover to your nails so that any residue from the last nail polish or impurities are completely eliminated.
3. Moisturize your cuticles
Using a hand cream or cuticle cream, moisturize the area for at least five minutes. Cuticles are part of your body and are made of skin, so they need hydration in the same way as the rest of the body. Furthermore, the cream will soften the cuticle, which will facilitate the process of removing it.
4. Push with a spatula
Using the sterilized spatula, gently push the cuticle inward. This way, your cuticle will detach itself from the nail.
5. Remove cuticles with pliers
Now it’s finally time to actually remove the cuticle from the nail. First of all, you will remove the cuticle that was already detached while you were pushing with the spatula. Ideally, you should only remove what was loosened during the previous process, as the cuticle is an important part of the nail, as it protects it.
The pliers must be angled to carry out the movements and you must not make a mistake and remove a piece of steak, as you certainly do not want to feel this pain. Start from the sides towards the center, being careful not to hurt your skin.
6. Wipe off excess with a toothpick
After finishing the process of removing the detached cuticle with pliers, it was time to clean your nails — yes, again! It turns out that you shouldn’t leave excess cream, even after removing the cuticles.
Therefore, wrap cotton around a nail stick and apply acetone or nail polish remover and pass it over the entire nail, in order to remove any remaining cuticle or cream residue. This act not only cleans your nails, but also leaves them perfect for receiving nail polish.
7. Apply colorless base polish
Even if you don’t intend to paint your nails with colored nail polish, it’s very important that you apply colorless base polish, as it helps protect your nails and makes them even more beautiful. The movement should start from the bottom up, from the cuticle to the tip of the nail, for a better result.
Tips when removing the cuticle
Hold the pliers firmly
Although you need to make smooth movements, your hand must be holding the pliers firmly to prevent it from slipping out of your hands and causing any accident. However, remember not to use force to remove the cuticles.
Remove only the excess cuticle
It’s always good to remember that the cuticle is part of your body and it exists for a purpose: to protect your nails from fungi and infections. This way, you should only remove the excess, thus preventing your nails from being completely unprotected from harm.
Avoid removing cuticles frequently
In general, whenever people get their nails done they remove their cuticles, which depending on the frequency may not be correct. Ideally, cuticles should be removed within at least 15 days. Furthermore, always hydrate them, making them even healthier.
Train a lot
You may not be the best person in the world at removing cuticles, but you can become good at it. This way, the more you carry out the process at home, the more you will have the strength to hold the pliers and the confidence to clean your nails.
Is removing cuticles bad?
Many myths surround nail care, however, it is always a good idea to seek out a specialist to clarify any doubts. In fact, removing cuticles can be harmful to the health of your nails and fingers. According to dermatologists, the act of completely removing the cuticles can facilitate the appearance of ingrown nails, infections, fungi, bacteria and bruises.
Cuticles, despite being made of skin considered dead, play an important role in nail health: they protect nails from impurities, preventing local inflammation. Completely removing the cuticles can trigger problems, therefore, it is necessary to avoid removing them as much as possible, even if it is for aesthetic reasons.
A solution to this is to always hydrate the area and just push the cuticles with the spatula, without removing them completely. This way you guarantee more beautiful, hydrated, healthy nails and free from infections.
Now that you know how to remove nail cuticles at home, come and learn too: Cheap Skincare – 10 great products for healthier skin.
Sources: Pure People, Tudo Sobre Make, Tudo Sobre Make.
Images: Maxifarma, Booksy, Nails Design, Limpeza Rápida Abc, Uol, Fortíssima, Two Bee, Beleza e Saúde, Blog Casa das Unhas, Dicas Online.
