What is the best treatment for dry cuticles?

Hi Anon,

Thank you for sharing your question about dry cuticles with the EmpowHER community! Those dang pesky cuticles can really get you down, especially if you tend to pick at them like I do! I live in Arizona where it is so dry, that my cuticles dry out in what seems like a split second!

Your cuticles are made of the same proteins as skin, which loses moisture and needs to be replenished. Dry cuticles are a common complaint for most women, but it can get worse in cold weather and when not drinking enough water to replenish moisture. Of course, hand washing with antibacterial type of soaps will dry out your cuticles. 

I suggest putting vitamin E oil on your cuticles after the shower in the morning and again when you go to bed at night. Try using moisturizing gloves at night, or using an old pair of socks is a cheap, free trick. Also, you can change your soap to a moisturizing soap such as a soap that has shea butter in it. 

As for trying all the gimmicks out there, what might work for one woman might not work for the other. I have heard that rubbing Carmex on your cuticles helps due to its moisturizing and exfoliating properties (salysilic acid). 

So, try drinking more water, change your soap and moisturize twice a day. I also keep a small bottle of cuticle oil in my car. When I am stuck at a light, I dab on a dot and let it soak in during my commute. 

Here's a great article from the EmpowHER community on ways to treat chapped hands (which will help your cuticles as well :-))

https://www.empowher.com/skin-hair-amp-nails/content/9-ways-treat-chapped-hands

Anon, does this help?

Best,

Kristin