My nails are horid!

[Theatregirl524]

My nails are NOT healthy. do ya'll got anything I could use to help them? (It's my cuticles, they're a nightmare)

[stargaze]

First, never ever cut or pick at intact cuticles. They are your friend and protect your body from harmful bacteria. You can carefully trim off a sharp, dry bit that's hanging off so that it doesn't catch on things and rip. After soaking your nails in warm water for a few minutes or a taking shower you can gently push them back toward your finger with an orange stick. Avoid metal pushers because they can tear the cuticle, especially if it's not healthy.

If you're using scented hand soaps or lotions you might want to stop. Fragrance can irritate damaged skin even if it doesn't sting or burn. We have antibacterial soap in the bathrooms at work that tears up my hands and dries out my cuticles. I bring in my own hand soap to avoid this.

Massage a drop of unscented oil into the cuticles a couple of times a day including right before bed. I prefer plain jojoba oil but you can use argan or any good quality unscented oil. Sephora sells tiny bottles of Josie Maran argan oil that are easy to carry around. Throw it in a ziploc if you're going to put it in your purse. Bonus points, you can use the oil on your hands, too, and to smooth down flyaways when your hair gets dry and staticky.  

Hope this helps!

[Theatregirl524]

thanks so much!