The Importance of Cuticle Care

 

Take a good look at your fingernails. Are they long, beautifully shaped and perfectly polished? Or are they blunt and blank, ready for a day of weeding in the garden. No matter the look the need for cuticle care is vital to good nail health.

Now lets take a closer look at the nail cuticle. It’s at the base of the nail where the nail meets the skin. You should see a white crescent called the lunula. The cuticle is the piece of skin that overlaps the hard nail and touches the lunula.

You may ask what  do they do, or why you need them? If you get frequent manicures, they will be smooth and even, pushed back as far as they’ll go. If not, they may be ragged and worn, or growing up on the nail. No matter the condition, you’d be wise to pay some attention to these little pieces of skin.

The cuticle plays an important role in nail health. They provide protection for the tissue that grows new cells to build nails. As you know, your nails are constantly growing, that’s why you have to keep them manicured. They are made of a hard type of protein called keratin, which serves as a protection for your fingertips. The cuticle protects the new, soft keratin as it emerges onto the nail. As the protein ages, it hardens. Look farther down your nail, toward the tip. There, you’ll find the oldest part of your nail. If it’s healthy, you’ll find that it’s very firm.

Taking care of your cuticles is important because it can lead to stronger, longer, healthier nails. But, if you neglect them, your cuticles can become infected with fungus or bacteria and impede good nail growth. It is easy to prevent these infections, that means knowing about the beauty care products that can help —

One of these products is ClinicaBeautes by Dr. Michelle “Daily Cuticle and Nail Treatment Stick”, this cuticle stick moisturizes, rejuvinates, protects and beautifies through the aid of 7 essential oils. Now let’s take a look at what these 7 essential have to offer.

Geranium Essential Oil

Geranium essential oil, it has a strong antiseptic and anti fungal property which aids in the rejuvenation of skin cells and promotes healing. This oil also aids in the minimization of scar tissue.

Grape Seed Essential Oil

Grape seed oil is next and is known for being naturally hypoallergenic, light weight, absorbable and leaves the skin feeling silky smooth. Grape seed oil’s penetrating nature facilitates the transfer of the other active ingredients into the deeper layers of the dermis allowing for better absorption and utilization. Grape seed is also rich in linoleic acid and Omega-6 fatty acid these are known for their moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties.

Lavender Essential Oil

Lavender oil is a very gentle and versatile oil. Lavender has strong anti-bacterial, antiviral and antiseptic properties. This plants essential oils have been long used by herbalists to treat fungal infections, viral infections, cold sores, wounds, infections and eczema. Lavender has been known to bring clarity of mind and emotional balance, strengthens the immune system and speeds the healing process. Other uses include burn and wound treatment to prevent scarring.

Oregano Essential Oil

Oregano is native to the Mediterranean and a member of the mint family. It was commonly used by ancient Greek physicians for medicinal purposes. Today, it is renowned for it’s antiviral, anti fungal, antiseptic and anti bacterial properties.

Rosemary Essential Oil

Rosemary is exhilarating, penetrating and activating. it stimulates and strengthens the heart and nerves. With a history of use dating from the ancient Egyptians and Roman times, Rosemary is one of the best documented medicinal plants. Rosemary has been used to treat oily and dull skin, and help in the rejuvenation of skin cells. The anti fungal and anti bacterial properties of Rosemary make it popular for the treatment of wounds, burns and eczema.

Tea Tree Essential Oil

Derived from Austrailia’s Melaleuca tree, this time honored essential oil is celebrated for its many beneficial uses. Known as the “Miracle Oil”, Tea Tree is the single most effective non-toxic, antibacterial and anti fungal essential oil. Tea Tree is also beneficial numerous skin problem and infections and most importantly fungus. Tea Tree’s enduring popularity is a testament to its effectiveness and safety.

Thyme Essential Oil

Cultivated from the mountainous regions of the Mediterranean and Asia Minor, this herb is known for its culinary uses. However, as a strong antiseptic, Thyme oil has been used to treat sores, wounds, insect bites as well as oily skin. It is also used to disinfect the hands before surgery. This essential oil is prized for its antibacterial, antiviral and anti fungal properties.

So, with spring just around the corner, treat your cuticles and your nails will be happy and healthy all season long.

For more information on the “Daily Cuticle and Nail Treatment” stick or our other fine nail care products please contact our Louetta or Tomball Offices.