One of the most under-appreciated and under-cared for areas of your body is also one that, if not given the attention it needs, can have huge effects on your overall health. Say hello to your cuticles, the thin little layer of skin that runs all along the base of your nail beds. It’s been proven that if you don’t properly give your cuticles the care they deserve, your nails won’t just start to look abysmal; you could also end up in a world of pain. Luckily, keeping your cuticles up to par doesn’t take too much work.
First, no matter how tempting it is, don’t pick away at your cuticles. They’re actually there for a reason. If the buildup becomes too much even for you, use a men’s cuticle tool like a cuticle remover or cuticle pusher to gently push back the skin. It’s best to do this after a shower, as the skin is much softer and easier to work with then.
Next, cutting your nails too short is a big mistake many guys make. Right off the bat, if you go clipper-happy and cut too far down, the results can be extremely painful. Also, trimming them excessively short increases the risk of you getting a hangnail. As a general rule of thumb, cutting them just above where the nail starts turning pink is a good line to follow.
You should know by now that you can’t use any old pair of scissors to trim your nails. And if you don’t know, now you do. Using the right nail tools helps reduce the risk of problems like ingrown nails, infections, and accidental cuts. The skin is so thin and sensitive around your nails, so you want to do everything in your power to avoid a painful situation. And whatever you do, DON’T BITE YOUR NAILS.
Another thing to keep an eye out for is dried-out cuticles, which is a leading cause of unsightly hangnails. By moisturizing your hands regularly, you can keep your hands and nails hydrated and strong. Moisturizing also wards off aging signs like fine lines and wrinkles, so make sure you’re applying some sort of deep moisturizing lotion at least once daily.
With the proper care, you can avoid all the problems that neglecting your cuticles can cause. They may not seem like much, but they’re just as important as maintaining the rest of your body. Don’t skimp on the small stuff.
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