Soft, beautiful hands need not be something that happens only when you have time or money to go to the salon. Below, I’m sharing the easiest nail cuticle oil that you can whip up in just a couple minutes. Cheers to pretty hands!
Starting at the beginning of fall, around the autumn equinox, the weather starts to get cooler in the northern hemisphere, which means things like dry skin and eczema usually start to increase. In hot places too, there are many climate elements and daily tasks (like washing dishes and cleaning) that can wreak havoc on your hand’s skin, and specifically your nails. Cuticle oil is an excellent way to tend to the health of your nails, and to maintain the integrity of the skin on your hands. Read below to learn more about my diy cuticle oil recipe (it’s quick and cheap!), and keep those beautiful hands soft!
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Why use cuticle oil?
Cuticle oil is an excellent and effective tool to have in your handcare tool kit to keep your hands looking good, moisturized and free of cracks in the skin. Below are the benefits of using cuticle oil:
Cuticle oil can help heal past cuticle damage
When cuticle oil is applied to the cuticle and the nail, the cuticles absorb the oils which is an immediate health boost. The skin around the cuticles can get cracked, and you can get brittle nails when they are exposed to things like harsh chemicals, cleaning products and cold weather.
The removal of acrylic nails is also known to cause damage to the nails and cuticles. This application will promote healing and strong nails, and help to prevent further damage.
Cuticle oil can prevent future cuticle damage
Nails that break and chip at the top can often benefit from a good application of cuticle oil, which will help restore their moisture and flexibility. This flexibility is a type of protection against breakage.
Next time you hit your hand up against something, your nail might bend a bit, but it won’t break off, ruining your beautiful mani.
Cuticle oil can increase circulation and encourage nail growth
No one ever said no to a free hand massage, am I right?! We know that on the other parts of our body, when we apply a massaging motion, we are effectively increasing blood and fluid circulation in that area of the body.
The hands are no different! The rubbing that is required to help the skin and nails absorb the oil will help to stimulate increased circulation to the fingers and hands. Make a regular practice of applying cuticle oil to help your nails to grow faster!
Caring for your body can help you connect to your femininity and receive inspiration
Taking a few moments to care for your body is a great way to feel more grounded, and to have a few meditative moments of relaxation. Tending to your body and to your own sense of beauty will also help you to connect to your Venus energies.
From a symbolic standpoint, our hands are related to our service in the world, so while you are using this diy oil, consider how you are uniquely equipped to serve your loved ones, community and world. This is a perfect activity to still your mind so that you can receive inspiration from your higher self or your spirit guides!
Should I push back or remove my cuticles? Tips for proper care of your cuticles
Don’t do it! In nail salons, cuticles are routinely pushed back or removed solely as an aesthetic process. Because the purpose of the cuticle is to protect the nail bed and promote healthy nail growth, damaging the cuticles makes the nails susceptible to infection. Cuticles are quite literally SKIN. Instead of removing your damaged or dry cuticles, apply oil or moisturizers regularly to your cuticles in order to keep them looking healthy and nice, while at the same time keeping your nail roots healthy and safe.
How do I use cuticle oil?
It’s pretty simple, actually!
1-Make sure your hands have been well cleaned and well dried. If you are planning to get a manicure, it is best to apply this after as if it is not adequately absorbed, it will prevent your polish from properly adhering to your nail plate.
2- apply the oil to a clean, dry nail. Just a drop or 2 on each nail will do! You can apply it with the dropper or roller bottle, or just dip a cotton ball into the oil and then apply to each cuticle. Before a long drive or before a nap is a great time to apply cuticle oil, as the oil will have lots of time to properly absorb.
3-Rub in the cuticle oil. You can use a slow, gentle, massaging motion on and around each cuticle for approximately 15 seconds each (or until you can see and feel that the oil has been absorbed). You can also apply some of the oil up towards your nail plate, and on the skin surrounding each nail, focusing of course on the cuticle.
4-Enjoy soft, nourished nails and beautiful hands.
Note: If you use this recipe to make your own homemade cuticle oil, please remember that it is for topical use only. The aforementioned application method can also be applied to toenails to keep your toenail cuticles healthy and looking great!
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Biology of the nail
Here’s a quick run down of the anatomy of the nail so you can get a clear understanding of where the cuticle is located, and why caring for them is an important part of your hand-care routine.
Nail bed: located directly underneath the nail plate and contains nerves, blood cells and lymph.
Lunula: The white, half moon shaped part of the nail that is at the very bottom of the nail, right above the cuticle.
Nail plate: this is the part that is referred to, typically, as the “nail”. It is made up of keratin protein and does not contain any nerves, which makes sense because this is the part that we “clip” (we clip the free edge or “distal edge” that grows above the nail bed).
Cuticle: The thin layer of skin that grows from the bottom of the nail towards the top of the nail. It’s purpose is to protect the nail from trauma or the entry of bacteria while the nail grows.
The best moisturizing oils to use for cuticle oil
Besides being especially moisturizing and nourishing for the skin, cuticle oil has other benefits too! Here’s a list of the best oils to make your own natural cuticle oil with:
Coconut oil (liquid form): antibacterial properties, anti-inflammatory benefits, anti-fungal properties
Jojoba oil: anti- inflammatory benefits and helps the skin prevent water loss. Often used for dermatitis (skin conditions)
Avocado oil: antioxidant, anti-inflammatory benefits
Grapeseed oil: anti-inflammatory benefits, antioxidant, antimicrobial
Oregano oil: beneficial for healing (made with a carrier oil, which would contain additional benefits)
Olive oil: sun damage relief, promotes youthful skin
Castor oil: help heal damaged skin, moisture retention (it is a thick oil)
Shea butter (liquid oil): antioxidant, anti-inflammatory properties
Sweet almond oil: help heal damaged skin, soothing
The best essential oils to use for cuticle oil
Frankincense: soothing to damaged skin
Rosemary: cleansing
Tea tree: purifying, help fight/ prevent fungal infections
Peppermint: stimulating (will support blood flow and circulation)
Lavender essential oil: soothing for skin that has sun damage
Myrrh: cleansing, soothing to skin, promotes youthful looking skin
Geranium: relaxation
Jasmin: promotes skin that is healthy
Helichrysum: improves skin’s appearance
Lemon essential oil: fresh and rejuvenating scent
Supplies needed to make cuticle oil:
-high quality Essential oils (4-8 drops of essential oil will be used)
– roller bottle or dropper bottle
-if you don’t have any of the bottles above, a small glass bottle or jar would also be an excellent choice. You can use a Q-tip or your finger to apply the cuticle oil to your cuticles
–Vitamin E oil (optional)
-a small funnel
-a carrier oil (or several) of your choosing (2 tsp. in total)
–measuring spoons to measure the ingredients
Method: How to make DIY nail cuticle oil
1-Gather your supplies (oils, essential oils, small bottle, vitamin E, funnel)
2- Pour your moisturizing oils(2 tsp in total) into the small bottle using the funnel. (For my own recipe, I chose to use olive oil and avocado oil. Use whatever feels right for you. If you’re a renegade, like me, or don’t like washing extra dishes…also like me, you might do this step without a funnel. May the odds be ever in your favour!)
3- Add 4-8 drops of essential oils of your choice into the glass bottle. (For my own recipe, I chose to use geranium essential oil and lemon essential oil)
4-Add 1/4 tsp of vitamin E into the glass bottle.
5-Put the lid on the bottle, then shake it really well to combine the ingredients.
Recommendations:
If you’re in a pinch or would prefer to buy some cuticle cream instead, I have used THIS specific hand/nail/cuticle cream up until I learned how to make my own and highly recommend it. You can find another really lovely store-bought cuticle oil HERE. This nail serum pen HERE is also great (and extra handy because it’s a pen with a lid!)
This simple diy cuticle oil is so easy to make, full of natural ingredients and is a great and easy way to keep your cuticles healthy. As an added benefit, will be VERY friendly to your wallet.
The best part of this DIY is that a lot of people have the majority of these ingredients in their homes. Here’s to continued healthy nails and healthy cuticles, and great skin health all around. If you made your own DIY cuticle oil, which EO’s did you use? Let me know in the comments below!
Still climbing,
xx,
Celeste
Free “cuticle oil” label:
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Sources:
https://www.byrdie.com/cuticle-oil
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nail_(anatomy)
https://www.healthline.com/health/cuticle
https://www.webmd.com/beauty/features/caring-for-your-cuticles
https://integrisok.com/resources/on-your-health/2021/september/natural-oils-for-skin-care
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321543#eight-benefits-for-the-skin
https://www.performancehealth.com/articles/essential-oils-benefits-and-uses-chart
https://www.verywellhealth.com/olive-oil-skin-benefits-5095861
https://www.lovingessentialoils.com/blogs/healthy-living/benefits-of-castor-oil-for-skin-diy-recipes
https://thisisfeel.com/blogs/blog/non-comedogenic-oils
https://munskin.com/blogs/skin-beauty/using-linoleic-acid-for-softer-smoother-clearer-skin
Aja Celeste is a mom to 6 beautiful children and a twin mom! She is also creator and writer of That Zoi Life and a professionally trained Evolutionary Astrologer who has been doing astrology for 7 years. She is also a health care assistant, has a Bachelor of Ministry Degree, and is passionate about supporting people in conscious parenting. She also does Psychosomatics using Recall Healing.
Please contact her at [info@ThatZoiLife.com] if you would like to find out more about working with her.