Do You Really Need To Push Back Cuticles? -

Cuticle care is essential to many nail routines, but do you really need to push back cuticles? The short answer is yes, but only with proper technique and care. Let’s explain why this is important and how to do it safely.

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Why Do You Really Need To Push Back Cuticles?

The cuticles act as a barrier between your nails and harmful bacteria. However, growing over the nail bed can lead to hangnails, ridges, and even infections. Pushing them back can help create a cleaner, longer nail surface, mainly if you frequently apply nail polish or get manicures. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, proper cuticle care can help prevent infection.

Most people always push back their cuticles because it can help the nails grow. The cuticles can act as a barrier between the nail and the nail bed if they’re overgrown, resulting in fewer nutrients reaching the nails. Pushing back your cuticles ensures nails get the vitamins and nutrients necessary for healthy growth.

Pushing back your cuticles is also a great way to prevent hangnails. If you’re prone to hangnails, a weekly manicure can help.

How to Push Back Cuticles Safely

If you choose to push back your cuticles, it’s essential to do so gently and with the right tools:

Soften the Cuticles: Soak your hands in warm water for a few minutes to soften the cuticles.
Use a Cuticle Pusher: Gently push the cuticles back with a wooden or rubber cuticle pusher. Avoid using metal tools, which can be harsh on the delicate skin around the nails.
Moisturize: After pushing back the cuticles, apply a cuticle oil or moisturizer to keep them hydrated and prevent cracking.

Always make sure the cuticles are soft first so they’re easier to push back. Using a cuticle pusher makes the process easier and ensures they are evenly pushed back.

Most people advise against cutting your cuticles. Cutting them can lead to you accidentally cutting them too short, which can make you more prone to bacterial infections. Cutting them too short can be pretty painful, and you won’t be able to wear nail polish until the cuticle heals.

There is one exception: if the cuticles are sticking up off the nail when you push them back. Sometimes, cuticles are overgrown, and excess skin is visible when you push them back. You can gently and carefully cut off some of the excess skin. However, it’s essential to do this carefully or opt for a professional manicure to avoid cutting them too short.

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What Happens If You Don’t Push Back Cuticles?

Skipping this step isn’t a huge problem, but it can lead to minor issues. Overgrown cuticles can make your nails look shorter and untidy. They can also cause your nail polish to lift and chip more easily. However, you can avoid this by regularly moisturizing your cuticles, reducing overgrowth.

Can Pushing Back Cuticles Be Bad For You?

There are arguments for and against pushing back your cuticles. While many say it’s necessary and can help your polish last longer, others swear you’re doing more harm than good.

Those against pushing back your cuticles point out that there’s a little barrier under the cuticle, and you can damage the barrier when you push them back. This can lead to an increased risk of bacteria getting into the nail and infections.

This argument isn’t necessarily wrong, but it’s not always true. You can damage that barrier when pushing back your cuticles. However, you have to be pretty aggressive with the cuticle pusher and really dig it into the area to cause that much damage.

You can safely push back your cuticles by using a cuticle oil to keep them moisturized, which makes them easier to push back. Then, make sure you’re gentle to avoid damage to that barrier. This is the best way to make sure you don’t increase your risk of bacterial infections.