Cuticle Oil: When, How, and Why Should You Use It?

Taking care of your nails goes beyond just applying nail polish! The cuticles, those small areas of skin surrounding and protecting the base of your nails, play a crucial role in their health and beauty. Whether you're a fan of sophisticated manicures or simply concerned about the appearance of your hands, understanding the importance of cuticle oil can transform your care routine. But what is it really for, how do you use it properly, and what are the best available options?

What is cuticle oil?

Cuticle oil is a specific treatment designed to nourish the delicate skin around your nails. It is formulated with plant-based oils rich in vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids, which promote the repair and protection of this often-neglected area.

By preventing dryness, cuticle oil supports the growth of healthy, strong nails. It’s an essential for repairing damage caused by habits such as frequent hand washing or the use of harsh products.

Why should you use cuticle oil?

Regular use of cuticle oil offers numerous benefits for the health and appearance of your nails. First, it prevents dryness and the appearance of unsightly skin around the nails. The oil forms a shield around the nail contour, helping maintain hydration in the cuticle.

It also strengthens the nail matrix, making it less brittle and more resistant to everyday impacts. For those who love nail polish, regularly applying cuticle oil helps prolong the longevity of the manicure by preserving the natural flexibility of the nail.

What is the best cuticle oil?

Choosing the right cuticle oil can seem complex with the wide variety of options available on the market. Here's an overview of the most effective natural oils, each offering unique properties to care for your nails.

Sweet Almond Oil

Sweet almond oil is praised for its gentleness and soothing properties. Particularly rich in vitamins A, B, and E, it deeply nourishes the cuticles without causing irritation.
Its fast absorption and delicate scent make it an ideal option for daily use. It’s perfect for sensitive skin and helps maintain the elasticity of the tissues around the nail.

Sesame Oil

Sesame oil, rich in fatty acids, is an excellent treatment for dry nail contours. It penetrates the epidermis to help rebuild the lipid membrane.
Composed of antioxidant vitamin E, sesamol, sesamin, and lecithin, it has emollient properties that soften and loosen the cuticles.

Castor Oil

Castor oil is appreciated for its soothing and calming properties. Rich in vitamins A, B, and E, it deeply nourishes the cuticles without causing irritation.
Its rapid absorption and subtle fragrance make it perfect for daily use. It is ideal for sensitive skin and helps preserve the elasticity of the tissue around the nail.

Argan Oil

Argan oil is packed with benefits for nails and cuticles. Its high content of vitamin E and essential fatty acids makes it a powerful regenerating agent. It effectively combats the aging of tissues while strengthening the nail structure. Its antioxidant action also protects against daily external aggressions.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil has become a must-have in natural skincare, and for good reason! Its antibacterial and antifungal properties make it an excellent option for preventing cuticle infections.
Easily absorbed by the skin, it provides long-lasting hydration while leaving a light protective film. Its tropical scent adds a delightful exotic touch to your nail care routine.

How to replace cuticle oil?

If you're looking for a complete and natural solution, there are innovative alternatives for caring for your nails and their contours.

Poderm Striated, Brittle, and Split Nails Serum

Poderm® Striated, Brittle, and Split Nails Serum serves as an effective alternative to cuticle oil. This treatment acts as a natural hardener for nails and a cuticle oil, providing a complete solution to weakened nails and dry cuticles. Its innovative formula combats the harmful effects of daily aggressions, whether it's frequent washing, using chemical products, or natural aging.

Since the first application, the serum visibly strengthens the nails, providing the strength and flexibility needed to prevent breakage and irregularities. By restoring the natural barrier of the nail and surrounding skin, it offers lasting protection and significant improvement in the overall appearance of the nails.

Does cuticle oil help with ingrown nails?

While oil can temporarily soften the skin around an ingrown nail, it is not the most effective solution for this specific problem. To treat ingrown nails, it is better to choose a product specifically designed for this purpose, such as Poderm Ingrown Nails Serum. We recommend consulting a healthcare professional (podiatrist, general practitioner, pharmacist, etc.).

This specialized serum provides immediate relief with its innovative formula that creates a protective film, instantly reducing the pain characteristic of ingrown nails. Its targeted action reduces tension between the nail and surrounding skin, while softening the thick areas that may cause discomfort.

Daily use of the serum not only makes it easier to trim ingrown nails but also helps prevent their recurrence by lubricating the contours of the nail to facilitate regrowth. This preventive approach is especially important for those prone to ingrown nails.

How to get beautiful cuticles?

Say goodbye to dry and unsightly skin around your nails, and discover our tips for stunning hands. It’s simpler than you think!

A Regular Care Routine

The foundation of a beautiful manicure starts with well-maintained cuticles. Every day, take the time to gently massage your cuticles with a nourishing oil or a specialized serum like Poderm Striated Nails Serum. This few-minute massage stimulates blood circulation, promoting the growth of healthy nails and maintaining soft cuticles.

Protection and Damage Prevention

Cuticles are particularly vulnerable to external aggressions. Always wear gloves when doing household chores, gardening, or any activity involving chemicals or prolonged contact with water. This simple habit helps preserve the natural hydration of your cuticles and prevents dryness.

Absolutely avoid cutting or pulling your cuticles, even if they seem unsightly. These practices can create entry points for infections and disrupt the natural protective function of the cuticles. If necessary, use a wooden cuticle pusher once a week, but only after properly hydrating the area to soften the skin. We recommend using our Cuticle Emollient, which exfoliates and hydrates the cuticles to make their removal gentle.

Nutrition and Hydration from the Inside

The beauty of your cuticles is also cultivated from within. Adopt a diet rich in essential vitamins and minerals for nail health. Foods rich in biotin (vitamin B7) such as eggs, nuts, and leafy vegetables help strengthen nails and maintain healthy cuticles. Vitamin E, found in vegetable oils and almonds, promotes cell regeneration.

Hydration is also crucial: drink at least 1.5 liters of water per day to maintain skin elasticity. Complement your diet with essential fatty acids found in fatty fish and avocados, which nourish the skin deeply and help keep cuticles soft and well-hydrated.

Can you apply cuticle oil on nail polish?

Yes, you can apply cuticle oil on dry nail polish. However, avoid doing so just before applying nail polish as it may affect its durability. Wait until your polish is completely dry and apply the oil only on the cuticles, avoiding the surface of the nail.

Permeable polishes, such as those in the Color Strong range from Poderm, are highly recommended. They allow the nail to breathe while letting the serums and oils applied pass through to strengthen and nourish your nails.

Color Strong Care Polishes by Poderm strengthen fragile, soft, striated nails or those prone to breaking or splitting. They are the only hardening polishes that allow you to continue care with Poderm nail serums thanks to their breathable formula. By promoting strong regrowth, your nails will be more resistant to daily aggressions and will grow more healthily and quickly.

Good to know: Color Strong polishes are easily removed with Poderm's Extra Gentle Nail Polish Remover, which removes the polish while leaving the nail shiny and nourished thanks to its acetone-free formula.

Frequently Asked Questions: All You Need to Know About Cuticle Oil

How often should I apply cuticle oil?

The frequency of applying cuticle oil mainly depends on the state of your nails and your daily habits. For optimal results, it is recommended to apply the oil once or twice a week.

When should I apply cuticle oil?

The best time to apply cuticle oil is after washing your hands, when the skin is still slightly damp, allowing for better absorption of the product. An additional application may be beneficial after a manicure or using drying products like nail polish remover.

What is the best cuticle pusher?

The best cuticle pusher combines gentleness and effectiveness. It’s better to choose a tool made of wood or stainless steel with a rounded tip to avoid injuring the delicate skin around the nail. Using a cuticle pusher should always be preceded by the application of a hydrating product to soften the skin and make the process easier. 

How should I store my cuticle oil?

Store your cuticle oil in a dry place, away from direct sunlight. Most oils last for about 6 months after opening. If you notice any change in smell or texture, it's best to replace it. 

Do I need to rinse after applying cuticle oil?

No, you don’t need to rinse after applying cuticle oil. On the contrary, let the product naturally absorb into the skin. For best results, massage gently for a few seconds and let it sit. If you find the feeling too greasy, you can lightly dab it with a tissue.