DIY cuticle oil, secrets and expert advice

As one of the means for caring for the skin of hands and nails, the use of cuticle oil has become popular. Many girls and women know firsthand that this product is a real salvation at a time when the skin around the nails begins to dry out, becomes white and crumbles unpleasantly. Subsequently, such unpleasant moments arise as caterpillars and cracks in the skin, which are most often quite painful. Hand creams cannot always help in this case, which is why you have to turn to special oils that will delicately care for such delicate skin and prevent various damages.

Main cuticle problems

Problematic overgrown cuticle

One of the most common problems is inflammation of the cuticles. The skin becomes swollen and red, and pain occurs when pressure is applied.

A severe inflammatory process is accompanied by itching and constant pain. There is also the possibility of developing a nail infection or fungus. At the same time, the cuticle looks dry and flaky.

Mechanical damage This happens when the cuticle is removed incorrectly or during household work.

Overgrown cuticles not only spoil your manicure, but also slow down nail growth and form uneven surfaces on the nail plate.

Alternative to store-bought cosmetics

You may think that the matter is too troublesome. Where can I get the ingredients and everything needed for the process? Maybe it's too difficult?

Don’t be afraid, in the modern world this problem is easy to solve. If you decide to learn how to make hand oil with your own hands, you can find everything you need for this in pharmacies and specialized stores of goods for home cosmetology.

And after trying to make a skincare product just once, you will see that it not only saves your family budget and protects your health, but also brings a lot of pleasant emotions. Reviews from those who have mastered this simple task indicate that the process is very exciting, and even after unsuccessful attempts you want to return to it to improve your skills.

General rules for caring for the nail cuticle

Many people think that cuticles do not need care, since they still have to be removed. However, a healthy cuticle is the key to strong nails. It performs a protective function and is a barrier against infections that can penetrate the root of the nail.

The cuticle is made up of healthy cells and dead skin.

The cuticle needs regular hydration and nutrition

Proper care involves nourishing living cells and removing dead cells. A large number of accumulated dead cells form a hangnail, which only becomes inflamed due to inept removal. That is why cuticle care should be timely.

• Moisturizing the cuticle reduces the risk of infection . This part of cuticle care is relevant for lovers of gel polish, the composition and coating technology of which dries out the skin and nails. Balms, creams and oils in combination with massage will help cope with this problem. Jojoba oil and vitamin E oil solution are especially effective.


Untrimmed manicure procedure

• Removal is a very scrupulous and traumatic process for the cuticle, for which unedged manicure .
  It is performed using a special cuticle remover or a manicure machine. The cutter cuts off the dead part of the cuticle without damaging the living part. Trimming cuticles at the root is not recommended due to the high level of injury. In addition, cutting cuticles causes them to grow faster and become rougher. Only very large cuticles on damaged nails can be trimmed as much as possible.

The main trend is beauty

No matter how luxurious the outfit, poor health will negate all efforts. And carefully styled hair, neat manicure, well-groomed hands will make even a modestly dressed girl a real beauty. Naturalness is in fashion today, and it is unattainable without regular self-care.

It is difficult to overestimate the role of well-groomed hands with smooth skin and healthy nails. That's why more and more women are trying to learn how to make hand oil with their own hands. But the most important thing is that this is not a trend of changing fashion. Health will always be in trend. Take the time to study the issue once - and the result will delight you for many years.

Application of the product

Characteristics of oils

Cuticle oil

Cuticle oil is a combination of effectiveness, safety and affordability in caring for this delicate area of ​​the nail. It helps get rid of excess dryness , relieve irritation, moisturize the skin and nourish it with vitamins .

The essential oils in this product protect the nail plate and prevent the cuticle from drying out and turning into a hangnail. The most effective oils are those containing almonds, jojoba, grape seed extract and tea tree.

How to use cuticle oil

1. Apply a little oil to the base of the nail.


Process of applying cuticle oil

2. Rub in with gentle massaging movements for several minutes.

The best time for the procedure is an hour before bedtime . The oil is also an effective way to moisturize the nail before a manicure. Problematic nails and the area around them need nourishment daily .

You can choose your favorite scent and then the moisturizing procedure will become an aromatherapy session for a good sleep.

Popular oil brands

When purchasing ready-made cuticle oil, it is important to pay special attention to the quality of the product. All components must be natural and have a fairly rich composition. As an example, we will tell you about two popular brands.

1. Oils from OPI. The official manufacturer offers its products for the cuticle of the Avoplex series. The oil can be purchased in a bottle with a brush or pipette, as well as in a soft pencil. You can often find counterfeits of a well-known brand on the Internet. The oil is sold in a hard pencil with a rotating handle. The fake is replete with variety and has a large selection of odors, which, however, are weakly expressed. Official OPI products have a specific avocado aroma. Contains lecithin, vitamin E, sunflower, sesame, Kuki nut and grape seed extract.
2. The CND brand is famous all over the world for the high quality of its products. Cuticle oil is sold in bottles with a brush. Unfortunately, CND does not produce a convenient pencil model. The composition includes extracts of jojoba and almond, as well as vitamin E. Bottles are produced in the SolarOil series, which are very popular among Hollywood beauties.

Oil from well-known brands has a harmoniously selected composition and at the same time costs quite a lot of money. To save the family budget, cuticle oil can be created at home.

How to choose cuticle oil

For regular moisturizing, burdock or wheat oil, as well as jojoba, are suitable. Apricot or almond oil will help remove small hangnails. Prevention of infections is carried out with castor oil.

When buying oil, pay attention to the storage conditions in the store. This is the first thing that will tell you which product you are taking.

The essential oil bottle should always be made of dark glass.

The effect of essential oils on the cuticle and nail plate

Preliminary test

Before you begin, you must make sure that none of the components will cause you a reaction, as natural oils have a high allergenic potential.

Do not apply pure oil to your skin. For example, sea buckthorn can cause a burn. It is better to breed it in a neutral environment.

To do this, add 1-2 drops of the essential component to a teaspoon of olive oil (it is absolutely safe for everyone). Dampen the sponge and wipe the skin on the bend of the elbow. You should only have pleasant sensations.

Remember: burning, scratching, redness and any discomfort are reasons to discard the component.

If no negative sensations arise, feel free to use the proven ingredient to prepare oil for the skin of your hands.

Home Recipes

First of all, it is important to remember that concentrated oils are added to softer ones , which allows them to dissolve evenly in the base oil.

For damaged cuticle

Cuticle oil

1 tsp. apricot oil, heated in a water bath

3 drops tea tree essential oil

2 drops lavender oil

Leave for 5 minutes and rub 5-7 times a week until the cuticle grows evenly around the nail plate and is leveled.

For injured cuticle

1 tsp. half grape seed oil and half jojoba oil

5-6 drops lemon essential oil

1 capsule vitamin E

Apply daily, making gentle massaging movements.

Homemade cuticle oil

For inflamed cuticles

10 drops wheat germ oil

2-3 drops of lavender oil

3 drops tea tree oil

This mixture has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effects. Use only on infected cuticles.

You will learn the secrets of making homemade cuticle oil from the video tutorial:

Subtleties of cooking

• buy a quality product . All recipes will be based on natural beeswax. You can buy it from beekeepers, as well as in soap stores. I saw an offer on Aliexpress, but it is better not to buy wax there, because it is not known whether it is really a natural product or simple paraffin;
• Use glass or ceramic dishes and avoid metal containers . Ingredients in the home remedy may react with the metal;
• Always check ingredients for allergies . Wax products rarely cause allergies, even in those who have a reaction to honey. However, before cooking, it is better to do a test - apply a small amount to the crook of your elbow and leave for 30-40 minutes. Ideally, check each component this way;
• do not boil the mixture . To prepare homemade cosmetics, the wax must be melted before cooking. The melting point is 65-67 degrees. This means that you do not need to bring it to a boil. Try to heat it in a water bath, not in the microwave. This way you can follow the process;
• Don't cook a large portion at once . Homemade cosmetics have a much shorter shelf life than store-bought ones. Shelf life in the refrigerator is no more than 3 months, and at room temperature up to 3 weeks;
• disinfect the jars in which the finished product is stored . Wipe the jar inside and out with alcohol or a disinfectant, and then rinse with clean water. This way you will destroy the microorganisms that were on the walls, and the finished product will be stored longer;
• Let the resulting mass harden at room temperature . It is important that the product hardens slowly, so you should not put the jar in the refrigerator. A sudden change in temperature will cause the mass to crack and make it difficult to use.

Rules for storing natural cosmetics

Professional cosmetologists, as well as experienced lovers of preparing home remedies, know that not only the recipe and quality ingredients are important, but also the dishes in which the products are prepared and stored. Glass is best suited for these purposes.

You need to be very careful when storing homemade oils that do not contain synthetic preservatives. Not only food, but also cosmetics can go rancid and spoiled, and therefore you should not prepare large portions of care products.

If the mixture contains olive oil, do not store it in the refrigerator under any circumstances. Firstly, there it will thicken and become cloudy, which will make it difficult to use (you will have to wait until it thaws). And secondly, this is not necessary, because olive oil itself is one of the most powerful natural preservatives.

Other homemade hand oils can be stored in a darkened cupboard in winter, avoiding contact with the sun. And if you made your own hand oil during the hot season, it is better to store jars and bottles in the refrigerator.