“My cuticles are SO dry!”

“I can’t take any more of these hangnails.”

“My nails feel so brittle! They just crack.”

“My nail polish always chips or lifts right away.”

If you’ve found yourself saying any of these things, you’re on the right blog post. The solution to these problems is one simple change to your daily beauty regiment. Using Cuticle Oil!

In the salon, the number one thing my clients will tell you I would ask every time I see them is, “Are you using your oil?”

When my GelMoment customers and fellow distributors message me with questions about their nails or need troubleshooting assistance, the first thing I ask is, “Are you using oil consistently?” 

Nail/Cuticle oil is a key part of a healthy nail, which is a key part of a healthy and long lasting manicure. So let’s take a closer look at why.  

First, what is Nail/Cuticle Oil?

Nail and Cuticle oil is a moisturizing product designed for your nails and the surrounding skin and tissue. Our bodies produce oil naturally, but not enough to keep up with our lifestyles. Hand washing dishes, bathing kids, showering, washing hands, alcohol (hand sanitizer) gels, etc all remove that natural oil we produce. Also, Nail Oil and Cuticle oil are often used interchangeably to describe the same product.

Isn’t water hydrating? 

For our bodies, yes. For our nails, water is the opposite! Our nails are made up of about 100 layers of keratin. When our nails get wet, they absorb that water and they expand. As that water evaporates and they dry back out, they contract. This constant expansion and contraction can weaken your nails. This expansion and contraction also leads to chipping and peeling nail enhancements.

Think of your nails like a piece of wood. Made up of many layers. When a piece of wood gets wet, it absorbs that water and expands. Then, as it dries out, it contracts and can even warp. Now, imagine that wood having polish/paint on it. As the wood expands and contracts, the polish/paint does not – so it will lift, peel, or chip. The same is true for your nails!

This is where nail/cuticle oil comes in.

In the same way that you oil quality wood furniture to protect it from water, you need to do the same with your nails. Keeping your nails well hydrated and moisturized with a quality nail/cuticle oil will prevent water from absorbing into them. It will keep your nails strong and hold together those layers of keratin.

It also has benefits to the skin and tissue surrounding your nails. Consistently using oil will prevent the need to trim cuticles, it will prevent hangnails and skin cracking, and can even help with fine lines/wrinkles. Additionally, having a well hydrated nail surrounding tissue helps protect you from exposure to uncured gel polish you accidentally get on your skin while painting. This reduces your risk of allergy.

So, how often should I apply the oil? 

When you first start using nail/cuticle oil, you will be working to re-hydrate your nails and skin. So for the first 3-5 days, you will need to apply your oil 4-5 times a day. Rub until you can feel the oil has absorbed, and then reapply. After 3-5 days, you can move to a maintenance routine of oiling just twice a day. Any time your nails start to feel weak or dry, simply increase your oil usage.

It is important that you use your oil consistently.  Like any beauty regiment, it only works if you use it on a regular basis! Also, I get asked frequently if you should oil while you have polish on, or only on a bare nail? Use it on BOTH. Whether you have GelMoment gel polish on or not, you should be oiling daily. It will not make your polish come off, it will actually strengthen the nail!

How to apply nail/cuticle oil 

So where do you apply cuticle oil? Swipe the oil around the nail, following the sidewall/cuticle line and also under the free edge at the tip. Massage it in well, working the oil up to the first knuckle. This massaging also has the added benefit of stimulating the matrix of your nail, promoting nail growth. You can also gently push back your cuticles while massaging your oil in, as they will be hydrated and flexible.

But I use a ton of hand lotion, isn’t that enough? 

No. Nail/Cuticle oils are made with ingredients that closely mimic the natural molecular structure of our sebum. The ingredients in hand lotions do not absorb into the nail plate. Also, most lotions have a large percentage of alcohol in them, which evaporates quickly and doesn’t soak in to hydrate well. For well moisturized nails, you will need to use a quality nail/cuticle oil. However, using oil in conjunction with a quality hand lotion will keep your hands looking their best. I recommend GelMoment’s Plume feather light hand lotion.

So where do I find a quality nail/cuticle oil? 

I’m glad you asked! GelMoment offers a wide array of quality nail/cuticle oils.

Almond Quench oil is a great way to restore your nail health. Packed with antioxidants and nutrients from a wide range of vitamins, you will supply your nails with protection that will help prevent cracking, dryness, and breakage.

Coco Rich oil is packed with minerals and vitamins. It is also rich in carbohydrates and fatty acids which keep the nails hydrated with their own natural oils.

Citrus Squeeze oil is filled with essential minerals and vitamins. In addition, it may help remove toxins and impurities on a cellular level. In general, citrus oils are known to boost energy and the immune system. Having them on your nails will be a treat for the body and soul.

Green Tea Zen oil will provide essential minerals and vitamins as its base. This oil is known to help prevent bacteria or fungus accumulating on the nail. It can also help tighten the cuticles around the nail. Finally, it has anti-inflammatory properties, keeping your nails healthy and strong.

Berry Boost oil is a powerhouse of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids. In fact, it is the most potent source of omega 7, which is a key building block for healthy nails.

GelMoment has an oil for every nail, and at just $9.75, it’s an affordable and key addition to your beauty routine.

Still have questions? Shoot me a message, or join my Customer Group on Facebook to join in the discussions and learn more about GelMoment products for having a beautiful, quality manicure from the comfort of your home.

Want to learn more about GelMoment and what their products can do for your nails? Check out this post on What is GelMoment?

Now go forth, and oil those beautiful nails!