To complete our Vital Proper Care For Cuticle, let's not forget to get to know more first about what is actually a cuticle. Because it is less obvious, many have wondered what it is and where can you find your cuticle. There is also doubt about whether is it okay to cut the cuticle or not? Let us find out.
Firstly, what is a cuticle? The answer may seem simple but the usual misconception is that it is the Eponychium. And that is the problem because we cannot give proper care to our cuticles if we don't know exactly what it is and where can we find them in the first place. So, let us first spot where can we find our cuticles.
Take a look at the chart below and spot where the cuticle is. Can you also see where is eponychium? There's just a thin line between their gap. Then check and compare it with your nails. At the bottom of your nail, you will notice that it is where the nail meets your skin. On a closer look, you will see that there is dead transparent skin attached to your nail plate as it sheds off from the side of the eponychium. The cuticle then touches the lunula as it extends over the hard nail. The cuticle then is essentially the end of your skin. They may seem small and unnecessary but they have a vital function to play. So, you may wonder, what do they do and why do we need them? Keep on reading this article as it discusses more about the cuticles.
After having known what is a cuticle and where can we exactly find them, it is obvious that improperly trimming cuticles is not advisable since they cannot function anymore. It will result in breaking the seal which acts as a protective shield for the surrounding skin from external forces like bacteria and infection. The same is true with eponychium, cutting it is not recommended since it protects the growth center or nail matrix. The function of the eponychium is disturbed once it is trimmed causing the body to react with a self-defense mechanism. If trimmed, the tissue will change into thick and hard material. Constant removal of skin will result in an unhealthy cycle causing some nail infections.
Cuticles and eponychium must be kept soft, damp, and easily bent. Having frequent manicure will help your cuticles becomes smooth so that when you push them back, they will be bent as far as they go. However, pushing them back must be done gently and carefully so that it will be less visible and will still serve its role to keep the nails healthy. But if not, it will be ripped off or creeps up on the nail. These little friends of ours may sometimes get neglected but we should attend to them responsibly as they affect the health and strength of our nails.
How about you dear readers, what tips can you share for the best care guide for cuticles? Let us know and we will talk about it.