How to Fix Cracked Cuticles

Ugh. One of the worst things about winter are cracked cuticles. You may find your cuticles crack so much in winter because they suffer from the same lack of moisture that your skin does. But why winter? It’s all about the cold, dry air. In other months you might suffer from cracked cuticles due to excessively dry skin or from washing hands, which also saps cuticles of moisture.

So how to fix? You have a few options.

Option 1: Vitamin E Oil or Shea Butter

Rub vitamin E oil or shea butter into your cuticles to soften them. I like Trader Joe’s Vitamin E oil, which you can buy now from Amazon.

Option 2: Sleep in Gloves

Apply a super-strength cream on hands and sleep in gloves for a few nights. I like Kiehl’s Ultimate Strength Hand Salve and Dove’s Regenerating Hand Cream (buy from Amazon).

Option 3: Try a Cuticle Oil or Cream

 If you suffer from dry cuticles, keep cuticle oil (buy from Amazon) in your bag or on your desk at all times. Cuticle oils tend to be more effective than creams. Creative Nail Designs Solar Oil is a great cuticle moisturizer and was named the best cuticle moisturizer in InStyle Magazine’s ‘Best Beauty Buys’ issue. This product contains jojoba, Vitamin E, and sweet almost oils — all of which apparently are great for moisturizing the nail bed.

I rate my favorite cuticle creams in Cuticle Creams: I Rate the Best Ones to Buy.

Option 4: Try Argan Oil

So many women swear by argan oil as the Best Cuticle Oil ever. Apply a 100 percent oil on your cuticles at night or after you wash your hands.

I would keep a bottle with a dropper in my bag to use during the day.

Bonus: It works great on dry heels and elbows as well, who knew?

For more manicure and pedicure tips, don’t miss My 30 Best Manicure Tips.