Many factors affect the health and appearance of our nails and cuticles. Cold weather, repeated hand washing, and exposure to detergents and household cleaners can cause drier, more rigid nails that can crack easily, as well as rough ragged cuticles that are visibly starving for moisture. During cold weather especially, nails and cuticles become dehydrated, resulting in peeling and splitting as well as frayed edges. Nails are also more susceptible to fungal and bacterial infections during the winter months.

While battling dry skin, people often turn to lotions and creams that moisturize the surface of the skin, yet fail to properly absorb, thus providing only temporary relief. Creams and lotions typically include alcohol, which is a drying agent, and many synthetic ingredients to enhance color, texture and scent but unfortunately cause more harm than good.

The good news is that there are many natural and essential oils that can be used to moisturize, treat and heal nails and cuticles, without any of the toxins, chemicals or drying agents in most over the shelf products.

How to Soften Cuticles Naturally?

Choose these Natural and Essential Oils for Healthy Cuticles

The easiest way to soften the cuticles is to soak your hands and/or feet in warm lemon water for a few minutes, then apply a healing and moisturizing oil to the cuticles and massage gently. Repeat often to keep your cuticles healthy and hydrated. Our top picks for cuticle oils are Jojoba and Sesame Seed Oils. Add in a few drops of Lavender essential oil for an even better treatment.

• Jojoba Oil

  Jojoba oil is one of the best oils to treat and soften dry cuticles. A seed-based oil with small molecules (similar to human sebum, our skin's naturally occurring oil), it easily absorbs into the skin for intensive hydration and natural moisture. Rich in vitamins E and B, Jojoba helps to repair damaged collagen inside nail beds, improving strength and promoting healthy nail growth. It also aids in the absorption of other ingredients, making it an excellent carrier oil for nail care products.

• Sesame Oil

  Sesame seed oil is ultra moisturizing and deeply hydrating for the cuticles in order to keep the nails healthy. This mineral rich oil coats the skin with high levels of minerals and fatty acids, that act as a barrier, to protect it from damage. It is also naturally anti-microbial, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal, making it a great nail treatment during the winter months when nails are more susceptible to infections.   

• Lavender Essential Oil

  A versatile essential oil with many benefits, Lavender helps to strengthen the nails and cuticles and keeps them both moisturized. It is deeply hydrating and soothing, which makes it an excellent choice for dry, ragged or inflamed cuticles.

How to Encourage Nail Growth?

Choose these Natural and Essential Oils for Healthy Nails

After taking care of the cuticles, it’s important to treat the nails in order to keep them healthy, strong and encourage growth. Our top picks for strengthening nail treatments are Olive and Sweet Almond oils. A few drops of Myrrh essential oil will also do wonders for the health and appearance of your nails.

• Olive Oil

  Olive oil is an extremely moisturizing and healing oil and is easily absorbed into the skin making it an excellent choice for nail and cuticle care. Rich in vitamin E, olive oil helps in the absorption of calcium, improves bone mineralization and the process of calcification, to help nails grow faster. It also strengthens brittle nails, softens cuticles, helps prevent hangnails, and increases nail flexibility to avoid breakage.

• Sweet Almond Oil

  Almond oil helps to naturally restore nail health. Rich in essential antioxidants, Omega 6 and 9 fatty acids and vitamins E, A, B1, B2, and B6, Almond oil coats the nails with rich nutrients that protect them from peeling, cracking, dryness and breakage. In addition to providing protection, a few drops of Sweet Almond Oil will smooth out your cuticles and lend your nails a glossy shine.

• Myrrh Essential Oil

  Myrrh oil is thought to be one of the best essential oil to help nails grow. With its moisturizing properties, Myrrh protects fingernails from becoming brittle, thin and breaking. It also keeps the cuticles moisturized in order to provide a healthy environment for the nails to grow in. Myrrh strengthens nails and promotes the growth of smoother, less rigid nails.

How to Protect Nails and Cuticles from Fungal Infections?

Choose these Anti-Fungal Essential Oils

With your risk of fungal infections (especially toenail fungus) increasing during the winter months, consider adding a few drops of these anti-fungal essential oils to your nail and cuticle oil. The essential oils will protect your nails from infection and will also help treat existing infections and their symptoms.

• Tea Tree Essential Oil

  Tea tree oil is a powerful antiseptic that can prevent fungus and help to repair and strengthen damaged or discolored nails.

• Thyme Essential Oil

  Thyme oil has anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties that are ideal for keeping nails and cuticles healthy.

• Blue Tansy Essential Oil

  A relative of chamomile, this calming essential oil has anti-inflammatory, anti-histamine and anti-fungal properties to help treat fungal infections of the skin, nails or scalp.

• Clove Essential Oil

  Clove is also an anti-fungal oil that helps to heal fungal infections and protects nails and cuticles from infection.

Keeping nails and cuticles healthy can be easy when using the right ingredients. When making your own blend of oils, be sure to use therapeutic grade organic oils in order to avoid toxins and additives that can be harmful to your health. In addition to topically treating nails, a diet rich in healthy fats, such as avocados, nuts and seeds, and antioxidants can also help in keeping your nails and cuticles healthy.

If you would rather use a product that contains all of the above ingredients, check out our Isabella’s Clearly NAIL. Keep a bottle of it in your purse or bag so that you can apply it throughout the day, especially in the winter. A convenient stainless steel roller makes it easy to apply without any waste. It also smells great, which is always a bonus!

Whether you choose to make your own blend or use Clearly NAIL, remember to apply morning and night for best results.