5 Cuticle Oil Substitutes That Are Dermatologist-Approved
Our cuticles are a part of our hands that many of us rarely notice or pay attention to—until they’re dry and painful. Dry cuticles can have an array of causes, ranging from the weather to UV nail driers and more, according to board-certified dermatologist Anna Guanche, MD. Board-certified dermatologist Onyeka Obioha, MD, adds that health conditions such as eczema or psoriasis can also be the culprit.
Cuticle oil is the natural go-to solution for dry cuticles. “Cuticle oils are helpful to lubricate and hydrate the cuticle as well as create a barrier to other potential irritants,” explains board-certified dermatologist Rina Weimann, MD, FAAD. But what to do if cuticle oil isn’t readily available? We asked Guanche, Obioha, and Weimann about their favorite substitutes for cuticle oil. Read on to learn what to use when that staple isn’t at your fingertips.
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Vitamin E
A common ingredient in cuticle oils, Weimann explains that vitamin E can help soften the cuticle. Additionally, Obioha tells us that vitamin E can “regenerate nail growth and strengthen nails.” Guanche says you can even use olive oil for its vitamin E, which is a more accessible option since you likely already have it on hand.
In addition to being sold by the bottle, vitamin E can often be found in capsules you can break open for an easy on-the-go option.
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Lanolin
Renowned for its ability to lock in moisture, lanolin is excellent for your cuticles. “The emollient lanolin assists in the natural, smooth regrowth of nails,” says Obioha, meaning it will prevent them from drying out while also helping them thrive and lengthen. Lanolin can also be used as a lip balm and to treat nipples that are sore from breastfeeding, so you won’t be obtaining it for just one single purpose, either.
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Avocado Oil
Guanche likes avocado oil as a cuticle moisturizer because, in addition to her preference for natural and organic ingredients, “it has monosaturated fats,” which can help improve the dryness of your cuticles. She notes that it may already be in your kitchen, making it an ingredient that doesn’t require a separate purchase (adding to the convenience factor). As for how often to use it, “some people drop oil on their cuticles every time they wash their hands.” she says. “It’s an individual choice to see what works best for you.”
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Coconut Oil
This ubiquitous oil, commonly used in skincare and haircare in addition to food, has multiple benefits for your nails. Wiemann tells us coconut oil doesn’t just hydrate but also possesses anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce skin irritation and redness. This is especially important if your job leads to dry nails. “Certain occupations may put one at risk for splitting cuticles,” she says. This includes hairdressers, healthcare workers, mechanics, and others who frequently work with or wash their hands.
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Hyaluronic Acid
A hero skincare ingredient, if you’re a fan of a well-hydrated face, you may very well have hyaluronic acid on your vanity. Obioha explains that it “effectively draws hydration into the cuticle and nail.” And because it isn’t an oil, it may prove easier to apply.
Obioha tells us that as a substitute for cuticle oil, HA can and should, be used often. “The more frequent the application, the better—up to three times per day or even after every hand washing,” she says.
Dry cuticles are painful and don’t give us that polished look—pun intended—many of us want our hands to have. Fortunately, if you don’t have cuticle oil on hand, you can still bring your cuticles back to good health. Try vitamin E, avocado oil, lanolin, coconut oil, or hyaluronic acid. Each of these simple, natural ingredients can benefit your nail health, helping to add moisture where it’s needed. They might even help your nails grow, too.
DQH Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C?
It’s easy to create a skincare routine, but knowing how to use it is another thing entirely. In most cases, if you’re not getting the desired skin results, it could be due to the layering of conflicting ingredients. So, is it possible that salicylic acid and vitamin C are such ingredients? Or are these active ingredients the duo that’s been missing from your skincare routine? If you want answers, stick around because today we are going to explain the benefits of salicylic acid and vitamin C and how they can be used in your daily life.
What are the benefits of salicylic acid for skin?
Salicylic acid is one of the most commonly used beta hydroxy acids and is favored by many people with oily, acne-prone skin. This acid is derived from willow bark, and unlike its water-soluble relatives (called alpha-hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which means it can penetrate deeper into the lower layers of the skin. Once it reaches the lower layers, it can help unclog pores of excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, debris, and impurities. This results in clearer skin tones and greater definition.
Not only does salicylic acid benefit the underlying layers, but the outer surface of the skin benefits as well. When applied to the skin, salicylic acid removes the buildup of dead skin cells. This is accomplished by breaking the bonds that hold dead cells to the surface. Over time, this can cause the complexion to look dull and prone to acne, blackheads, and other blemishes.
If you’d like to learn more about salicylic acid and how it can improve your skin, check out this dedicated blog post from a beauty insider.
What are the benefits of vitamin C for skin?
Vitamin C is considered one of the most powerful antioxidants, which means it is very effective at fighting free radicals and preventing them from causing further skin damage. Examples of free radicals include pollution, central heating, UV rays and harsh climate. They attack proteins, fats and cell membranes as soon as they come into contact with the skin, causing signs of premature aging such as fine lines and wrinkles as well as hyperpigmentation, flaky patches of skin and loss of elasticity.
Many people usually prefer to use vitamin C in their morning routine as this ingredient gives the complexion a radiant glow. You’ll also find that vitamin C can target areas of hyperpigmentation, plumping the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
The thing about vitamin C is that there are a lot of outdated studies going back to the 1950s that describe vitamin C as an unstable skin component. Thanks to improvements in modern technology, this is no longer the case as all products now contain a stable form of vitamin C.
Visit The Beauty Insider to learn more about vitamin C. So please check out our blog post.
Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C?
Yes, you absolutely can. In fact, it’s thought that using salicylic acid before using vitamin C ensures it penetrates faster and works faster.
This is an efficient way to utilize two power sources, and the reason has to do with pH. For example, the skin’s natural pH is about 4.7, making it slightly acidic. Salicylic acid and vitamin C are also both acidic, and you’ll find that vitamin C is absorbed quickly into the skin. Therefore, using salicylic acid beforehand can increase the acidity of the skin and allow vitamin C to penetrate into the skin faster.
While this is considered an effective way to combine two powerful ingredients, you need to be aware of your skin type and how it reacts to certain active ingredients. Even people with perfect, normal skin can experience skin sensitivity and irritation. Therefore, always consult a doctor or dermatologist before using any new products on your skin.
It’s also important to follow skin application rules. In this case, you need to use the product correctly to ensure you get the best results for your skin. If you’re not sure what I mean, the basic rule for skin is to start with the thinnest consistency and work your way up to the thickest consistency. This prevents a barrier from forming on the surface, preventing other active ingredients from penetrating the skin.
Can I use salicylic acid at night and vitamin C in the morning?
Yes, absolutely, this is considered the most effective way to get returns without any adverse side effects. This is because there is enough time between applications to ensure that the skin’s pH levels return to balance.
You’ll also find that Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants and is perfect for use in the morning to ensure your skin is protected and looking its healthiest. Due to the small size of salicylic acid molecules, it is an acid that is able to reach the deepest parts of the skin. While this is effective at keeping skin clear, it also increases the risk of irritation and photosensitivity. Therefore, many people prefer to use powerful BHAs in their evening routine without exposure to UV rays, pollution, or harsh weather.
Warning: If you avoid using sunscreen every day, none of these ingredients will do what your skin needs. The combination of chemical peels and powerful ingredients increases the risk of further damage to the skin’s surface. Use SPF 50 every day to keep your skin protected and your lipid barrier healthy, even on cloudy days, keeping your skin in top condition.
