5 Dermatologist-Recommended Cuticle Oil Alternatives
Our cuticles are a part of our hands that many of us rarely notice or pay attention to—until they become dry and painful. According to nationally board-certified dermatologist Dr. Annaguanche, there are a number of reasons for this, from the weather to UV nail dryers and more. Nationally board-certified dermatologist Dr. Onyeka Obioha adds that health issues like eczema or psoriasis can also be to blame.
Cuticle oil is a natural solution for dry cuticles. “Cuticle oil helps lubricate and moisturize the cuticles and provides a barrier against other potential irritants,” explains board-certified dermatologist Dr. Lina Weimann, FAAD. But what if cuticle oil isn’t readily available? We asked Guanche, Obioha, and Weimann for their favorite cuticle oil alternatives. Read on to find out what you can use if you don’t have this staple on hand.
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Vitamin E
Weimann explains that vitamin E, a common ingredient in cuticle oil, softens the cuticles. Additionally, Obioha tells us that vitamin E can “boost nail growth and strengthen nails.” Guanche says you can even use olive oil because of the vitamin E content, which is a more accessible option since you may already have it on hand.
In addition to bottled vitamin E, vitamin E is often sold in capsule form, which you can open for easy on-the-go use.
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Lanolin
Lanolin is known for its ability to lock in moisture, making it great for cuticles. “Emollient lanolin supports the natural, smooth regeneration of nails,” Obioha says. That means it prevents nails from drying out while helping them grow and become longer. Lanolin can also be used as a lip balm and treats nipple soreness from breastfeeding, so you won’t be using it for just one purpose, either.
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Avocado Oil
Guanche loves avocado oil as a cuticle moisturizer because, in addition to her love of natural, organic ingredients, it contains “monounsaturated fats,” which can help improve dry cuticles. She points out that you probably already have it in your kitchen, so you don’t have to buy it separately (which adds to the convenience factor). As for how often to use: “Some people dab oil onto their cuticles every time they wash their hands,” she says. “It’s a personal decision about what works best for you.”
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Coconut Oil
This ubiquitous oil, commonly used in skin and hair care as well as food, has a variety of benefits for your nails. Not only is coconut oil moisturizing, it also has anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce skin irritation and redness, Wieman tells us. This is especially important if you work with dry nails. “Certain jobs put you at risk for split cuticles,” she says. This includes hairdressers, healthcare workers, mechanics, and others who frequently work with their hands or wash their hands.
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Hyaluronic Acid
If you like a hydrated face, hyaluronic acid is a great ingredient in your skin care regimen. It “effectively draws moisture into the cuticles and nails,” Obioha explains. And because it’s not an oil, it may be easier to apply.
Hyaluronic acid can and should be widely used as a cuticle oil alternative, Obioha tells us. “The more often you use it, the better, up to three times a day, even after every wash of your hands,” she says.
Dry cuticles are painful and keep our hands from looking neat and tidy—something many of us crave. Luckily, you can restore healthy cuticles even if you don’t have cuticle oil on hand. Try vitamin E, avocado oil, lanolin, coconut oil, or hyaluronic acid. Each of these simple, natural ingredients can have a positive impact on the health of your nails and help provide moisture where you need it. They can even promote nail growth.
DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek.
“Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more.
Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals.
Sunscreen
“We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.”
Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen
An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup.
Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand.
Vitamin C Serum
“A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging.
Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum
The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation.
Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum
This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants.
Peptides
Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.”
Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses.
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream
This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively.
This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek.
At-Home Peel Pads
Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate.
“The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.”
According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says.
Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad
A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection.
KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation.
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads
These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids.
Emollient Night Cream
“In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.”
“Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products.
Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream
One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid.
RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme
“The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.
