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 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.
