SERIES: Nail Care-My Top 5 Cuticle Removers

3/13/2013

Just under a week ago, I shared with you the "Big Chop" I went through after experiencing a severe break on my swatch hand.  I also mentioned that I would be doing a Nail Care Series, sharing with you my nail regimen and the products I use. So today, I am starting with the Cuticle Removers I have used throughout my nail care journey.  Of all the cuticle removers I've used, these are my Top 5 Cuticle Removers. I realize that there are still many others on the market but since I have not used them, I can't comment on them.

3/19/2013

5. Develop 10 Creamy Cuticle Remover ($6.99 for 4oz): Claim-"This gentle cream softens your cuticles to the point where they can be gently pushed back or removed." I purchased this product from Ulta and found it to be effective but a bit messy.

4. Sally Hansen Cuticle Eraser + Balm* ($6.99 for 0.28oz): Claim-"Combination remover and creme quickly eliminates excess, ragged cuticles & hangnails as it conditions nails and cuticles." I received this product for review. At first, I wasn't absolutely keen on it, because I don't like the container. But I gave it a try and overlooking the container. I like the results and love its clean, fresh scent. I started using it daily before my last hand washing of the night. I massage the product into my cuticles, push them back and follow-up with a hand-washing.

3. Blue Cross Cuticle Remover ($5.99 for 16oz): Claim-"Lanolin enriched. Removes cuticle safely without cutting. The choice of professionals since 1933."  This is by far the most cost effective product. You get 16oz for less than $6. I found it to be effective by extremely runny. I transferred the product to a smaller bottle with a squeeze top and applied the product with a cotton swab. I found the scent to be less than pleasing.

2. Sally Hansen Smooth Cuticles Now* ($6.49 for 1oz): Claim-"Fast-acting formula softens rough cuticles for easy removal." This is another product I received for review consideration. When I finally gave it a try, I was very pleased with the results.  Applying a bead of the product to each cuticle, massaging it in, and then pushing back my cuticles. I found it very effective, and moisturizing.  I like that it also contains Vitamins A, C, E, and Pro-Vitamin B5-each are beneficial to nail health.

1. Sally Hansen Instant Cuticle Remover ($4.97 for 1oz): Claim-"Cuts manicure time in half. Revolutionary gel formula melts away and breaks down excess cuticles. With regular use, helps prevent cuticle problems before they start." This is absolutely my favorite cuticle remover. It's readily found, inexpensive, but most important effective. I have been using this product for years, but it wasn't until recently that I noticed in the directions, that it states that  you should also apply it under the nail tips. I find this helpful in preventing that skin build-up that sometimes occurs.  Sally Hansen Instant Cuticle Remover is my #1 Top Cuticle Remover.

So as one of the first steps in your manicure process, it is imperative to care for your cuticles.  Some might ask what's the big deal about caring for your cuticles?  A well done manicure is far more than just polishing your nails. It also requires caring for your cuticles.  Having healthy nails and cuticles is more than just the look, dry, and cracked cuticles are prone to hangnails, and possible infection.  Some Steps to having Healthy Cuticles are as follows:

3/19/2013

1. Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize.  I have been beating that drum long before I started blogging. You must keep your cuticles hydrated. I moisturize throughout the day. I have shared with your my cuticle oil mix. Natural oils are excellent for moisturizing.
2. It's often said not to cut your cuticles.  I agree with this 95% of the time. I use my nippers for hangnails and the occasional difficult cuticle. But this MUST be done with care. If done incorrectly, you could do more damage than good.
3. Use a Cuticle Remover when pushing back your cuticles; never push back dry cuticles. I use an orange-wood stick or my rubber-tipped cuticle pusher. Also, throughout the day, when I was my hands, since my cuticles are already soften, I gently push them back again.
4. Caring for your cuticles really isn't that difficult. Just handle them with care because damaging your cuticle could lead to damaging your nails.

These are the steps I follow for maintaining healthy nails and cuticles.  I have several other posts planned to help with your nail care regimen-moisturizers, base coats, top coats, tools, and supplements.  If you have any other posts you would like to see, leave them listed in the comments and I will get to them as soon as possible.  As my good friend and a former owner of a nail salon always said, "Treat your nails as Jewels, not Tools."  

Caring for my nails, it won't be long before I'm back to the nails I'm used to. 

Grace, Peace, & Blessings.

* Those products noted with an asterisk (*) were sent to me for review consideration by the PR department of the Manufacturer. These however are my honest opinions. I am not employed by nor was I paid by this company.