Care tips
Nail oil: a miracle cure for cracked nails or a pure (time) waste?
The nail bed and cuticle are cared for by adding nail oil
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Regular use of nail polish and remover can cause fingernails to dry out over time. The result is brittle or cracked nails. To strengthen the fingernails, nail oil is said to be an effective (medicinal) agent. But what is behind it?
Nail polish in and of itself should not harm the fingernails as long as it does not come into contact with the skin. Because our nail bed – if you look more closely – actually only consists of dead cells. Many products even contain nourishing ingredients. Nail polish remover, on the other hand, not only removes the color from the fingernails, but also degreases them and cuticles. So the more often you paint your nails, the more moisture they are drawn out. To counteract brittle fingernails, the use of nail oil is recommended. But what exactly is it and how is it used correctly? We got to the bottom of the questions.
What you should know about nail oil
Nail oil is used to care for fingernails – including cuticles. Depending on the manufacturer, the products contain a brush like nail polish, while others have a pipette. In both cases, the rich oil is applied sparingly to the nail bed and massaged into the nail. As a result, it is absorbed faster and provides dry fingernails with moisture. In addition, the substances contained in it should strengthen the keratin plate. But what exactly is in nail oil? Most products are made up of various oils and nourishing ingredients. To ensure that it does not contain any harmful components (e.g. mineral oil), you should heed the following tips: Use only Nail oil, which consists of natural oils and does not contain synthetic colors, fragrances or preservatives. Ideally, it has even been dermatologically tested.
Nail oil: five products in comparison
The nail oil from It she contains apricot kernel and jojoba oil. According to the manufacturer, it is quickly absorbed into the nail and provides it with moisture. In addition, the oil is said to care for the fingernails as well as the cuticles. So that it can develop its full effect and counteract brittle nails, it must be applied and massaged in twice a day (ideally once in the morning and once in the evening). Here is Essie nail oil.
The nail oil from Simon & Tom should have five advantages to offer: According to the manufacturer, it strengthens, nourishes, repairs and smoothes your fingernails – and protects them from drying out. This is made possible by the natural ingredients, which are composed of different oils. These include organic argan, jojoba, almond, aloe vera, wild rose oil and calendula. In addition, it does not contain any parabens, phthalates or mineral oils. Here you can find the nail oil from Simon & Tom.
The nail oil from Dr. Hauschka, a natural cosmetics line, contains extracts from various medicinal plants. The manufacturer advertises that his product nourishes and strengthens your fingernails. In addition, it should be able to prevent cracks and excessive keratinization of the cuticle. It is made up of natural ingredients (peanut and apricot kernel oil, neem leaves, wound clover, chamomile, essential oils). Here you can find the nail oil from Dr. Hauschka.
The nail oil from Grandpa is applied with a pipette. It is supposed to provide brittle fingernails with moisture – this is made possible by the substances it contains, such as cupuaçu butter (cocoa plant) and extracts from white tea. According to the manufacturer, the oil is quickly absorbed into the nail after application (ideally twice a day). It is made up of grape seed, kukui and sunflower oil. Opi’s nail oil is available here
The nail oil from Sante, also a well-known natural cosmetics line, contains seven natural oils (including argan, avocado and almond oils). In addition, the manufacturer advertises that its product is certified and vegan. Here, too, it is applied to the fingernail with a pipette and gently massaged in so that it can be absorbed more quickly and unfold its full effect. Here you can find the nail oil from Sante.
How to properly apply nail oil
As already mentioned at the beginning, the nail oil is applied thinly with a brush or pipette and massaged in. However, before you start using it, you should wash your hands under lukewarm water and with a little soap so that there is no dirt or grease residue on the nail bed. And so the oil can be absorbed better and faster. Or you allow yourself a little hand bath, which makes your fingernails even more receptive. To increase the nail area, you can gently push the cuticle back with a clean file. The nail oil should then be thoroughly massaged into the nail bed, the nail fold and the cuticle. Let it dry well and do not wash your hands immediately after the treatment.
And another important note: Only apply the nail oil to unpainted fingers, otherwise it cannot be absorbed. It is also good to know that you can use the oil not only on your fingernails, but also on your toenails – if they also need a little care.
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