Carrier oils and essential oils are excellent ingredients that help strengthen nails and repair cracked cuticles. Olive oil, jojoba oil, coconut oil, and vitamin E oil exhibit hydrating and strengthening properties, while essential oils are quite soothing and anti-fungal. Since cuticles are more susceptible to cracking during dry, winter weather, this DIY cuticle butter should come to your aid.
The primary issue, in regards to cracked or split cuticles, is a lack of moisture. That means that you have to supply the affected areas with ingredients that help to seal moisture into the skin. One of the easiest ways for the skin to absorb these ingredients is by applying a body butter to the area. The only difference between this cuticle butter and other body butters is that the ingredients cater to your nails and cuticles. We think that you’re going to like how it makes your cuticles look and feel!
Shea Butter
Beauty experts suggest rubbing rub shea butter into your cuticles and nail beds before you do any other nail maintenance. Allowing the shea butter to remain on your cuticles and nails promotes nourishment and hydration. Not only can shea butter strengthen your nails, but it may also heal damaged nail beds and cuticles. The best thing about shea butter is that it helps protect your cuticles from future damage.
Coconut Oil
If the body is in a state of dehydration, one of the most common signs is dry cuticles or flaky nails. Although applying coconut oil to your cuticles doesn’t equate to drinking lots of water, it does help hydrate and nourish your nails. If you cook with coconut oil, dip your nails in the oil for a little hit of hydration. Massage the oil into the dry areas for optimal nourishment.
Jojoba Oil
Experts say that jojoba oil may be one of the best oils to treat and soften your cuticles. Jojoba oil is seed-based and contains small molecules that are similar to human sebum, the skin’s naturally occurring oil. Because of that, jojoba oil is easily absorbed into the skin to provide natural moisture. Jojoba oil contains vitamins B & E, both of which help to repair damaged collagen inside nail beds, ultimately improving strength and promoting healthy nail growth.
Vitamin E Oil
Vitamin E oil has a long history of use in strengthening brittle nails and hydrating chapped or dry skin. According to several studies, vitamin E oil exhibits anti-inflammatory effects that may help improve tissues involved in blood circulation. Researchers propose that the same properties that encourage this process may also be important for nail growth and healing.
Lavender Essential Oil
This versatile oil exhibits relaxing properties that help calm the mind and improve sleep. Lavender essential oil is also deeply hydrating and soothing, making it an excellent choice for dry or inflamed cuticles. It also works to strengthen and moisturize the nails and cuticles.
Frankincense Essential Oil
Frankincense essential oil has a long history of use in medicinal applications. According to several studies, frankincense essential oil’s antifungal properties can fight fungi that can slow down nail growth. Frankincense essential oil can also moisturize the cuticle and prevent peeling and dryness.
DIY Cuticle Butter
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup shea butter
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon jojoba oil
- 1 tablespoon vitamin E oil
- 20 drops lavender essential oil
- 20 drops frankincense essential oil
Instructions:
- Make a makeshift double boiler by adding an inch or two of water into a pot over medium heat.
- Place the shea butter and coconut oil in a heat-safe glass jar and place that into the pot.
- When the water starts boiling, turn down the heat. Stir the shea butter mixture until melted.
- Once melted, remove from the heat and stir in the jojoba oil, vitamin E oil, and the two essential oils.
- Pour the mixture into a heat-safe glass bowl and allow it to cool for an hour at room temperature. It should start to solidify.
- Use a stand mixer or hand mixer to whip the mixture until it turns into a whipped butter consistency.
- Spoon the whipped cuticle butter into little glass jars and screw on the top. Store in a cool, dry place. A little goes a long way with this recipe, so you should be good for quite a while!
