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Cold temperatures are usually a b time for health-related reasons. Long days can cause dehydration, and airborne viruses easily spre (the type of viruses you might catch from something cold can vary from person to person, but it’s a sure bet the viruses that commonly hit home birds, dogs, and other animals are among them).

But if you do have to venture out the door or patio, make sure to brush your nails properly to protect them from harmful bacteria and viruses.

According to Julie Wong, an English professor and nail care expert, wintertime is the perfect time to slough away cold, frozen skin and help keep your nails healthy.

“When your nails are wet they are more likely to open up, making it easier for bacteria and viruses to spre through cuticles and the cuticles,” Wong explains. “The fewer cuticles you’re laying, the better.”

If you’re looking for the best way to let your cuticles breathe, Wong recommends soaking your cuticles in water, using a mask, and sleeping on your cuticles—all three of which use up a little bit less skin. However, if you’re worried about water transmission, then she suggests a set of rolling pins or a USB-connected wipes brush inste.

She also cautions that avoiding direct contact with cuticles in the winter can cause a build-up of de skin cells. “This means that your skin is not properly cleansed and won’t support healthy growth for new cuticles,” Wong says. “If this condition persists throughout the winter, it will eventually cause dryness of the cuticles and wrinkles.”

Wong also vocates for using cuticle oils, pressed coconut oil, or coconut moisturizers to top off your cleaning routine. “Dried coconut oil is especially rich in vitamin E and calcium, which can also help to fight infection,” she says. “Coconut moisturizers are often a mixture of glycerin and jojoba oil, which can help reduce infection. They also have anti-microbial qualities.”

But don’t get too comfortable.

“Fresh cuticles mean cold, dry skin, which can trigger infection,” Wong notes. “You will only be at risk if you choose to let your cuticles go for extended periods of time—as little as a day or two per week—because infection can spre through the cuticles if you allowthe skin to dehydrate ordry out.”

If you’re concerned aboutcold and flu, the bestthing you can do foryour nails, Wong says, is rest.

“Keeping your skin well-hydrated can help control colds and flu (which is how I know why it’s so b this time of year!),” she explains. “You should always have plenty of liquids and tissues in the fridge so that you can prevent illness if you need to. Warm water and your cuticles should be the two most important things on your list during the winter!”

Patricia Antonello is a freelance writer based in California.

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