If you’re like us, your manicure has become more than an indulgence. It’s become an extension of your natural beauty, and it sets your mood. The more manicures you get, the more routine-like your nails get. If your nails get stuck or lost, you’ll be dreading a return to your lame date with the salon for a topcoat (sheesh). So make sure you stay on top of your manicure so you can nail it the next time. Here are some expert tips for a better manicure, based on the advice of dermatologists, aesthetician professionals, and manicurists to maintain your nails — so you can keep up with the refresh cycle of your nails and cuticles as pertains to all your beauty routines.
1. Try Sunscreen To Prevent Brown Skin Shrinkage. “Brown skin retention usually comes from too much time in the sun,” says Dr. Bob Graf, board-certified dermatologist, founder of Bodyism and publisher of Dr. Bob’s Dermatology & Laser Center. “If your skin is showing signs of brown tone, it is a sign of dryness which can lead to hyperpigmentation.” So look for products that contain Dr. Graf Sensitive Skin Sensitive Oil Oil Complex, which contains antioxidants and vitamins to help protect from sun damage and hyperpigmentation. If you want to try to obtain a slightly darker skin tone in the short term, remember that moisturizing will help. When it comes to maintaining lighter skin tones longer term, Dr. Graf recommends a natural skincare regimen that builds on your sunscreens, incorporating products with an SPF 15 or greater. Also: sunless tanner instead of permanent tanning, which releases fatty acids and oils onto the skin and helps decrease dark underarm hair and wrinkles. “Avoid tanning beds, as it can lead to melanoma,” Dr. Graf says. And for children, Dr. Graf recommends using a light aalkyl nitrite oil to keep pores clear. Dr. Graf also recommends Re-Nutriv’s Nourishing Mineral Face Oil, which contains argan oil to reduce wrinkles.
2. Practice Leaky Opening Follicles Maintenance. “Leaky follicles, which occur when the capillaries of the cuticle become weakened, should be repaired with weekly maintenance,” says Debra Jaliman, author of Skin Rules. “Cuticle oil is easy and convenient. Use a piece of cotton that you would like to bind in place around your nail, and massage the oil into your cuticles. My favorite is the Equinox Foaming Oil for Cuticles ($20). It offers vitamin E to protect against UV rays and antifungal properties, so it effectively disinfects the cuticle oil and prevents it from smelling.” If you’re looking for another great product, grab the NaturAID Fixup Kit ($28), which contains FDA-approved patch patches to get rid of cracks in your nail bed, Dr. Jaliman says.
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3. Use Just A Sharp Shaving Brush, Not A Roller. Dr. Megan Wilson of WP Wilson Dermatology & Laser Center, a Manhattan, New York-based dermatologist, recommends “a scissor-type razor with a sharp opening” when shaving your hands because “it cuts down on ingrown hairs (and impairs nerve endings”). The razor is also less likely to damage the cuticle too much, so you can maximize your time in the salon.
4. Consider Using DIY Nail Care To Prevent Ingrown Toenails. “If you can’t afford professional nail care treatments, DIY nail care can be a good alternative. I personally make my own pomade to prevent ingrown and split ends for under $10. For removal, I recommend freezing any nails that are showing signs of split ends or turned purple,” says Irma Zandl, aesthetician-in-training and founder of Salon Infusion. If you do have to go for professional treatment, get a Pedi Gold Gel Polish ($49), which is filled with zinc oxide to stop the hair follicle from growing back.
5. If It’s Scratchy, Apply Acupressure Powder. “Acupressure [treatments] can be a great tool to improve nail quality in a temporary, non-painful way,” says Dr. Reghun Gray, celebrity dermatologist and creator of Nurri True Botanicals. Acupressure comes in different forms, from an oil to hand-tweezing. “Acupressure powder can be applied to the nail bed to instantly improve nails,” says Dr. Gray.
6. Dips With Dibutite Will Help Prevent Ingrown Nails
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