Why should I use cuticle oil? The ultimate guide to healthy and hydrated nails

We’re pretty confident that a new gel polish will always be at the top of your list (and we admire your prioritisation skills). But many of us often forget what should come first – and what makes your new gel manicure look even better: strong and healthy nails.

A nail buffer and file should be staples in your nail prep arsenal, but have you got a good cuticle oil to hand too? Keeping your cuticles hydrated will also keep them healthy. So whether you’re new to nail care or want to brush up on your skills, here’s everything you need to know about when it comes to cuticle oil.

Why is cuticle oil important?

Without regular care, your cuticles can become dry and damaged, which means your nails will be too! Think about everything you expose your hands and nails to on a daily basis: water, the sun, cold weather, and not forgetting the numerous different products you use. All this adds up to create a nightmare environment for your cuticles and nails.

Applying a cuticle oil can help to stimulate nail growth and promote stronger nails, protecting them from the elements they’re exposed to.

Do I need to use cuticle oil?

If your cuticles are looking a little damaged, torn, or dry cuticle oil should be your first port of call to fix them. This is more often the case in colder, winter months (which here in the UK is most of the year…) so we’d recommend keeping a cuticle oil to hand and applying it regularly.

How do I apply cuticle oil?

Cuticle oil is easy to apply. You don’t need too much; 2-3 drops on each nail will suffice as the skin will quickly absorb the oil. You can apply using the brush itself or by dropping some oil onto a cotton pad and dabbing it onto your cuticles.

Once applied massage into each nail and the skin surrounding it for around 1 minute to reap the benefits. For best results, cuticle oil can be used every day.

What are the benefits of cuticle oil?

Do long and strong nails sound good to you? We thought so. Keeping your cuticles hydrated keeps them healthy, which in turn creates a great environment for nail growth. Cuticle oil stimulates blood flow to the fingers when massaged in, which also helps to promote stronger, faster-growing nails.

In turn, this means that your nails will be less likely to chip or break due to the solid foundations of the cuticles.

Do I apply cuticle oil before or after gel polish?

When it comes to applying gel polish, you’ll need to make sure your nails are completely oil-free by wiping them with a cleansing wipe before applying. This is because gel polish won’t stick to the nail if there are any oils present.

Instead, make sure you use your cuticle oil in the build-up to your gel manicure, rather than just before. It’s also a great idea to nourish your nails straight after your manicure by applying cuticle oil. Apply cuticle oil as soon as you've finished your gel manicure for lovely, hydrated nails.

What are the ingredients in cuticle oil?

All cuticle oils contain a variety of oils that work together to provide perfect hydration for your nails. Our Bluesky cuticle oil contains:

Ius Dulcis: a sweet almond oil present in a wide variety of personal care products. It helps to soften your cuticles.

Jojoba oil: works as a skin conditioner to hydrate and moisturise.

Rice bran oil: contains Vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps to fight free-radical damage on the skin.

Bisabolol: an oil found in Chamomile that acts as an anti-inflammatory to calm the skin.

Tocopheryl acetate: another great source of Vitamin E, popular in skincare products.

Lilalool and geraniol: both provide a lovely, floral scent.

Now you know all there is to know about hydrating your cuticles, make sure you pick up your own cuticle oil to keep your nails nourished every day!