Best treatment for dry nails and cuticles: products for damaged nails

Over the last few months, it has been vitally important for all of us to keep our hands as clean as possible to prevent the spread of Covid-19. This has entailed regular use of soap and sanitiser that while may kill the bacteria, can also strip our hands and cuticles of their natural moisture.

Your cuticle is the layer of skin at the bottom of your nails on both your fingers and toes and acts as a barrier against fungus and bacteria. It is a delicate area so is prone to cracking, flaking, and peeling that may even lead to an infection - so requires care and attention to keep moisturised and in tip top shape. Healthy and well-maintained cuticles not only look better paired with a fresh mani but also promote nail growth.

Dryness may be caused by a whole host of reasons other than consistently washing your hands. Cold weather, eczema, biting your nails, and harsh nail polish remover can cause your nails and cuticles to feel brittle and form painful hangnails.

Soothe, soften and strengthen these areas with caring treatments in the form of oils and creams. Nourishing ingredients like vitamins A, C, and E, or natural oils, including argan, coconut, and jojoba will work wonders in transforming the dry skin. Lather on before bed to allow the formulas to have the chance to sink in.

See our pick of the best products for dry nails and cuticles.

Burt’s Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Creme

Treat your hands and nails to the nourishing benefits of this cream from Burt’s Bees that melts into the skin on application. The intense treatment offers immediate relief and transforms dry and flaky nails and cuticles with nurturing ingredients like beeswax, sunflower seed oil and lemon oil. With a refreshing and citrusy aroma the product leaves a subtle but addictive fragrance on your hands. Pop into your handbag for an instant hit of moisture wherever you go.

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£6.49 | Feel Unique

CND SolarOil Nail and Cuticle Conditioner

From the brand behind Shellac, CND offers this fan-favourite nail and cuticle serum that has been hailed as a miracle worker. The product is a true game changer containing jojoba oil and vitamin E that gets to work instantly to repair your nails and nail beds. Apply directly to nails and cuticles to make the most of the intensive treatment. Dry and damaged digits will become soft and supple. You will notice the instant benefits but repeated use encourages the nourishing benefits to penetrate deeper into your nail.

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£8.55 | Amazon

Mavala Mavapen Cuticle Oil

Mavala has made it easier than ever to apply cuticle oil without the mess. It resembles a felt tip pen where you simply draw over the nail contour to deposit the nutritive and non-greasy oil, which then absorbs rapidly. The formula is enriched with vitamins E and F that will leave your nail bed looking soft, smooth and healthy.

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£11.40 | lookfantastic

Hand and Nail Treatment Cream

Keep this hand and nail cream from Clarins next to your bed to apply each night before you drift off. The moisturising formula works to soften, hydrate and strengthen the condition of your digits with the combination of sesame oil and Japanese Mulberry extract. The product acts as a shield against the stripping side effects of continual hand washing, harsh soaps and sanitizers and other skin-chapping damage. The texture is non-greasy, it is quick-absorbing and leaves behind a lovely fragrance.

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£23 | Clarins

OPI Prospa Nail and Cuticle Oil

This lightweight oil glides over your cuticles easily for an instant hit of hydration and moisture. OPI’s oil contains a combination of sunflower, cupuaçu and grape seed oils that act as a luxe pampering treatment for stronger, healthier and shinier nails. It has a drop applicator to minimise the mess and absorbs quickly with a silky texture.

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From £12 | lookfantastic

NCLA Beauty So Rich Vitamin-E Infused Cuticle Oil

If NCLA Beauty is not already on your radar, then it most certainly should be. The brand offers vegan and cruelty-free beauty heroes with quality at the forefront. The range includes makeup and nail essentials including this oil that is formulated with vitamin E and sunflower seed oil to leave you with healthier nail beds. Apply with the dropper that offers all the product that you need for one hand and massage it into your nails and cuticles to maximise the skin-softening and moisturising benefits. There are four fragrances to choose between including rose or peach vanilla.

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£15 | Cult Beauty

essie Apricot Nail & Cuticle Oil Treatment

There is a reason why this treatment has long been a go-to among nail professionals. The almost entirely natural formula is rich in apricot kernel and jojoba oil that are brimming with nourishing properties for your hands. Once applied, you will notice your cuticles becoming softer, while your nails are moisturised, hydrated and conditioned to their healthiest and best state.

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£8.99 | Feel Unique

Margaret Dabbs London Nourishing Nail & Cuticle Serum Pen

Podiatrist Margaret Dabbs offers this specific nail and cuticle serum for your hands as well as an option for your feet with a unique formulation. The product is packed with emu and tea tree oils that prevent infection, encourage skin healing and gives your nails the strengthening ingredients that they need to grow longer and stronger. It has a pen applicator for ease and absorbs almost instantly into the skin to get your digits in tip-top shape. After use, nails are less prone to breakage and look healthier and shinier.

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£12 | Cult Beauty

A'kin Intensive Hand, Nail & Cuticle Treatment

For those of you with sensitive skin, it can be challenging to find a treatment for your hands that won’t lead to irritation and redness but this unscented formula from A’kin has got your covered. Ideal for fragile skin, the rapidly-absorbing cream gets to work soothing and calming while treating your hands to the extra moisture they need after increased hand washing. The product is rich in nutrients and forms a protective barrier for your fingers and nails.

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£12 | lookfantastic

Dr. Hauschka Neem Nail and Cuticle Pen

Packed with nail and cuticle-strengthening ingredients, this pen from Dr. Hauschka will give you that fresh-from-the-salon manicure feeling from the comfort of your own home. Neem leaf extract gets to work strengthening your nails and preventing breakage, while apricot kernel oil moisturises. There are also extracts of chamomile and anthyllis in the formula that have skin-softening benefits. The handy pen applicator allows you to pop the product into your bag for a touch of nourishment on the go.

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£17 | lookfantastic

Verdict:

Burt’s Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Creme is the nurturing and intense treatment that peeling, dry and flaking cuticles and nails are calling out for. It leaves your hands feeling soft, smooth and most importantly, looking healthy.