What to Do If the Skin Around Your Nails Is Dry and Peeling: 8 Top Tips

Dryness and peeling of the skin around the nails is a problem familiar to many. It not only affects the appearance of your hands but can also lead to hangnails, cracks, and painful inflammations. The good news is that this can be improved! Proper hand care and a few habit adjustments are enough. Here are 8 proven tips.

1. Use gentle soap

Use gentle soap: it delicately cleanses the skin while maintaining its natural balance and is just as effective as antibacterial products.

2. Avoid acetone

Acetone is a product that does not benefit your nails. On the contrary, it has a strong negative effect on the cuticles: causing dryness, peeling, cracks, and in some cases even bleeding. Therefore, it’s better to opt for soy-based nail polish removers. These products are made from natural ingredients and are much gentler on nails and the surrounding skin.

3. Wash your hands with warm water

Frequent use of hot water damages the skin’s protective barrier. Try to wash your hands with warm or cool water — this is an important step for keeping them healthy and beautiful. Don’t forget to apply a moisturizing cream after each wash to maintain soft, perfectly cared-for skin.

4. Apply oil while cooking

Oil helps protect your fingers during cooking. Apply a few drops of coconut, almond, or olive oil to your nails and cuticles — this will shield your skin from irritation caused by vegetable juices when chopping.

5. Use aloe vera

Aloe leaf juice deeply moisturizes and nourishes the skin with beneficial substances while providing noticeable antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. Apply the juice or gel to problem areas, leave it on for 10–15 minutes, then rinse off with warm water.

6. Don’t forget gloves

The main cause of dryness and flaking around the nails is low temperature. Keep in mind that hands are especially exposed to the cold in late autumn and winter, so always wear gloves when outside.

7. Keep your skin moisturized constantly

It is recommended to use hand cream after every wash, and cuticle oil at least once a day. Two to three times a week, you can do hand masks: either buy ready-made ones or simply apply a thick layer of moisturizing cream, lightly cover it with petroleum jelly, and put on cotton gloves. The treatment should last 40–60 minutes, or even more effectively, leave it on overnight.