Cuticle Remover

Cuticle remover is a highly alkali solution meant to actually dissolve cuticle cells for easy removal or manipulation. The cuticle, the translucent layer of sticky skin that pulls out onto the nail plate as our nail grows, acts as a protective barrier between the nail plate and the nail bed stopping germs from reaching the nail bed and beyond.

It is composed primarily of a substance known as keratin which is also found in our hair, skin and nails. What cuticle removers do is actually destroy keratin cells. They are intended to dissolve the excess cuticle skin that has become detached from the nail plate and soften the remaining cuticle. This excess cuticle is that white, flaky skin seen around the edges of your nail.

Once the remover breaks down most of these cells, they can be wiped away with a cloth and the remaining cuticle cells still adhering to the nail plate can be gently pushed back towards the nail fold since they have been loosened somewhat by the remover. Afterwards, the highly alkali removal solution should be neutralized by rinsing with water.

Note that since these removers are made of highly alkaline substances, they are prone to even breaking down living tissue. It is for this reason that such removers must be used very carefully. Overuse of these removers can soften the nail plate and remove the entire cuticle! This would be very bad for our nails as harmful nail fungus and other germs may reach our nail bed causing nail deformations and possibly nail loss.

Removal solutions are only meant to be left on the cuticle for a small amount of time, usually around 10 minutes after soaking the nails in soapy water. If left on any longer they may extensively damage the nail through softening and dissolve the entire cuticle leaving the nail bed open to infections.

Therefore use cuticle removal solutions with caution and adhere to all instructions on the product packaging. If you are unsure about the usage of such removal solutions you can always rely on plain old soaking to soften the cuticle, scrape away the excess and push back the remainder towards the nail fold.

Link back to the Nail Care Supply from the Cuticle Remover page