Growing up, my mom always talked about her grandmother's hands. Somehow, they defied aging—her nails were long, strong, and perfectly kept, and the skin on her hands was silky-smooth. She credited it to shielding herself from the sun, a love for hand creams, and regular at-home manicures. She never painted her nails, though. Instead, she swore by castor oil and slipping on cotton socks overnight to lock in moisture. While I can't commit to that kind of nightly ritual, I've taken inspiration from her dedication to hand care—and that's where my favorite cuticle treatments come in.
Here's the thing: even the best nail polish or gel can't disguise dry, ragged cuticles. Other than the cuticle's function as a protective barrier from germs and bacteria, when properly maintained, it's the secret to your nails look healthy and clean. Ahead, I've shared my my go-to routine for soft, well-maintained cuticles, including the best creams, oils, and overnight treatments.
