I will be completely honest and say that I haven’t been taking the best care of my nails as I should. I haven’t even been doing my own simple manicure! In order to get my hands and feet ready for a job this week, I’ve been making the time to correct my neglect. Your cuticles are a very big part to having a beautiful manicure and pedicure.
Here is a very easy, inexpensive, and affective way to soften and exfoliate cuticles for a neat and healthy appearance. Simply soak your nails in apple cider vinegar. Apple cider vinegar will soften your cuticles and any rough spots on your feet if you soak them too!
I use pure apple cider vinegar undiluted. You can add a few drops of essential oil or even a bit of olive oil or another favorite carrier oil. No the smell isn’t the greatest but the overall results are fabulous. Plus you can avoid the toxic chemicals in store bought cuticle removers that sometimes make you cuticles sore if left on too long.
Apple cider vinegar is a natural antiseptic with antibiotic and antibacterial properties which is the perfect natural healer for skin or nail ailments.
Apple cider vinegar has malic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid, which smoothes and exfoliates the skin. You can also infuse your apple cider vinegar with herbs. I like to soak my nails for at least 15-20 minutes. I then gently push back by cuticles with a cuticle pusher, wash thoroughly, then massage hands and feet with a natural oil. Shea butter makes a fantastic cuticle moisturizer too. You can do this apple cider vinegar soak as often as you like to achieve your desired results.
Here are two other DIY beauty recipes that use apple cider vinegar:
DIY Soothing Antioxidant Toner
DIY Green Tea Cleansing Hair Rinse
Best wishes!
(Image by apple-cider-vineger-benefits.blogspot.com)
Diara says
Interesting. I’m going to try this one for my much needed pedicure !
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Diara, Let me know how it works out for you. Best wishes!
Star says
I was googling homemade recipes and I am so happy I found this! Who doesn’t have apple cider vinegar and olive oil on hand? I loved this recipe and my nails and cuticles are overjoyed! For some reason, I am craving salad with oil and vinegar 🙂
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Star, I’m so glad this has helped and I love your comment too! I just starting making salad dressing with balsamic vinegar and olive oil with spices. It was much easier than I thought <3
Angelina Julia says
Can’t wait to try this! I hate the chemical filled cuticle removers they use at nail salons! Which cuticle pusher so you like- metal or wood?
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Angelina Juila,
I have a big wooden cuticle pusher that I use. I purchased it a beauty supply, possibly Sally’s Beauty but I’m not sure. I hope you like this simple nail treatment. Have a great day!