What Is Nail Cream And How Do You Use It?

We already know and love our hand creams and hair creams and skin creams (and ice creams)...but what’s nail cream about? In the beauty world, nail cream is an excellent way to get and keep gorgeously healthy nails. This specialized cream is formulated to provide deep hydration and repair, making it a smart pick for dealing with brittle nails, dry cuticles, or signs of aging. By knowing what nail cream is and how to use it, you can stack the deck in favor of strong, resilient, good-looking nails.

What Is Nail Cream?

Nail cream is a specialized skincare product that nourishes, hydrates, and protects nails and the surrounding cuticles. Made with a blend of moisturizing ingredients, vitamins, and sometimes natural oils, nail cream works to repair damage, prevent dryness, and strengthen brittle nails. It’s especially good for anyone who repeatedly exposes their hands to water, chemicals, or nail polish, as well as those experiencing signs of aging on their hands. By massaging in a little bit each day, you can keep your nails resilient and cuticles supple, which enhances the overall health and good looks of your hands.

What Are The Benefits Of Using Nail Cream?

  • Hydration: Nail cream provides essential moisture to nails, helping stave off cracking and splitting.
  • Nourishment: Enriched with vitamins and nutrients, nail cream supports healthy nail growth and strengthens the nail structure.
  • Repair: It aids in repairing damage caused by frequent nail polish use, artificial nails, or exposure to harsh chemicals.
  • Protection: Nail cream forms a protective barrier that shields nails and cuticles from environmental stressors and daily wear and tear.
  • Improved Appearance: Regular use results in smoother, shinier, more resilient nails that look better.
  • Anti-Aging: A good nail cream helps reduce signs of aging on the hands, such as thinning nails and wrinkling around the nail area.
  • Cuticle Care: It softens and conditions cuticles, making them smoother, easier to manage, and less hangnail-prone.
  • Better Nail Health: Nail cream promotes healthier nails, lowering the likelihood of issues like infection.

How To Use Nail Cream

Clean Your Hands and Nails

Before applying nail cream, you’ll want to start with clean hands and nails. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water to remove any dirt, oils, residues, or debris, paying special attention to the nails and cuticles. Pat hands dry with a towel, leaving them slightly damp to help lock in moisture when you apply the cream.

Apply a Small Amount of Nail Cream

Put a small amount of cream onto a fingertip, then distribute a little onto each nail. (Roughly a pea-sized amount is usually enough for both hands; if your nails and cuticles are particularly dry or damaged, use a bit more.) The point is to cover nails and cuticles without overloading them.

Massage the Cream into Your Nails and Cuticles

Using circular motions, gently massage the nail cream into each nail and cuticle. This not only helps the cream penetrate, it also stimulates blood circulation, promoting nail growth. Ensure that you cover the entire nail surface, including the sides and the cuticle area. Take your time to maximize the cream's effectiveness.

Allow the Cream to Absorb

After rubbing the cream into your nails and cuticles, let it absorb. This may take a few minutes, depending on the formulation. Avoid washing your hands or engaging in activities that might remove the cream. Allowing it to fully absorb means that your nails and cuticles reap full benefits.

Repeat Regularly 

For best results, incorporate nail cream into your daily routine. Apply it at least once a day, preferably before bedtime to let the cream work longer. Over time, consistent use will help nails with hydration, damage, and strength. If your nails are really dry or damaged, apply the cream more often throughout the day.

How Often Should You Use Nail Cream?

The frequency of using nail cream depends on the condition of your nails and cuticles. For basic maintenance and hydration, applying nail cream once a day is enough to keep nails and cuticles healthy and moisturized. But if you have particularly dry, fragile, or damaged nails, or if you expose your hands to chemicals or repeated washings, you may benefit from applying nail cream multiple times a day. Consistency is key, so working it into your daily routine will get the best results.

What’s The Best Time To Use Nail Cream?

The best time to use nail cream is at night, before bed. Applying nail cream before dozing off lets the product work overnight—ample time for the nourishing ingredients to hydrate and penetrate nails and cuticles. The body's natural repair processes are more active during sleep, which further enhances the cream's benefits. And nighttime application ensures that the cream doesn't get washed off or disturbed as it would during the daytime, maximizing out its effectiveness. If you have extremely dry or damaged nails, applying nail cream throughout the day after hand washing can give extra hydration and protection.

How is Nail Cream Different Than Hand Cream?

Nail cream is specifically formulated to target the unique needs of nails and cuticles, providing intense hydration and nourishment to strengthen and protect them. It often contains ingredients like vitamin E, biotin, and oils that promote nail health, prevent brittleness, and encourage growth.


A good hand cream is meant to moisturize and protect the skin on your hands, targeting skin hydration and repair. While your average hand cream may offer some benefits to nails, they generally don’t contain the same ingredients nail creams do.

Can Nail Cream Be Used With Other Nail Care Products?

Absolutely, nail cream can be used alongside other nail care products to supercharge results. You can apply it after using a cuticle remover, moisturizer, or cuticle oil for additional hydration and nourishment. When paired with a nail strengthener, nail cream helps to reinforce resilience and prevent brittleness. Adding nail cream into a routine that includes regular manicures can mitigate the drying effects of polish. By layering a nail cream with other specialized products, you can create your own nail care regimen that addresses multiple concerns at the same time.

What Results Can You Expect from Regular Nail Cream Use?

Using nail cream on the regular can lead to healthier, better-looking nails that are more hydrated and less brittle, minimizing your risk of cracks and splits. Over time, nails will get stronger and more resilient, with a smoother texture and higher shine. Cuticles feel the love too, getting softer and easier to manage, which helps prevent hangnails and the like. Consistently applying nail cream can help mitigate any damage caused by nail polish use or exposure to harsh chemicals. For those concerned with signs of aging, regular use can help maintain youthful-looking hands by reducing wrinkles and thinning around the nail.

Nail Cream of the Crop

Adding a nail cream into your daily beauty regimen can deliver transformative results for your nails and cuticles. By understanding what nail cream is, how to use it effectively, and what benefits it offers, you can encourage healthier, more resilient nails that are as attractive as they are strong. Whether you’re combating dryness, repairing damage, or trying to maintain your nails’ health, regular nail cream use is a simple solution. 

Londontown redefines nail care by merging technology with artistry. Our superior nail products are designed to elevate your at-home manicure experience while promoting nail health. Express your unique style with our revolutionary nail concealers and a stunning spectrum of colors. Enter the world of Londontown, and let your nails do the talking.

Sources

  1. https://handandwristinstitute.com/what-are-cuticles/
  2. https://www.prevention.com/beauty/g20485079/9-bedtime-mistakes-that-are-ruining-your-skin/
  3. https://puritynailbar.boston/nurturing-your-nails-essential-tips-for-healthy-happy-fingernails/

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