Nail oil is not just a cosmetic "luxury" product - it is a physiological necessity if you want healthy nails. Find out why it is important to use nail oil and what makes MARUSHA Nail and Cuticle Oil special.
Why is it important to use nail and cuticle oil
Every time you wash your hands, your nail absorbs water (expands) and then dries out (shrinks). This constant stretching without the protection of oil leads to the collapse of the nail structure.
Over the years, nails become drier and longitudinal grooves appear on them. Oil helps to "fill" these grooves and smooth the surface of the nail.
Therefore, oil for nails is the same as hair conditioner or moisturizing cream for the face or hands. Without it, the nail becomes a dead, dry plate that is vulnerable to the environment and begins to break, crack and cause inconvenience and discomfort.
What makes MARUSHA Nail and Cuticle Oil special
The Latvian brand MARUSHA Nail and Cuticle Oil (with Tamanu Oil) is a prime example of how natural ingredients can effectively and specifically address dryness, damage, and breakage of nails and cuticles.
In terms of composition, this product is 100% natural and does not contain mineral oils (petroleum products), which are very important for long-term nail and cuticle health.
Analysis of the main ingredients of MARUSHA Nail and Cuticle Oil:
1. Base oils for deep hydration (Against dry cuticles)
Jojoba Oil (Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil): As I mentioned above, it is the "star" of this product. It is able to penetrate the nail plate the deepest, delivering other nutrients there.
Grape Seed Oil (Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil): A very light oil that helps the product absorb quickly without leaving a greasy feel, while softening the hard skin around the nails.
Avocado Oil (Persea Gratissima Oil): Rich in oleic acid and vitamins (A, D, E), which are critical for very dry and cracked cuticles.
2. Healing Ingredients (For Damaged Nails and Restoration)
Tamanu Oil (Calophyllum Inophyllum Seed Oil): This is a unique ingredient in MARUSHA nail oil. Tamanu Oil has powerful regenerating and antibacterial properties. It helps to "repair" damaged nails (for example, after removing gel polish) and prevents inflammation if the cuticles are torn or cracked.
Calendula Macerate (Calendula Officinalis): Known for its healing effect. It soothes irritated skin and helps micro-wounds heal faster.
Neem Oil: Often included in this composition due to its antifungal effect, which protects the nail plate.
3. Strengthening and protective elements (Anti-breakage)
Castor oil (Ricinus Communis Seed Oil): It makes the nail plate thicker and more resistant to mechanical shock.
Sesame oil (Sesamum Indicum Seed Oil): Contains minerals (calcium, magnesium) necessary for strengthening the nail structure.
Vitamin E (Tocopherol): Acts as an antioxidant, protecting nail keratin from environmental damage and aging.
Correct use of nail and cuticle oil
On clean nails (recovery therapy)
When the nails are not varnished, the oil can fully access the keratin layers of the nail. This is the best time to treat nail flaking and brittleness. Step-by-step application:
1. Preparation: Wash your hands in warm water and dry gently. Warm water opens the scales of the nail plate and softens the cuticle.
2. Application: Apply the oil to the entire surface of the nail, the cuticle and, of course, the free edge (tip) of the nail.
3. Massage: Perform the 5-step massage described above. You can apply the oil more generously on clean nails, as it is able to absorb into the structure of the nail itself.
4. Under the nail: Be sure to apply a small drop under the tip of the nail. This will prevent the nail from separating from the bed and protect against cracks starting from the tip.
On varnished nails or gel polish (protection)
Many people mistakenly think that oil is useless if the nails are varnished or if gel polish is applied to them. On the contrary! Oil is the only way to keep the manicure longer and keep the nail healthy under the coating. Learn how to use it step by step:
1. Focus on the cuticle: Since the oil will not penetrate the nail through the varnish, the main focus should be on the cuticle and nail ridges. Massage the skin directly around the nail.
2. Nail root: Massage the area above the cuticle. This is where the new nail is formed, and the oil through the skin helps it grow healthier, even if the old part of the nail is under the varnish.
3. Nail elasticity: Apply oil to the entire varnished surface. The oil acts as a "softener" for the varnish - it prevents the varnish or gel from becoming too hard and brittle, thus preventing the varnish from bouncing and cracking.
4. Under the nail (Important!): This is the main way to nourish your nail while it is varnished. Apply oil under the free edge of the nail. This will help the nail receive moisture from underneath and prevent it from becoming dry and brittle under the gel.
5-step technique - tips for effective nail massage
Proper nail massage stimulates blood circulation and as a result, the nail root receives more oxygen and nutrients. Below is the 5-step technique:
1. Application
Apply a small amount of MARUSHA oil to the base of each nail (where the cuticle begins). If you use a brush, one stroke over all nails is enough.
2. Rotating movements at the nail root
Use the thumb of your opposite hand. With firm but painless circular movements, massage the oil into the cuticle and the crescent area of the nail. This is where the "live" part of the nail is located and by massaging it, you stimulate the formation of a new, stronger nail.
3. Side edge treatment
Run your fingers along the side edges of the nail (nail ridges).This is where "nails" and hard skin most often form. Massage will help keep this skin elastic so that it does not crack.
4. Sealing the nail
With your thumb, firmly run your finger over the entire nail plate, all the way to the tip of the nail. This helps the oil penetrate between the keratin layers of the nail and "seal" microscopic cracks, which prevents delamination.
5. Treating the tips of the nails
Don't forget to massage the oil into the free edge (tip) of the nail and even a little under the nail. The tip of the nail is the oldest and driest part of the nail. By massaging the oil under the tip of the nail, you protect it from breaking and help maintain the health of the hyponychium (skin fold under the nail).
Expert trick: "The heat effect"
You can warm your hands up a bit before applying MARUSHA Nail and Cutickle Oil (rub your palms together or soak them in warm water). The heat dilates the pores and blood vessels, allowing the Jojoba and Tamanu oils in the oil to work even faster and deeper.
How long should you massage? 30 seconds to 1 minute for each hand will be enough. It's a short self-care ritual that's best done while watching the evening news or sitting in bed before going to sleep. Good luck!
Purchase MARUSHA Nail and Cuticle Oil HERE.