Raised cuticles are an irritating problem that can completely ruin your day. If you are new to nail care, it can be confusing to decide on a cuticle oil or cream that is both effective and easily accessible. Let’s explore the most common queries about cuticle creams/oils and how to use them to achieve healthy cuticles and nails.
Cuticle Care Showdown: The Best Cuticle Oils for Healthy Nails
The weather in Turkiye has its ups and downs, and let’s just say, the changes are not easy on your cuticles and nails. With so many options on the market, it can get tricky to choose which is worth adding to your nail care routine. Over the last year or so, I have been using cuticle care and maintenance oil from either Mara or Mixup. Both products are pretty affordable and easily available locally.
Why Cuticle Oil Matters For Strong, Healthy Nails?
It is difficult to maintain healthy cuticles without some sort of cuticle cream, oil, or ointment. This is especially true for people with dry skin. A cuticle care product matters for strong and healthy nails/cuticles because it:
- Keeps cuticles soft and moisturized and prevents splits, cracking, and dryness
- A stronger nail bed promotes healthy and strong nail growth
- Prevents damage and protects against infections
- Reduces nail brittleness and enhances flexibility
- Gives a healthy shine and a polished appearance to the cuticles and nails
- Prolongs the life of manicures
Mara Nailmed+ vs Mixup! Sulphur
Time for the cuticle oil face off! So, which is better? The Mara Nailmed+ nail, hand, and care oil or The Mixup! Sulphur nail-hand-foot care oil? Let’s compare:
Ingredients
Both products contain many hydrating and moisturizing ingredients, such as vitamin E, castor oil, Biotin, various seed oils, etc. The only difference that my untrained eye can detect is the Mixup! Sulphur cuticle oil focuses exclusively on “sulphur” as an OG nail care ingredient, and it is mentioned in the first line of the ingredients list, while for the Mara Nailmed+, it is lower down in the ingredients list (towards the end).
Benefits
In my opinion, both products do what they claim to do. However, the improvements only last till you are using the product regularly. If you miss even a day or two, the dry cuticles come back in full force. Both products have a soft petroleum jelly consistency, although the product descriptions promote the word “cuticle oil”. The mara nailmed+ has a slightly more medicine-like smell out of the two. Both products are easy to apply and absorb in a few minutes. Although I used both only once as a part of my nighttime routine, it would be more effective to use them twice a day.
Packaging
This is the confusing part; both products are available in different types of packaging. The Mara Nailmed+ especially has various types of packaging (plastic as well as tin). I like the plastic packaging better, as it is lightweight, secure, and easy to use. The tin packaging of Mara nailmed+ is poorly thought out. It is on the heavier side, and the lid is difficult to open, especially when the product is new.
Results
There isn’t much difference between the performance of these products. Both do what they claim and work well in summer as well as winter seasons. If I had to choose, the Mara Nailmed+ (in my opinion) has a slight edge in terms of moisturizing properties. However, the difference is slight, and you can easily substitute one for the other.
Both these cuticle oils are easily available in the market and on online marketplaces like Gratis, Hepsiburada, etc. At the time of writing this review, the prices range from 125 to 150 TL. If you look around for discounts and deals, you may be able to find them for even cheaper.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How frequently should one use cuticle cream or oil?
Applying once a day is enough for daily use; however, for dry and brittle cuticles, applying 2 to 3 times is appropriate.
Can I use cuticle oil if I have gel or acrylic nails?
Yes, you can. A cuticle oil will prolong the life of your manicure as well.
What are effective ingredients for cuticle oil?
Moisturizing and skin-protecting ingredients like Vitamin E, Jojoba oil, Sulphur, and Almond oil are effective ingredients in a cuticle cream or oil.
How long does it take to see results with cuticle oil?
With consistent use, you can see results in 7 to 10 days after starting the product.
