Why is the Skin Around My Nails So Dry and Peeling?
Painful, peeling skin around your nails can be frustrating. These bits of skin, often called hangnails, can catch on clothing and make your hands look uncared for. You may notice this issue gets worse after doing simple, everyday tasks.
Frequent hand washing and harsh alcohol-based sanitizers are common causes. They strip away your skin's natural oils. Dry, cold weather and cleaning chemicals can also damage the delicate skin on your hands. For a deeper look, start by understanding what causes your hands to get so dry and cracked.
These factors disrupt your skin’s microbiome. Think of the microbiome as a community of invisible, protective microorganisms living on your skin. When this community is out of balance, your skin’s moisture barrier weakens. This leads to dryness, irritation, and peeling cuticles. Internal factors, like hydration and diet, also play a role in your skin’s overall appearance.
The 4-Step Ritual to Restore Cuticle Comfort
Fixing peeling skin around your nails is about more than just a quick fix. It requires a consistent ritual that supports your skin's natural processes. This simple, four-step guide helps you restore comfort and beauty to your hands.
By following these steps, you create a routine that not only addresses current dryness but also helps prevent it from returning. The goal is to build a resilient, healthy-looking moisture barrier for your hands and nails.
Step 1: Gently Cleanse and Prepare the Skin
The first step to caring for distressed skin is to cleanse it gently. Many soaps are harsh and can make dryness and peeling worse. They strip the skin and disrupt its delicate pH balance.
Choose a creamy, pH-balanced cleanser that cleans your hands without leaving them feeling tight or dry. When you’re done washing, pat your hands dry with a soft towel. Avoid rubbing, especially around the fragile cuticle area. This simple change prepares your skin to better absorb the nourishing treatments that come next.
Step 2: Apply a Targeted, Biotic-Rich Hand Remedy
When your skin is peeling, it needs more than a basic lotion. It needs targeted ingredients that support its natural moisture barrier. A biotic-rich hand cream works with your skin to restore balance and comfort.
For daily care, choose a lightweight formula that absorbs quickly. The Amaretto and Biotic Hand Remedy is a silky emulsion designed for this purpose. It provides lasting hydration without a greasy feel, making it perfect for use throughout the day.
This formula contains key ingredients to support your skin’s appearance:
- Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate: This is a postbiotic bioferment. It helps support a balanced skin microbiome, which is essential for a healthy-looking skin barrier.
- Saccharide Isomerate: A plant-derived hydrator that acts like a moisture magnet, locking in hydration for long-lasting comfort.
- Panthenol (D): A form of Vitamin B5 that helps soothe and soften dry, rough-feeling skin.
To apply, massage a pea-sized amount into your hands. Pay special attention to the nail beds and any areas with peeling skin. A biotic remedy helps support your skin’s own defenses, promoting a smoother, more comfortable appearance over time.
A daily hand remedy with biotic ingredients helps maintain a balanced environment for your skin, supporting its natural moisture barrier.
Step 3: Deeply Restore with an Overnight Treatment
Your skin works to renew itself while you sleep. You can support this process with an intensive overnight treatment. This is especially helpful for hands that feel very dry, rough, or chapped.
A richer, more concentrated cream provides a blanket of soothing hydration. The Biotic Relief Deep Hand Treatment is a nourishing cream created for this exact purpose. Its dense, comforting texture envelops your hands, delivering concentrated moisture to the areas that need it most.
Its formula is packed with ingredients that deeply moisturize and soothe the skin:
- Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Flour: This is a fine-milled colloidal oatmeal. It is celebrated for its ability to soothe the feeling of dry, itchy, or uncomfortable skin.
- Squalane: A skin-similar emollient that provides deep moisture without feeling heavy, helping the skin feel soft and supple.
- Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate: This powerful postbiotic also works overnight to support your skin’s microbiome and moisture barrier.
Pro-Tip: Before bed, apply a generous layer of the treatment to your hands and cuticles. For an extra boost of hydration, wear a pair of soft cotton gloves to sleep. This locks in the moisture and protects your bedding, allowing you to wake up with hands that feel dramatically smoother and more comfortable.
Step 4: Nourish From Within: The Vitamin Deficiency Question
Many people wonder if dry, peeling cuticles can be a sign of a vitamin deficiency. The answer is yes, sometimes the appearance of our skin reflects our internal nutrition. Healthy skin is built from the inside out.
Deficiencies in certain nutrients can sometimes show up as issues with your skin and nails. These may include:
- B Vitamins: Biotin (Vitamin B7) is especially known for its role in skin and nail appearance.
- Vitamin C: This vitamin is important for maintaining skin's firmness and structure.
- Iron: Adequate iron levels are needed for overall skin appearance.
- Zinc: This mineral plays a role in supporting the skin's natural renewal cycles.
You can learn more about how your diet directly translates to glowing skin on our blog. To increase your intake of these nutrients, focus on a balanced diet rich in whole foods. Good sources include leafy green vegetables, nuts, seeds, avocados, eggs, and lean proteins.
If you suspect you have a deficiency, it is important to consult with a doctor or registered dietitian. They can perform tests and provide guidance before you start taking any new supplements.
Your Complete Microbiome Solution for Hand Health
A consistent, microbiome-focused ritual is the key to transforming your hands. By cleansing gently, applying a daily biotic remedy, and using an intensive overnight treatment, you give your skin the support it needs. This approach helps soothe current peeling and promotes a resilient skin barrier to prevent future dryness.
For a complete system, the Premium Hand Care Bundle offers the ultimate solution. This curated duo provides everything you need for both daily maintenance and deep restoration, making it a smart investment in your hand health.
The bundle includes:
- Amaretto and Biotic Hand Remedy: Your lightweight, fast-absorbing cream for daytime hydration. Use it after washing your hands to lock in moisture and support your microbiome.
- Biotic Relief Deep Hand Treatment: Your rich, intensive cream for overnight renewal. Use it as the final step in your evening routine to deeply soothe and moisturize dry, peeling skin.
Together, these two products create a comprehensive routine that works around the clock. They help restore comfort and beauty to your hands, leaving your skin and cuticles looking smooth, nourished, and healthy.
Ready to build your ritual for beautiful hands? You can explore our curated collection of microbiome-focused hand treatments. As with any new skincare, we recommend patch testing before first use.