Repeat after us: Though. Shall. Not. Cut. Cuticles. "The cuticle is a protective layer that prevents water and bacteria from entering the nail," explains Ruth Kallens, founder and partner of Van Court Studio in New York City. Cut them -- or let them be cut -- and you risk both infection and water damaging the nail plate and creating unsightly ridges. It's a golden rule for hand models: "I've walked out of many a salon as soon as they pull out the cuticle clippers," says Covington. "Cutting down your cuticles can make your manicure look pretty for the moment, but it destroys the nail in the long run." Parts model Jay Wen seconds these sentiments. "I never cut my cuticles. When they start to grow out it looks even worse than if you don't touch them," she says. The only thing that is OK to snip is excessive hang nails, says Holford, though cutting should be limited just to that little piece of dead skin.

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So if cutting them is (most definitely) not an option, how do you ensure your cuticles don't grow out and start to cover your entire nail? Push them back, and do so daily. The best time is post-shower, when skin is soft and damp and cuticles are still pliable, notes Holford. You can do so with the tip of your towel, lightly rubbing the base of the nail in circular motions, she says. Alternately, you can use an orange stick (metal cuticle pushers are too harsh), like Tweezerman Manicure/Pedicure Sticks, $4.49. Still, be careful about how much pressure you apply and be supergentle, cautions Kallens. "Pushing too hard can damage the nail and create ridges and valleys in the nail plate, deforming the shape," she says. Work slowly and carefully, adding cuticle oil as you go to help keep the skin soft.

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If daily push backs aren't quite doing the trick, a liquid cuticle remover is another a great alternative to cutting. Add a drop to each nail and let it sit for a few seconds. Then, use a clean spoolie or toothbrush to buff the cuticle area, moving in circular motions. Wipe off any residue, then buff again. "This is an ingenious trick that quickly makes the entire nail look clean and neat," says Holford, who recommends Sally Hansen Instant Cuticle Remover, $5. Just remember that you should always wash your hands after using a cuticle remover, since it can potentially irritate your skin if left on for too long, notes Kallens. Try this technique weekly, or anytime you want to make your nails look good, stat.

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If you're pushing your cuticles back daily and using remover weekly, consider a more intensive sloughing session as a monthly or bi-monthly treatment. Wen likes using a Clarisonic brush paired with a charcoal-based soap to help completely remove any leftover dead skin, on both nails and hands. Try the Clarisonic Mia 2, $169 and Yes To Tomatoes Activated Charcoal Bar Soap, $2.99.

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You likely already have a set bedtime routine when it comes to addressing your complexion, but use the overnight hours to treat your nails and cuticles, too. Follow Wen's lead and go for more heavy-duty hydration while you snooze. "I apply a thick layer of both cuticle oil and a cream, like Burt's Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream, $6, then put on a pair of cotton gloves. Everything soaks in overnight and you wake up with moisturized nails and cuticles."

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