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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Treat Cuticles While You Do the Dishes
It's common knowledge that wearing gloves while doing dishes is a must to protect your hands and nails, but you can even take it one step further and create a quick DIY treatment, says Kallens. Grab any oil you have on-hand in the kitchen -- olive, coconut -- and pour a little bit into a pair of latex gloves. Slip those on, top with a pair of dishwashing gloves, then get to scrubbing. "The warmth from the water coupled with the double-layered gloves helps the oil penetrate, leaving your hands and nails extremely well-moisturized," she says. We can't guarantee that this will make the chore more enjoyable, but your cuticles will definitely thank you.
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Carry Coconut Oil
The oh-so-popular panacea is a fan favorite among hand models, not only for how well it moisturizes, but also for its tropical scent and portability (seriously, is there anything this miracle worker can't do?). "Since it turns solid, I can scoop a little into a small jar that I keep in my purse and dab on all day long," says Covington. (We like Kopari Organic Coconut Melt, $36.) Adds Schell: "Anytime I'm cooking with coconut oil I rub some all over my hands and nails." Not into it? A cuticle balm is a good option, too, since it's less messy and easier to apply when you're on-the-go than an oil. Kallens uses Lanolips 101 Ointment Multipurpose Superbalm, $16.95.
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Create a Protective Barrier
Any time you know your hands are going to be underwater for a long time -- during a day at the beach, a dip in the pool, a long bath -- follow Covington's lead and cover your cuticles to keep water from drying them out. "I'll rub coconut or olive oil on my nails, then cover that with Vaseline. The oil hydrates, while the Vaseline seals it in and protects my nails and cuticles," she says. With winter coming (FYI, cold temps and dry air aren't going to do your cuticles any favors), this is also a great thing to do before slipping on gloves for a day of outdoor activities.
