The $4 Drugstore Product a Manicurist Uses Every Week To Keep Her Nails In Tip-Top Shape

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Looking to give your nails (and hands and feet) a little extra TLC? You don't need to spend a fortune for an expert-approved treatment. In fact, the solution may already be hanging around in your bathroom.

I asked Vivian Nguyen, a manicurist at Nail Lounge of La Jolla in La Jolla, CA, to share her favorite product is—aka what she regularly uses for strong nails, healthy cuticles, and soft skin on her hands and feet. Hint: It's under four bucks, has been around for a hundred and fifty years, and is almost definitely a part of your usual beauty routine. You guessed it—Vaseline.

"People think they need fancy products or serums or tools for their nails, but most of the time, simple is better, and you don't need to spend a lot of money to get good results," says Nguyen. "Vaseline works so well for so many things. I use it literally all the time."


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This manicurist favorite turns out to also be a derm favorite, too—and the American Academy of Dermatology seconds Nguyen's recommendation for using it on your cuticles. "It helps your cuticles, keeps your hands and nails hydrated, and works better than callus removal if you put it on your feet and wear socks overnight," says Nguyen. "The best part is that it's affordable and probably already in your medicine cabinet!" she adds. It can even help prevent pesky broken nails.

Because of the nature of her work, her hands and nails are exposed to a constant stream of chemicals and products that can be pretty harsh. "Vaseline, or any petroleum jelly really, is what I use to keep my nails and the skin on my hands healthy. It's the best."

While the Vaseline brand has various products on offer, the classic petroleum jelly is what Nguyen recommends. It's versatile, works on nails, hands, and feet, and can be used for wound healingslugging, and a whole lot more. At only $4 a pop, it's a worthy investment, indeed.

Want to keep your toes in tip-top shape, too? Check out the video below to learn about the best at-home pedicure money can buy. 

Want even more beauty intel from our editors? Follow our Fineprint Instagram account) for must-know tips and tricks.

 

Our editors independently select these products. Making a purchase through our links may earn Well+Good a commission.

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