skin growing over fingernails

[murgatroid]

My first post - be gentle with me :p

Basically I would like to know what you all use to push back the skin that grows over your fingernails - i have no idea what this skin is called, its not cuticles is it? :purplex: I have just been using my other nails to push them back which is not the smartest thing to do! Is there some sort of tool you can buy for this? And also, how does everyone soften them enough to push them back in the first place?
Thanks muchly

[kimberlily]

I use an orange stick. It is meant to push back your cuticles. You can buy them at the drugstore, or at beauty supply stores. I have no idea why they're called orange sticks though - they're just made of wood (probably birch or pine) and aren't orange at all!

Because they're made of wood, they're a little soft, so they won't damage your nailbed like a metal cuticle pusher will.

I always soak my cuticles before pushing them back, and oil them afterward to keep them soft.

[UncommonTart]

I mostly push my cuticles back in the shower, after washing my hair. That way, the skin is soft and my hands are clean. I'll admit to also using my other fingernails to push. I'm fairly gentle, and I push rather than pick or pull at them. I've never had any problems doing it this way, though if I'm doing it in preparation for a manicure I'll soak first and use an orangewood stick.

[curls2grow]

I always thought that skin was called the cuticle. :purplex:

I also try to do it after getting out of shower, or having done dishes, etc. When the skin is moist and soft. I use my fingertips to push the skin back; if it's more stubborn in spots, I use an orange stick too (very gently).