the spirit of Valentine’s Day, dermatologists from the American Academy of Dermatology are advising the public about a simple yet important self-care routine: nail grooming. Not only do short, well-manicured nails look great, they say, they are also less likely to harbor dirt and bacteria, which can lead to an infection. In addition, the right nail clipping technique can help prevent common issues like hangnails and ingrown toenails.

“Short nails stay cleaner and break less often, which is good for both your appearance and your health,” says board-certified dermatologist and nail specialist Shari Lipner, MD, PhD, FAAD. “Although nail clipping seems pretty straightforward, there are some important steps you should follow to ensure a healthy cut, like disinfecting your tools and leaving your cuticles alone.”

To properly trim your nails, Dr. Lipner recommends the following tips:

Soften the nails. The best time to trim your nails is immediately after taking a bath or shower. However, if that isn’t possible, soak your nails in lukewarm water for a few minutes to soften them.

Gather the proper tools. Use a nail clipper or nail scissors for your fingernails and a toenail clipper for your toenails. Remember to disinfect your tools monthly. To disinfect them, soak a small scrub brush in a bowl of 70 to 90 percent isopropyl alcohol and then use the brush to scrub your nail clippers or nail scissors. Afterwards, rinse the tools in hot water and dry them completely before putting them away.

To trim your fingernails, cut almost straight across the nail. Use a nail file or emery board to slightly round the nails at the corners, as this will help keep them strong and prevent them from catching on things like clothing or furniture.

To reduce your chances of getting an ingrown toenail, cut straight across when trimming your toenails. Toenails grow more slowly than fingernails, so you may find that you do not need to trim these nails as often.

Smooth uneven or rough edges using a nail file or emery board. Always file the nail in the same direction, as filing back and forth can weaken your nails.

Leave your cuticles alone. Cuticles protect the nail root, so it’s important to avoid cutting your cuticles or pushing them back. When you trim or cut your cuticles, it’s easier for bacteria and other germs to get inside your body and cause an infection. If you get a nail infection, it can sometimes take a long time to clear.

Moisturize after trimming to help keep your nails flexible. This is especially important when the air is dry, as dry nails split more easily.

“Nails are a reflection of your overall health,” Dr. Lipner says. “Keep an eye on your nails, and if you notice a change in the color, texture or shape of your nail, see a board-certified dermatologist. While some changes are harmless, others could be a sign of a disease, such as melanoma, or an infection, such as a nail fungal infection.”

These tips are demonstrated in “How to Trim Your Nails,” a video posted to the AAD website and YouTube channel. This video is part of the AAD’s “Video of the Month” series, which offers tips people can use to properly care for their skin, hair and nails. A new video in the series posts to the AAD website and YouTube chan