Cuticle pushers should be used to gently push back cuticles to prevent the growth of bacteria and germs, and they come in all sorts of varieties with different tips. As a general rule, you should apply a cuticle softener before using the rounded flat end of the stick to push the cuticles up towards the hand, starting in the middle of the nail. You can also try this Cuticle Pusher 4-Pack ($4) with slanted or sharper ends to push down the cuticles at the corners of your nails and remove dirt near the cuticles.