It seems counterintuitive, but we really need to scrub our skin and nails vigorously every day to get rid of the dead cell layers that prevent creams and moisturizers from penetrating to where they are needed. It's important to keep the cuticle area unbroken as that's where the growing nails arise -- no clipping and no picking -- so you don't let in bacteria that can damage the cells the nails grow from. If you push back the cuticles with the towel every time you wash your hands they will soon be smooth and tight against the nails, and it only takes 5-10 seconds.