During a manicure, what does the term "cuticle care" refer to?

Cuticle care refers specifically to the treatment and maintenance of the area surrounding the nail plate. This involves several practices aimed at ensuring that the cuticles are healthy, well-groomed, and not overgrown, which can lead to hangnails or other nail-related issues. Cuticle care may include pushing back the cuticle, moisturizing the area, and sometimes gently exfoliating the skin around the nails. Effective cuticle care is important not only for the aesthetic appearance of the nails but also for preventing infections and promoting healthy nail growth.

The other choices address different aspects of nail care, such as polishing, trimming, and filing, which while important in their own right, do not pertain to the specific consideration of cuticles. Thus, the focus on the surrounding area of the nail plate is what distinguishes cuticle care from these other manicure practices.