A pedicure can do so much to you – more than simply for the sake of giving your toes that posh and chic appearance. Find out more about the benefits of pedicure and some tips on how to get this done perfectly.
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Benefits of pedicure
Most people consider getting a pedicure as a means of achieving picture-perfect toe nails, so their feet will look great when they wear their open-toe shoes or sandals.
However, there is so much more that you can expected from a simple pedicure. It is not simply a way to treat yourself after a stressful day at work, or a part of your “pamper-me-day”. The following are some of the impressive benefits of pedicure not only to your physical appearance, but most importantly, to your health.
1. Prevent infections
Dry skin is prone to infection, so unless you are moisturising your feet regularly, you may be at risk of suffering from infections that can become serious issues. Each time you get a pedicure, your feet are massaged with a quality foot cream that helps hydrate your skin and prevent cracks or dry spots.
Once cracks begin to form, it becomes quite easy for bacteria to penetrate and cause infections. Hence, a good pedicure spares you from these problems and keeps your feet moisturised, supple and healthy.
2. Eliminate risks of hard skin on feet
The drier your skin gets, the more chances you have of getting calluses. Moreover, constant friction in the affected areas causes the skin to crack, break down and eventually result to ulcerations. Pedicures provide your feet with moisture that eliminates any possibilities of calluses from forming, which makes you less prone to infections, as well.
3. Keep your joints healthy
If you are suffering from painful joints, then it may help to get a pedicure for some relief from any discomfort you are experiencing. A pedicure often includes a relaxing foot massage that follows a soothing foot soak in warm water with lemon, or some herbs such as mint or cedar wood.
A concoction of these herbs plus some baking soda will also help balance the pH level of your feet while preventing the growth and spread of bacteria. As you soak your feet in warm water infused with essential herbs, any stress on your joints is relieved.
With all these things in mind, pedicure is indeed more than simply a means of pampering yourself. Dry skin is also prevented, and you can have a natural way of easing any pain and discomfort on your foot and joints.
Where to get a pedicure
Considering all of these benefits that pedicure brings to your health, you are probably wondering – where can you go to get the best pedicure worth your time and money?
If you have the right tools, understand how to apply proper techniques, and have the luxury of time to do it on your own, then you can simply give yourself a pedicure at the comfort of your own home. You can purchase DIY pedicure tools online or at retails shops, which will help you get excellent results.
However, if you like to have it done by a professional, then you should visit nail salons or spas that specialise in pedicures. By going to experts for a pedicure, all you need to do is to sit back, relax and bask in the spectacular experience of having your feet massaged and soaked in warm water. Then, the whole process is finished off with a lovely splash of colour on your toenails to make them appear vibrant, healthy and stunning as ever.
How pedicure is done
If you are a do-it-yourselfer who wish to get a good pedicure, then the following steps can guide you to the entire process.
1. Soak your tired feet in warm water (or footspa) with some herbs to sooth and relax tired muscles. Great options include mint leaves, cedar wood, and lavender.
2. Dry your feet and the sides of your toes with a soft cloth.
3. Using a clipper, cut your nails straight across before shaping them with a nail file.
4. Use a foot file, pumice stone or salt scrub to smooth away the edges and any rough spots on your feet.
5. Moisturise your feet using lotion or cream to keep your skin conditioned and hydrated.
6. Use a cuticle remover and pusher to loosen and to get rid of dead cuticles.
7. Apply nail polish colour of your choice and allow it dry completely before brushing clear polish for that shimmery look.
Just be careful when you cut and trim your nails since they become very soft after soaking them in warm water. Furthermore, be sure to use quality foot cream design to moisturise your skin without leaving any harsh residues that can cause irritation or allergies.
Typical pedicure tools
Below are among the common pedicure tools including the main uses of each.
1. Nail clipper – used for trimming the nails
2. Nail file – designed to shape your nails as you use the coarses side while the finer side helps smoothen your nails.
3. Cuticle pusher – loosen dead cuticle as you push it back using the flat edged portion of this tool
4. Cuticle nipper – used to trim dead skin and hangnails properly
5. Nail brush – removes any debris on the nail surface after getting rid of dead cuticles
6. Pumice stone – smoothens rough areas on your feet such as the heels and edges
7. Foot cream – used in massaging the feet to soothe tired muscles and keep the skin moisturised
Other pedicure tools include nail polish, nail polish remover, and stencils that are designed for applying toenail art designs after a foot soak, massage and trim.
My feet used to sweat just about every single day from my day job. I used that as a reason to get my feet looked at as much as possible 🙂