On an average day, one person can take up to 10,000 steps. Although it’s good for the heart, those many steps can be bad for the feet. Treating the doggies to a pedicure is about more than just smooth skin and painted toenails – in fact, pedicures offer various benefits to the body.
1. Increases Blood Circulation
During the pedicure, most spas or nail salons massage the feet. The foot massage allows for the tendons in the foot to relax, causing circulation to increase in the feet and legs. This alleviates tension around the ankle and heel and offers some relief after a long day of walking or hiking.
2. Exfoliation
Exfoliating the feet removes dead skin cells, which are the culprits for corns and bunions. Since exfoliation removes dead skin, new skin on the foot can regenerate, particularly on the heel. This process will give feet a smooth and soft look.
3. Keeps Feet Moisturized
Pedicurists use oils and lotions to massage into the skin of the feet. This process will help keep feet moisturized, especially after exfoliation. Overall, it prevents cracking heels or excessively dry skin around the toes.
4. Prevents Infections
Toenails are a breeding ground for fungi, which is why cleaning and clipping toenails during a pedicure are important. A good foot scrub will remove bacteria from the feet and toes, which will prevent infections such as athlete’s foot.
5. It’s Relaxing
The human foot contains 33 joints, 26 bones, and more than 7,000 nerve endings. A foot massage helps to relax the body, which reduces stress and releases toxins. Some pedicurists may also practice reflexology which is an alternative therapy believed to operate different parts of the body using trigger points on the foot.
When To Say No To A Pedicure
The benefits of a pedicure far outweigh the negative. However, there are times when safety has to come before beauty. Potential reasons that a client should postpone an appointment include:
– Open sores on the heel or bottom of the feet
– Unexplained bruising
– Rashes or bumps
– Visible signs of toenail fungus
It’s important for those who suffer from diabetes to pay close attention to their feet. This is mainly because an infection can raise blood sugar levels. If a pedicure appointment is already scheduled, it’s common courtesy to call within a 24-hour period.
Finding the Right Salon
A person can tell a lot about a salon from a first impression. A great way to experience the staff of the salon is to go there and get a feel for the atmosphere. Other things to search for include:
– Visible esthetician license(s)
– Clean workspace
– Well-maintained equipment
– Clean tubs and water
Remember, a pedicure is meant to be fun and relaxing. A part of that is determining whether a salon can provide their customers with top-notch service.