Taking care of your feet is as important as taking care of other parts of your body. That’s why we invite you to learn about the different types of pedicures, their benefits and some recommendations. Read on!
The aesthetics of the feet is important for both women and men. That is why, in recent years, several techniques have been developed for their care. Do you know the 3 types of pedicure to beautify the feet?
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends this type of intervention to reduce problems such as calluses and corns. But which option to choose? It all depends on your needs. Below, we tell you more about it.
Types of pedicure and their characteristics
Getting your feet trimmed frequently prevents nail discomfort by removing all the elements that tend to get stuck in your nails. This reduces the possibility of pain in the area and, incidentally, keeps your feet healthy.
But it should be clarified that there are several types of pedicure. Each of them fulfills a specific purpose, and must be performed by a professional in the area. Know their main characteristics.
The basic pedicure is a type of foot cleaning in which the attention is mainly focused on removing dead skin and calluses that are in that area. Within the existing types of pedicure, this one provides the minimum care required to avoid discomfort or pain due to ingrown toenails.
Regarding the procedure, what is done is to insert the feet in a container with warm water to soak them for a few minutes. Then, the nails are cleaned superficially, and a trowel is passed over the calluses to remove them. To finish, nail polish is placed on the nails.
Many tend to confuse the basic pedicure with the spa pedicure. There is a clear difference between them, and that is that the function of the spa is to provide relaxation to the muscles of the foot with the help of hot stones and other elements.
It should be noted that the technique varies according to the esthetic center. Currently, many establishments dedicated to spa pedicures perform massages in the area with other tools besides hot stones.
There is also a new method known as Jelly spa, which offers greater softness to the feet. In any case, the important thing to keep in mind is that foot care has the same relevance as other parts of the body. This will prevent future discomfort.
The clinical or complete pedicure is a more professional category. It is usually recommended by specialists, since it covers everything related to foot care. It is undoubtedly one of the most useful types of pedicure to maintain healthy nails and skin.
Thus, when you attend these sessions, they not only focus on cleaning the elements present in the nails, but also remove calluses and provide massages to relax.
Some key points that are taken into consideration for a clinical pedicure are the following:
- Diagnosis of the feet, in order to know exactly what treatment to apply.
- Soaking the feet in warm water and soap, and then proceeding with the cleaning.
- Application of special moisturizing creams for the area.
- Cleaning of nails and calluses.
- Relaxing massages.
This is the ideal type of pedicure for men and women, since the results are of better quality and longer lasting.
Essential steps for a complete pedicure
The care and maintenance of the feet is fundamental for the general well-being. That’s why these practices should be done regularly. No matter what type of pedicure you have, there are a number of essential steps for a complete pedicure. Take note!
Disinfect your feet
The first step in implementing a pedicure is disinfection. It is necessary to sanitize the work area and all the tools to be used. Also, the person who will perform the procedure should wash his or her hands thoroughly.
Removing old nail polish from the nails
If you have semi-permanent or classic nail polish on your toenails, it must be removed before starting the pedicure. The products used in this case depend on the type of polish. Do this carefully to avoid damaging the nails.
Place the feet in warm water
In a container, add warm water and immerse the feet for about 10 to 15 minutes. In this way, the hard areas are softened to work on them in a friendly way. Note that, in some places, they apply a little soap in the water to help clean better.
Trimming the nails
This is one of the primary steps of the pedicure. Specialists usually take the time to cut the nails properly. In this way, they avoid ingrown nails in the future. They prevent the nails from growing in the wrong direction, which can lead to pain and infection.
In these cases, nails should ideally be kept short so that they do not harbor bacteria and dirt. It should be noted that nail professionals know exactly how to cut the nails according to the type of foot.
File the nails
Once all the nails have been cut, it is time to file them. Through this step, the nails are given their final shape and impurities are removed from the surface.
Removing cuticles
This point is a bit controversial, because not everyone agrees with cuticle removal. However, it often depends on the individual’s taste. The American Academy of Dermatology warns that removing cuticles can be counterproductive. Specifically, it can damage the nail or allow bacteria to enter.
In any case, to reduce the unsightly appearance they give the nail, you can moisturize the area every day with natural oils or products designed for this purpose. If they cause discomfort, you can remove them backwards, but do not cut them.
Clean the skin
When the nails are the correct length, the next step is to clean the entire foot. This involves removing calluses or softening any hardness. Areas such as the heels, toes and sides suffer the most.
Adding polish
This step falls under the aesthetics section, so you can get creative with regards to nail polish color, designs, and so on. The type of polish depends a lot on personal taste, but semi-permanent polish is recommended for its durability.
Moisturize
Last but not least, it is necessary to moisturize the feet to complete the pedicure. Even so, the moisturizing process done by the professional is not enough. It is necessary to repeat this treatment at home, either with creams or natural oils.
Every night you can apply a layer of cream and let it absorb while you sleep. This way, you ensure that the area remains soft and free of dryness.
Final recommendations for foot care
Beyond choosing one of the types of pedicure, it is important to take care of your feet every day. Although many people ignore it, this part of the body tends to present problems due to lack of moisture or inadequate hygiene. In this sense, put the following into practice:
- Clean well with water and neutral soap, and do not forget the area between the fingers.
- Dry with a clean towel before wearing any type of footwear.
- Apply moisturizing cream or products, especially on the heels.
- Change socks every day.
- Wear comfortable shoes, which facilitate perspiration.
If you have any symptoms of foot conditions, such as fungus, irritation, cracks, among others, consult a doctor or dermatologist. Timely attention to these situations is key to avoid complications.
