Don't skip out on pedicures!!

Pedicures may seem like a luxury, but I have learned that they are much more important than they seem. I usually get a pedicure once a month with a polish change in-between. However, during college I had to skip quite a few pedis and polish my nails myself. This is when I learned that a thorough grooming of your feet is essential.

Taking care of your feet now can help prevent foot problems down the road. Good foot hygiene can also alleviate or rid existing foot problems. The Institute for Preventive Foot Health provides a list of activities you should include in your routine for foot health:

• Inspect feet daily. Look for cuts, bruises, blisters, red spots. Feel for lumps or bumps.
• Wash feet daily. Rinse off soap completely and dry your feet thoroughly, especially between the toes.
• Trim toenails straight across and not too short. Don’t cut or dig at corners.
• Do not trim, shave or use over-the-counter medications to dissolve corns or calluses; see a foot specialist instead.
• Wear clean socks and change them every day; more frequently if you sweat profusely to help avoid athlete’s foot

Benefits of pedicures include early detection of problems, decreased chances of infections, preserved skin moisture, feet exfoliation, and relaxation. Pedicures provide a layer of care that gives you access to expert care. Nail techs see and work with foot health daily. They are better suited than you to identify any abnormalities. They also can provide the deep cleaning you need. You should research (i.e. shop around for) nails techs just as you would a physician.

Besides the relaxing soak and massage, regular foot care equals healthy and beautiful feet, and less likelihood of infection. It also means beautiful feet that you just won't be able to not show off. So, make it a point to budget in a basic pedicure at least once a month, you won't regret it!

References:

https://www.ipfh.org/foot-care-essentials/why-preventive-foot-health-is-important