Why mani-pedi matters

You know you are so stressed when you feel so calm and rested after a mani and pedi.

We are so lucky here in the Philippines because having a professional do our nails — even in the comforts of our home -- is still affordable.

While some say getting a professional service is such a waste of money — since one can do his/her own nails — the benefits we, women, derive from going to a nail salon far outweigh the cost.

So why does a regular mani-pedi matter? Let me count the ways:

• Pretty nails. Nothing beats colorful, polished toes when you are in the mood to wear open-toe shoes or sandals. 

• Exfoliates. With a foot spa, your therapist scrubs and exfoliates your feet. This practice sloughs off dry, dead skin and softens skin. 

• Nail (health) alert. As the nail technician buff our nails, they do not only trim them and make them look nicer. They also get to check out any nail or skin problems and alert you about them.

• Free massage. Most pedicures come with a free massage. The service starts with a warm bubbly foot soak, which quickly calms the nerves. The massage also stimulates blood flow and lymphatic drainage.

• Moisturizes and prevents calluses. If you’re the type who doesn’t moisturize your feet daily then a regular pedicure does that. “Moisturizing your feet prevents cracks from forming and causing infections,” says board certified podiatrist Dr. Alan Bass. 

The extra moisture also helps to remove and prevent calluses. “A callus is the body’s way of protecting itself,” says Dr. Bass. “Areas of friction will protect itself from forming.”

In the US, the Department of Regulatory Agencies regulates that nail technicians may trim away the dead hanging skin around the nail plate and cuticle area, but not the cuticle itself. Only physicians are allowed to cut live tissue with any cutting tool.

For proper maintenance, never let polish stay too long. “Polish left on for extended periods of time can lead to onychomycosis, a nail fungus,” says Dr. Bass.

• It makes you feel good. It’s amazing how your pedicured feet can make you feel so good, giving you a real confidence boost. You definitely leave the nail salon feeling relaxed, clean and pampered.

In the 2019 Golden Globes, Julia Roberts wore a Stella McCartney half skirt over black tuxedo pants. Vogue magazine pointed out though that the manicure and pedicure of Julia was the most subtle twist of her look.

Her fingers and toe nails were painted gold. She even wore stacks of gold toe rings. Some say that Julia’s tailored pants and open-toed shoes were chosen to draw the eye straight down to her toes.

However, experts prescribe a pedicure once a month for properly maintained toenails. Colors on toes last longer than those on the fingers. Gel colors, when properly applied, can last three to four weeks on the toes.

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Post me a note at mylene@goldsgym.com.ph or mylenedayrit@gmail.com.