A friend once told me that he cut short a date when he noticed that the lady’s fingernails were unkempt. On a different occasion, another woman complained bitterly about her husband’s awfully smelling feet. “It reeks whenever he takes off his shoes,” she said. These are problems a regular manicure and pedicure could have solved.
Manicure is a process of thoroughly cleaning your hands, especially by an expert. During a manicure, the manicurist will clean and file your nails. Not only will your cuticles be sanitized, your hands will also be exfoliated to remove dead skin cells.
A pedicure on the other hand is a meticulous cleaning of your feet. Pedicures are similar to manicures except they are specifically for the feet. In the course of a pedicure your toenails should be cleaned, filed and trimmed. Generally, the idea is to prevent ingrown nails, fungal infections, thickened nails, curved nails, and so on.
People who have cracked skin will greatly benefit from pedicures. The feet will be washed, oiled and moisturized to heal the broken skin. It’s a fabulous way to get healthier and more beautiful feet.
Apart from making your hands and feet look attractive, manicures and pedicures have been shown to have many health benefits. Let’s focus on the top 6 on my list.
1. GETS RID OF INFECTIONS
Doctors and other wellness professionals often reiterate the importance of washing the hands. In fact, regularly washing the hands is considered the best way to prevent infections and illnesses.
This is because our hands are often exposed to dirt and germs. Most of these germs find their way under our nails and other hidden places in our hands and feet. Regularly washing the hands however, does not get rid of all these germs.
Treating your hands and feet to pedicures and manicures will prevent any germs from hiding under your nails. It is a great way to stay clean and safe from contamination.
2. IMPROVES MENTAL HEALTH
Many people are attesting to the effectiveness of manicure and pedicure to the improvement of both the physical and mental health.
Stress as a health condition is a primary cause of several health complications.
A body massage is effective in calming the nerves and reducing stress. There are few effective ways to relax and rejuvenate your nerves like a good body massage.
It doesn’t have to be a full-body massage, though. A simple hand and foot massage can relax your entire body in ways you can’t imagine. I like the idea of de-stressing while improving the look and feel of your hands and feet.
When next you’re feeling stressed, resist the temptation to chew or bite your cuticles. It will only leave them dry, cracked and bloody. It is a lot healthier to relax in a comfortable pedicure chair while your hands and feet are being massaged and cleaned. Not only will you end up with great-looking nails, you’ll end up feeling calmer, happier and more confident.
3. IMPROVES THE STRENGTH AND HEALTH OF THE NAILS.
There are so many diseases and infections that affect our hands and feet. Sometimes, the weather and other environmental elements dry, crack and harden the hands and feet. Think about all the stuff we touch and step on or into.
A good pedicure treats all the problems that are common with shod feet. Think of all the moisture your feet have to deal with when you’re in your socks and shoes. This moisture often causes fungi to grow on toenails and in between the toes.
Fungal infections are hard to detect. If left untreated, a fungal infection can lead to bigger health problems. But, an expert pedicurist can identify a fungal infection and have it treated on time.
This is one of the surprising ways beauty can make you healthier.
4. PROMOTES BLOOD CIRCULATION
There is so much to love about pedicure and manicure visits. But one of the aspects I enjoy best about pedi-mani treatments are the relaxing massages of the hands and feet.
Studies have shown that these gentle massages promote blood circulation and improves mobility in the joints.
5. IMPROVES THE HEALTH AND BEAUTY OF THE SKIN
Let’s face it; some weather conditions can be mercilessly harsh. And when these weather conditions continue for a long time, our skin, especially our hands and feet become dry. Sometimes, the skin would start to crack.
These cracks if left untreated, can become dwelling places for fungal and bacterial infections. And the consequences can be dire.
Regular manicures and pedicures not only prevent these cracks, they ensure that the skin is soft, beautiful and healthier.
6. HELPS TO REDUCE ACHES AND PAINS
The skins under our feet are constantly regenerating themselves. New cells grow to replace dead ones. When dead skin is not removed, calluses are formed making our feet uneven. Standing on uneven feet causes aches and pain.
When therefore we treat our feet to pedicures, the dead skins are easily removed, saving us from experiencing these body aches and pains.
Bio: Chioma Iwunze-Ibiam writes creative non-fiction and prose fiction. Her works have appeared in Romance Meets Life, Flash Fiction Press, MTLS, Saraba Magazine, Sentinel Magazine and others. Her first novel, Finding Love Again, was published by Ankara Press. She owns and manages Creative Writing News.
