Why do you get a manicure and pedicure? Is it for a fresh coat of polish, a relaxing massage, or maybe both? Many people enjoy a mani-pedi for the relaxing experience and a new nail lacquer color to suit their mood. But what most don't realize is that the benefits of regular manicures and pedicures go way beyond new paint or a bit of pampering.
Why do you get a manicure and pedicure? Is it for a fresh coat of polish, a relaxing massage, or maybe both? Many people enjoy a mani-pedi for the relaxing experience and a new nail lacquer color to suit their mood. But what most don't realize is that the benefits of regular manicures and pedicures go way beyond new paint or a bit of pampering. If you've been treating a mani-pedi as a rare, splurge-worthy event, here are six reasons why you may want to make it part of your regular routine.
1. Increases nail health. Your manicurist hopefully does more than just remove your polish and put on a new color. When they clean, file, and trim your nails, it helps to reduce the chances of an infection or fungi going unnoticed. Exfoliation of dead skin cells coupled with hydration can also help keep your nails and cuticles healthy and strong by stimulating new cell growth.
2. Reduces infection risk. We know it can be hard to look after your feet; in most cases, they're an afterthought. But dry, cracked skin can allow bacteria to seep in, and unclipped or filed toenails can grow painfully inward. Regular pedicures may help soften the skin on your feet and prevent ingrown toenails, reducing the risk of infection. Additionally, trimming your nails and removing buildup from beneath them is another great way to further limit germs' presence on your body.
3. Stimulates circulation. Massages help to promote healthy blood flow and are often included as part of a manicure and pedicure. Not only will it improve circulation in your hands, arms, lower legs, and feet, but it can boost relaxation and reduce tension too.
4. Fights the effects of aging. Better blood flow also makes your skin look younger and healthier. It can help decrease cellulite, promote muscle strength, and tighten the skin; all helping your hands and feet turn back the clock to look years younger.
5. Boosts your mood. Human touch can be very powerful for your mental health, and the massage you receive during a manicure and pedicure might work to improve your mood, reduce stress, and increase feelings of happiness. In addition, the self-confidence boost you experience post-mani-pedi is pretty great too!
6. Eases back pain. Did you know that severe calluses on the feet can affect how your body weight is distributed? This may change your posture and gait, sometimes leading to back pain. Keeping the soles of your feet soft and supple through exfoliation and hydration during a pedicure cuts down on calluses. In turn, this may work to decrease pain in your back.
There are indeed aesthetic reasons for getting a manicure and pedicure. But hopefully, you've learned that there are many reasons a mani-pedi is beneficial in addition to getting a new polish color; and most of them can benefit your physical and mental health! Many nail professionals are both aesthetically and technically trained, so you can be sure to receive the maximum benefits from your relaxing trip to the salon.