Many of us enjoy getting a manicure or pedicure. Perhaps you love the look of freshly painted nails for important events. Or maybe getting a mani and pedi is more about relaxation and self-care. But did you know that regardless of your reasons, manicures and pedicures can have excellent health benefits?
Many of us enjoy getting a manicure or pedicure. Perhaps you love the look of freshly painted nails for important events. Or maybe getting a mani and pedi is more about relaxation and self-care. But did you know that regardless of your reasons, manicures and pedicures can have excellent health benefits? Here are the ways in which a trip to your salon for one of these treatments can have a positive effect on your wellness.
Manicures and pedicures often involve a massage during the exfoliation and moisturization phase. While this treatment helps to relax your mind, it also improves blood flow in your hands and feet. Improving circulation is excellent for flushing out toxins, distributing heat, and reducing pain. Improved circulation in your hands and feet may also allow blood to flow to your organs more readily, boosting their health and circulating white blood cells for proper immune function.
Your extremities experience a lot throughout the day. Your hands are exposed to the elements and germs, which often results in frequent washing. This can dry out your skin and even cause painful cracking. Your feet may also be exposed during the warmer months when you're prone to wear sandals or going barefoot.
Shoes and regular walking may also cause callouses and poor skin health. A professional pedicure and manicure help remove dead skin cells, exfoliating the surfaces of your hands and feet. Then, they are moisturized to improve skin elasticity and boost smoothness. Fortunately, this can also cut down on wrinkles. Pedicures often include callous removal as well, which may help you distribute weight more evenly and reduce pain and pressure points.
Nails can harbor dirt and germs that can make you sick, and sometimes thoroughly cleaning them can be tricky. Additionally, hang nails, and tiny tears in your cuticles can be prime entrance points for bacteria. Keeping your hands and toes healthy and clean with regular maintenance, like a manicure and pedicure, can reduce the likelihood of these issues.
Fungal infections can also be a problem if not treated. Unfortunately, they can easily occur when your feet are exposed to too much moisture, like spreading. And it may take a few weeks for your to notice such infections. Fortunately, your nail professional will likely be able to spot it long before you. Alerting you to the infection and allowing you to get treatment before it gets out of hand.
Self-care can be excellent for your mental health, and manicures and pedicures are indeed an act of self-care. The massages are relaxing, helping to decrease stress and tension. Skin exfoliation and moisturization are both relaxing and beautifying. And we know that a fresh coat of nail polish on your fingers and toes can improve your self-confidence. Plus, how relaxing is it to not paint your nails and simply cross that monotonous task off your list? A little pampering can enhance your mood and self-esteem and leave you feeling great for weeks!