Not for Women Only - Health Benefits of Pedicures

Many of the ladies have long known the luxury of a spa pedicure, but could a pedicure actually have health benefits not only for the ladies, but for the men too?

Your feet take a beating, and if you happen to be carrying extra weight on your frame, your feet get the brunt of it. The average person takes 8,000 to 10,000 steps a day, which adds up to about 115,000 miles over a lifetime. Comparing in terms of cars, not every one will drive a car that has 115,000 miles, especially if it hasn’t been properly maintained.

Whether you go to a salon or do self pedicures, there are health benefits in properly maintaining your feet. Cutting, clipping and cleaning of the nails prevents nails from growing inward and causing infection. The elimination of dirt and bacteria from your feet will also help prevent nail diseases and disorders and helps eliminate foot odor.

Exfoliation, or the sloughing off of dead skin cells, prevents the cells from accumulating and causing bunions or corns, which can be painful. Removal of the dead skins cells also encourages newer skin cell growth which creates a smoother, more appealing foot.

The most enjoyable part of the salon pedicure is the massage. The lotion and/or oils used in the massage moisturize the newly exfoliated skin, and massaging promotes circulation in the calves and feet. It can reduce foot pain from being on one’s feet all day and can help maintain the health and performance of the muscles. And let’s face it, a nice time out for this pampering can reduce stress.

Nail color is optional. It is fun for the ladies and avoided by the men. Men, obviously you don’t have to get the color, but consider for a moment some of the fun you could have. If you’re a sports fan, you could have your nails painted like baseballs, basketballs, or soccer balls. You could even have them done as dice. (although it would be recommended to have the baby toe be the one and the big toe be the five.) You don’t have to leave it on, but imagine her surprise when you show up at home that night with a Superman logo on your toes?

Whether or not you get the color, the heath benefits of pedicures are not imagined and are a part of proper foot care. Gone are the days when this kind of foot care was only a luxury only for the ladies. Everyone deserves to take good care of their feet.