SUMMER FOOT CARE

Now that it's summer and your client’s feet have emerged from winter hibernation here are some tips for summer foot care.

Professional Pedicures are designed to give basic care to your feet and toes. Each step of a pedicure is designed to help keep our feet healthy. Here are just a few of the important steps to a professional pedicure.

• Take for instance exfoliation. Our body sheds dead skin cells continuously. A lack of exfoliation can cause bunions and corns which can be painful.
• Massage is considered by most as the best part of a pedicure. But there is more to a massage than feeling good. Massage helps Improves blood circulation and counters the tension that builds up in your feet and calves.
• Pedicures provide early detection of foot problems and are a key component of a skilled licensed nail technician. A licensed nail technician is trained in understanding the abnormalities, conditions, and diseases that may be present in your feet. Early detection means less pain and easy treatment.
• Professional pedicures are definitely an important component of client health and safety.

Are you doing a pre-pedicure check?  When booking your client’s pedicure appointment ask them to inspect their feet. If they find open wounds such as cuts, or blisters it is best to delay the service until the skin is healed. These skin problems provide a perfect place for bacteria to enter, which could cause an infection. Should a client incur an infection both the nail technician and the salon could be open to suit or at the very least some very damaging posts or tweets.

Here are a few other important things to share with your clients.

• The danger of Flip-flops.  Flip-flops are everywhere and should not be worn as everyday summer shoes. They provide zero support for the feet and ankles. They leave wearers open to toe stubs and injuries from falling objects. Flip flops also require the wearer to clench their toes to keep the shoe on and this gradually changes the way you walk. Advise your clients to limit flip-flop use to poolside or for short strolls up the block and back.
• What about Sandals? Stability, support, and protection should be at the top of your client’s mind when shopping for sandals. Advise your clients to look for a sandal with a low, stable sole and a heel cup that allows the sandal to remain well-aligned on their feet as they walk.
• Keep the feet free from dirt and debris. Your client has probably noticed how much dirt and sand can accumulate on their feet when wearing sandals or going barefoot. Remind them that clean feet resist infections and daily washing is important, including between toes, and teach them to dry feet thoroughly with a towel. If dryness develops, moisturizer should be used on the soles and tops of the feet.
• Is your client into going barefoot? If your client is headed to the beach advise them to avoid walking barefoot along rocky shores or uneven surfaces. It’s easy to cut or bruise feet or ankles when wading and walking on uneven surfaces.
• Every client should use sunscreen. Most people don’t think about sunscreen for the feet, but it’s an important part of keeping sun damage at bay. The upper surface of the foot generally lies perpendicular to the rays of the sun when standing. This position makes the feet susceptible to more ultraviolet radiation than other parts of the body. Recommend that your client rub sunscreen liberally over the tops and sides of the feet as well as in between toes. Creams generally are a better option than spray-on sunscreens which may not cover all areas of the feet well enough.

 At-home foot care is very important according to the National Institute on Aging

Twenty-five percent of all the bones in our body are in our feet. Put this together with the joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments that help them function and we can clearly see how important our feet are. Our feet play a major role in our overall health and well-being and shouldn’t be underestimated.

Keeping feet healthy can help people maintain an active lifestyle. Here is the foot care guide recommended by the National Institute on Aging.

Daily Foot Health Guide

• Wash your feet regularly, especially between your toes.
• Wear clean socks.
• Make sure your feet are dry before you put on your shoes.
• Wear comfortable, well-fitting shoes.
• Wear shoes when you’re outside.
• To help the circulation in your feet, put them up when you’re sitting.
• Stretching, walking or having a gentle foot massage also helps with circulation.
• If you are sitting for a long time, stand up and move around every now and then.
• If you cross your legs when sitting, reverse or uncross them often.

The well-being of your feet can affect our overall health, so help keep your clients’ feet moving and teach your client how to have a more trouble-free and active life with good foot care.

It’s time to stand up for our feet with regular monthly pedicures and foot health care!