The Health Benefits of Taking Better Care of Your Feet

Feet are the workhorse of the entire body. They literally carry us through life and yet we neglect to realize how important it is to take proper care of them.  We wouldn’t go a day without brushing our teeth, so you shouldn’t  go a day without caring for your feet.  

Pedicures are a great way to provide basic care for your feet and they are relatively inexpensive compared to the medical costs that come about after years of neglecting the importance.

What is a pedicure?

You need a pedicure… and yes, that includes men!

A pedicure is a cosmetic treatment for the feet and toenails that cleans your feet, provides nail care and foot/calve massages. Contrary to popular belief, pedicures are NOT just for women! They are for anyone who wants to take care of their feet.

Despite the belief that they are for those who want to pamper themselves, you should understand that there are many physical benefits to having routine pedicures by a professional.

Prevent and Treat Calluses and Corns

Calluses and corns are a yearlong issue. They are hardened, built up layers of flaky dry skin that can hurt and crack if they get too thick, which increases the risk of infection. Regular pedicures will keep corns and calluses at bay and keep feet smooth.

Prevents Ingrown Toenails

We often neglect the importance of trimming our toenails properly and let’s face it, it isn’t the easiest thing to do, especially as we age. Cutting nails too short or leaving minuscule pieces at the edges can lead to ingrown toenails which are painful and often lead to infection. A professional pedicure will ensure that your nails are taken care of and are cut to the correct length which will leave you with strong, healthy nails. This is especially important for exercise enthusiast and runners.

Removes Foot Odor

No one likes stinky feet! Pedicures are the best way to remove dead skin, dirt and bacteria from the feet completely. The exfoliation you receive during a pedicure will remove the bacterial infection, which you can’t get rid of with daily washing. 

Early Detection of Foot Problems

Nail technicians are skilled people trained in understanding abnormalities of the nails, hands and feet. The truth is that routine (monthly) pedicures can help reduce the chances of disease and infection, especially for people at a higher risk due to high activity levels or ailments like diabetes.   Early detection means less pain, easy treatment and a tremendous amount of financial savings on doctor visits and medications.

Increase Your Self Confidence

Routine pedicures make your feet look and feel good whether you are sitting by the fireplace or sporting sandals on the beach.  No one wants to be uncomfortable in their skin or about their skin. A healthy pair of feet are attractive.  They not only look clean, but they look smooth and strong and they show that you care about yourself.  

Basic Foot Care at Home – Treating Dry Cracked Feet

Feet are more susceptible to dry air because they have fewer oil glands than other parts of the body.  The problem gets worse as we age because cells reproduce more slowly, so it takes longer for dead skin to be replaced.  

Nobody likes dry skin especially when it gets itchy, rough or cracked. The key to having healthy skin is removing the dead skin through exfoliation and than moisturizing it, especially in the areas of the body that are more prone to dry skin as our feet, elbows and knees are.  Moisturizing skin brings a level of hydration to keep skin soft and smooth, making it look flawless. 

A professional pedicure can improve your skin by removing dead skin cells and moisturizing it well, leaving you with healthy feet. It prevents your skin from developing cracks and blisters. Your cuticles are also well taken care of in a pedicure.  But, it’s just as important to maintain healthy feet in between those visits to the processionals and we have the ultimate products that will make it convenient and easy.

Four Basic Steps For Healthy Feet at Home

• Start using a gentle, high quality cleansing soap like our Goat’s Milk Soap.  Commercial cleansers contain harsh chemicals that dry and irritate the skin and can cause further damage.  Shop Here
• Remove the dead skin, EXFOLIATE!  Exfoliation should be done a few times a week and it will allow your moisturizers to do their job.  This one task can make all the difference in the look and feel of your skin.
• Take care of your nails.  Push cuticles back, clean under nails, and trim straight across.
• MOISTURIZE!  This should be a daily thing for healthy feet.  After your bath or shower and always before bed.  Put a jar or bottle by your TV or on your nightstand so that you don’t have a reason to miss this step.
  

Hand & Foot Scrub

When applied to wet skin, this product emulsifies into a creamy foot and hand scrub that gently and effectively exfoliates to remove dry or dead surface skin cells, leaving the skin hydrated, silky-soft and smooth without feeling greasy, and it won’t leave an oily ring in your sink, tub or shower.

Healthy Feet Foot Spray

Our Healthy Feet Foot Spray will relieve the itching and burning of athlete’s foot.  It’s not just soothing, it’s antibacterial and stimulates healthy, normal tissue formation, moisturization, and protection, leaving your feet revitalized and silky-smooth, while controlling odors.

Foot Lotion Stick

This super rich lotion stick is formulated with oils, butters, and wax that will protect, heal and hydrate dry, rough and/or damaged skin. We’ve added rice powder to help the natural ingredients penetrate quickly into the skin without leaving it feeling greasy. Super convenient to carry in your bag and airport friendly!

NEEM Cream

If your feet are are cracked and flaking than we suggest our NEEM CREAM that is formulated to penetrate quickly to repair and heal skin fast.  This amazing cream rejuvenates and protects skin from further dryness. OurNeem cream is a safe and effective natural solution for psoriasis, eczema, dry damaged skin, acne, burns, bruises, and much more.  
It’s best to exfoliate (remove the dead skin) before applying any cream or lotion so that your moisturizer works ten times better.

Other Product Recommendations:

Written By: Mary Ellen Wank, Wellness Advocate and Founder of LATIV, Natural Skin Revival DISCLAIMER