What you should know about treating your Hands and Feet

Our hands and feet take an awful beating every day.  They work hard for us and we often neglect them.  They are exposed to the elements of the sun, wind, and cold outside.  Inside they are exposed to drying air, water, and harsh chemicals.  Frankly, they are often the last things we think about in our beauty regime.  But it’s time to put a stop to that.  Our hands are often one of the first things people notice about us.  Don’t you always notice dirty, jagged fingernails and inflamed cuticles?  Don’t you notice dry, scaly skin when you shake someone’s hand?  First impressions last and that’s why it’s vitally important to take care of our hands and feet.

Here are some treatments you can indulge in at your local spa or salon:

Hand Treatments

The cornerstone of hand treatments is the manicure.  Each salon or spa has its own techniques for delivering this luxurious experience.  There will be express manicures which just provide the basics of conditioning the skin and nails and then filing the nails.  This usually lasts about 30 minutes.  There will be regular manicures offered which last about an hour and include the basics plus polish or buffing the nails and perhaps a hand and arm massage.  There will also be deluxe services which provide a longer, more luxurious experience that lasts around 90 minutes.

As part of the manicure, most salons offer some kind of nail and cuticle conditioning treatment with scented exfoliant scrubs, soaks, oils, lotions, or creams.  As each salon or spa is different, so too are the products they choose to use when pampering your fingers and toes.  Some salons offer decadent chocolate paraffin wax treatments.  Other salons offer marine extracts, alpine herbs, citrus soaks, sea mineral scrubs, and the scents of coffee or antioxidant tea.

Extensions

Nail extensions create natural looking longer nails.  They can be applied to both fingernails and toenails.  The extensions can be made out of acrylic, fiberglass, or gel.  Gel is the most popular method currently because the nails are durable and they look healthy and natural like real nails.

Extensions can be permanently applied to the natural nails or done temporarily (one to two weeks) for special occasions.  They are designed to give the natural nails extra strength while they grow.  Permanent nail extensions must be maintained by filling in the space that is left when the natural nail grows out.  The in-fill usually must be done every two to four weeks depending on how fast the nail grows.

Feet Treatments

The cornerstone of feet treatments is the pedicure.  Very similar to manicures, the pedicure starts by conditioning the skin and nails by applying scented scrubs, soaks, oils, lotions, or creams.  Then the nails are shaped and then buffed or polished.  Often a relaxing lower leg and foot massage is given to improve relaxation and boost circulation. 

Most salons will remove calluses and rough, dry skin from the feet during a pedicure.  Some will also offer foot reflexology or hot stone treatments.

Foot Reflexology

Reflexology dates back 4000 years ago in China, India, and Egypt but the benefits to modern society have only been recognized recently.  The foot contains reflexes for every part of the body including the glands and organs.  In reflexology, pressure points on the foot are pressed and that allows energy to flow between the point and the rest of the body.  This helps the body to rejuvenate itself, detoxify, increase circulation, and relax.  Men, women, and children of all ages can benefit.

Hot Stone Treatments

For hot stone treatments, smooth, polished lava stones are sterilized and heated in boiling water until they reach the right temperature.  They are used during pedicures to massage the lower legs and feet.  The warmth of the stones allows the heat to penetrate the reflex points thus allowing for deeper relaxation.

Arthritis and Diabetes Treatments

Some spas and salons offer specialized treatments for people with arthritis and diabetes.  Warm paraffin-filled gloves and booties do wonders to relieve the pain of arthritic joints.  Benefits of this treatment include increased flexibility and circulation, reduced pain, and enhanced relaxation.

People afflicted with diabetes must be especially careful of the circulation in their legs and feet because any kind of wound can increase complications.  There are special diabetic creams and lotions that can be used during treatments.  Allowing a professional to take proper care of your feet for you is not only enjoyable but it’s also a wise step.

Your hands and feet deserve the same amount of care and time you spend on your hair and face.  After all, they work twice as hard for you every day.  Visit your local spa or salon, indulge your senses, and treat your hands and feet to the pampering they deserve.