Regular nail care is important for a number of reasons. To help us understand why manicures and pedicures are more than just pampering, our Senior Spa Services Manager, Heather MacKay answers some key questions!

Q: Why is regular nail care important?

A: Fingernails and toenails act as little shields protecting your fingers and toes!  Healthy nails protect the vulnerable tissue underneath them and prevent infection via the things you touch everyday. Germs trapped underneath the nail can cause an infection called bacterial paronychia known as nail fungus. Hangnails should never be ripped, but should be clipped with standard nail clippers.  Ripping your hangnails can cause a condition called paronychia, where you can experience redness, swelling and pain.  Regular maintenance, along with keeping your fingers and nails moisturized can prevent this.

Q: How frequently should one have a manicure/pedicure?

A: Those who like to keep their fingers and toes primped and polished at all time would typically have a pedicure monthly and a manicure bi-monthly.  You could reduce the frequency of your pedicure through the winter months as your feet will be in socks and shoes so they do not dry out and crack as easily as they do in the summer when you are wearing sandals.  Winter months can also be a good time to give your toes a break from polish!

Q: What are some benefits or regular manicures/pedicures? 

A: Regular pedicures can help prevent the build up of excess calluses and tough skin, as well as prevent cracking.  When you wait until there is a lot of excess callus on the feet and then remove a lot at once, your feet can tender and can actually cause the build up of callus to happen faster as a means of protection and as the callus builds up, the skin can crack.  When you have more frequent pedicures and slough off a little at a time, it prevents excessive build up and cracks from happening in the first place. With regards to manicures, not only are they important for overall hand health and to prevent infection, but they also make us look more polished and feel better.

Q: Why are professional services more beneficial than at-home or DIY?

A: Professional Services are, simply put, more thorough.  There are steps we perform to prepare the skin, we use professional grade tools which are so much more effective and your Aesthetician can always get a better angle when working than you can on yourself.  Reaching your toes and working on your opposite hand in which you favor can prove to be challenging.

Q: Is prolonged nail polish use safe?

A: These days, nail  polishes are much safer than they were at times.  Now you can  find brands that are formulated free of toxins such as Formaldehyde, Toluene and DBP (dibutyl Phthalate).  Although, it is still a good idea to give your nails a break from polish from time to time and let the nails breath.  Taking a break during the winter months  can be the best time when toes are covered and people tend to stay indoors more.