APMA Pedicure Pointers

Pedicure Pointers

Pedicures are a great way to relax and get some confidence.  However, it is important to make sure your pedicure is safe.  Try our kit, available through our online store, and check out these tips from the American Podiatric Medical Association.

DO
morning. Salon foot baths are typically cleanest earlier in the day. If you’re not a morning person, make sure that the salon filters and cleans the
foot bath between clients.
Be sure that you schedule your pedicure first thing in the DO bring your own pedicure utensils to the salon. Bacteria and fungus can move easily from one person to the next if the salon doesn’t use proper sterilization techniques. *APMA Podiatrist Pick: SOS Safe Salon Pedicure Kit ($29.95) When eliminating thick, dead skin build-up, also known as calluses, on the heel, ball and sides of the feet,
exfoliating scrub. Soak feet in warm water for at least five minutes then use the stone, scrub or foot file to gently smooth calluses and other rough patches. DO use a pumice stone, foot file or *APMA Podiatrist Pick: Pedinol
Pharmacal’s Hydrisalic Gel ($21.95) When trimming nails, DO use a toenail clipper with a straight edge to ensure your toenail is cut straight across. Other tools like manicure scissors or fingernail clippers increase the risk of ingrown toenails because of their small, curved shape. See a podiatrist if you have a tendency to develop ingrown toenails. To s
File lightly in one direction without using too much pressure, being sure not to scrape the nail’s surface. mooth nail edges, DO use an emery board. DO
be able to see. gently run a wooden or rubber manicure stick under your nails to keep them clean. This helps remove the dirt and build-up you may or may not DO
your feet’s skin by applying emollient-enriched moisturizer to keep soles soft. maintain the proper moisture balance of *APMA Podiatrist Pick: AmLactin 12%
Moisturizing Lotion and Cream ($15.99) or
Bon Vital Foot Balm ($6.10)
DO
stick to gently push back cuticles.
If toenails are healthy,
using non-acetone nail polish remover.
Resist the urge and
If you are receiving a pedicure and manicure,
Although certain salons offer this technique, use a rubber cuticle pusher or manicure DO use nail polish to paint toenails. Make sure to remove polish regularly DON’T shave your legs before receiving a pedicure. Freshly shaven legs or small cuts on your legs may allow bacteria to enter. DON’T use the same tools for both services as bacteria and fungus can transfer between fingers and toes. DON’T allow technicians to use a foot razor to remove dead skin. Using a razor can result in permanent damage if used incorrectly and can easily cause infection if too much skin is removed. DON’T
This type of shape increases the chances
that painful ingrown toenails will develop.
Emery boards are extremely porous and can trap germs that spread. Since they can’t be sterilized, round the edges of your toenails. DON’T share nail files with friends and be sure to bring your own to the salon, unless you are sure that the salon replaces them with each customer. DON’T
Using anything sharp makes it easy to puncture
the skin, leaving it vulnerable to infection.
Be sure that you
between toes. Anything left behind can promote
the development of athlete’s foot or a fungal
infection.
Because cuticles serve as a protective barrier against bacteria,
If you suffer from thick and discolored toenails, which could be a sign of a fungal infection, use any sharp tools to clean under nails. DON’T leave any moisture DON’T ever cut them. Cutting cuticles increases the risk of infection. Also, avoid incessantly pushing back cuticles, as doing so can make them thicker. DON’T apply nail polish to cover up the problem. Nail polish locks out moisture and doesn’t allow the nail bed to "breathe." Once you fix the underlying issue, then it is safe to paint nails. If the problem persists be sure to visit your podiatrist.

Winter Nail Care Tips

 Your car is not the only thing that needs to be winter proofed! The dry winter weather partnered with being cooped up indoors with the heat on can do some serious damage to your nails and cuticles.  No woman likes to look down and unhealthy nails. Check out these tips from CNN.com for keeping your nails strong and healthy during the winter months.

Poor nails are caused by two words: moisture loss. "Healthy nails contain 18 percent water on average," says Erin Gilbert, a New York City dermatologist.  Dried-out nails are more likely to break, split, and chip. Compounding the harsh climate conditions are stressors such as hot showers (water draws moisture from nails as it evaporates from skin) and drying products, like polish removers with acetone, alcohol-based hand sanitizers, and dishwashing liquid. You may consider wearing gloves when doing this dishes.  Also, try Dr.'s Remedy Polish Remover for a gentler alternative.  It removes the additives and toxins found in most commercial removers.  It will help in your nail care routine! Dr.'s Remedy Nail Polish is another great investment.

Intense hydration is the name of the game, says Shari Gottesman, the founder of Perfect Formula, a nail-care and color brand in New York City. Nails are made up of flattened dead cells containing keratin, but moisturizers can make them flexible, supple, and less likely to split and break. So when you reach for that rich winter hand cream (which you should apply after every hand washing), get in the habit of slathering your nails, too.

If you have polish on, just massage the cream into the cuticles to help stimulate healthy nail growth, says Baumann.  Look for lotions that contain urea—a humectant that helps hold moisture in the skin, says Gilbert. At night, rub on cuticle oil (in a pinch, olive oil also works). And once a week, step things up with an intensive treatment. Gilbert recommends soaking nails in lukewarm water for no more than 10 minutes, then coating them with cuticle oil and slipping on cotton gloves for at least an hour. Keep up this routine and you will have healthy nails for the winter months!

Meet Jennifer and Tracy!

Step Alive Spa is excited to introduce Jennifer Chortie and Tracy Woodruff.  Along with providing our clients with a clean, doctor-approved spa experience, Step Alive Spa offers two experienced and well trained aesthetician. 

Tracy is a managing aesthetician and she will be the one giving you your relaxing massage or facial.  Step Alive Spa offers Plazan facials.  Placenta cell based cosmetics are being used in all of the top US clinics and are growing in popularity world-wide. According to cosmetic researchers, placenta-protein in skin-care products supplement the vitamin and hormone content. Overtime, scientists believe the protein nourishes and actually rejuvenates the skin. Now you have the chance to utilize this spa technology used by stars like Jennifer Lopez.  Make an appointment with Tracy today!

A spa trip and facial is not complete without a manicure and pedicure!  Step Alive Spa is the perfect place to receive a safe, clean, and professional mani-pedi.  Jennifer Chortie has over 17 years of experience as a nail technician and aesthetician.  Step Alive Spa will leave you with confidence in your beauty, inside and out.

Celeb's Favorite Winter Nail Color

Elle.com recently compiled a list of this winter's hottest celebrity nail colors.  Celebrities like Lea Michelle, Kristin Stewart, and Emma Watson have all been spotted wearing these cool nail colors this winter.  However, you have on up on these fashionista celebrities because With Dr.'s Remedy nail color you can get the look without harming your nails.

1. Navy Blue - Noble Navy with have you feeling proud of your manicure.

2. Pastel Purple - To get this pretty look, try Dr.'s Remedy Lively Lilac.

3. Classic Red - Revive Ruby Red is the perfect classic shade.

4. Dark Chocolate - Desire Dark Brown is perfect for achieving a chocolatey sweet look on your fingers.

5. Muted Gold - Try Glee Gold and you'll shine at all the holiday parties.

What Does Your Nail Polish Say About You?

What Does Your Nail Polish Say About You?

Fuschia: Calling All Bombshells

The woman who wears this bright purple raspberry nail polish is chic, sexy, and bold.  To wear this feminine color, you have to be confident because it's eye-catching and people will notice.

How to wear it: Rock the sizzling hue on your  nails with a neutral or natural shade on your toes to balance the brightness.

Dark Brown: Trendsetter In the House

The latest "it" color appeals to super-trendy women who have a unique sense of style.  She's a little 'bohemian' and a little 'rocker'.   Even if you don't consider yourself a fashion risk-taker, donning a dark brown nail color is a great way to punch up your look with a striking accent.

How to wear it: Pair dark browns with cutoff jean shorts, a bias-cut T-shirt, chunky platforms, Jimi Hendrix-inspired jewelry and a smokin' pair of sunglasses, or just team it with your favorite little black dress for nights out on the town.

Coral: You're Ready for Summer!

Sporting coral nail polish -- the quintessential warm-weather shade -- means you love summer.  Coral is very feminine, and this woman may be starting a summer fling.  She's happy -- or she wants to be happy. 

How to wear it: Coral can be worn dressy or casual.  With a pretty summer dress, coral is so cute. 

Bonus: The peachy-pink shade is the perfect pedicure color and flatters all skin tones.  

Tangerine: Life of the Party

A woman wearing neon green is vivacious, energetic and talkative.  She's up for anything.  She has a 'life is short' attitude.  She's the life of the party and strikes up conversations with strangers.  This woman probably shuns the corporate environment.  She works in the fashion industry or freelance and therefore likes trendy colors.

How to wear it: The color is not for everyday -- unless you work in a creative field.  Try the bold hue on your toes to perk up summer sandals.

White or Grey: The Polish That Keeps on Wearing

A woman who chooses White or Grey is classic and confident.  She knows what she likes and you can't change her mind.  This woman does not want to be bothered by chipped nails, so she goes for low-profile colors.

How to wear it: Off-white nail polish does not flatter toes -- unless you have bronzed feet.  Instead, keep it to your nails for the chicest look.

Light Pink: 9 to 5 and Beyond

Gals who opt for light pink are feminine and conservative.  She's classy and is always dressed right.  This is the perfect color for the career professional.  This woman likes to look perfect, and light pink nails always look very well-groomed.

How to wear it:  To the office, business meetings or cocktails while sporting a tailored dress or suit, lady-like pearls and sparkly baubles.

Red: Not Just for Lovers

This universally flattering nail color exudes elegance, power and romance and the woman wearing it wants to attract her man.  This woman is in love.  She might be going on a date.  She wants to show that she is open-minded and very classy.

How to Wear It: Red can be worn simultaneously on the nails and toes and it's one of the only shades that's great to match. It looks very polished and stylish.

Blue: For the Young at Heart

Blue nail polish tells the world you are youthful, fun and willing to try new things.  Blue nail lacquer is very on-trend this season and sends the message to admirers that you are a stylish trendsetter yet down to earth. 

How to wear it: This color will steal the spotlight, so wear it either on your nails or toes, and offset the look with a more subtle color.

Bronze & Gold: Style Maven

This high-shine, foil-like color is for the woman who really knows fashion.  She knows what's in, and she knows how to mix couture pieces with her everyday wardrobe.  She's very well put together and probably gives fashion advice to other people.  She probably works in fashion or beauty.

How to wear it: Pair it with jeans, a fabulous top and metallic sandals, or with all black plus metallic accessories.

Purple: Crossing Boundaries

Many shades of purple are sophisticated and work well for the modern businesswoman, bohemian hipster or casual prepster.  Try dark purple as an alternative to vampy reds, and brighter purples as alternatives to pinks and corals.

How to wear it: Wear dark purples for glam nights out and brighter purples for day.

Stop into The Advanced Footcare Clinic or visit our website to purchase these cool and nourishing colors!

New! Placenta Cell Technology Facials

As summer comes to a close, you may want something to cheer you up and The Step Alive Spa has just the thing for you! We have recently introduced a new type of facial into our provided services.  This new facial uses placenta cell techonology.  This new technology includes a powerful antioxidant, Dibunol.  The non-aggressive production techniques assure a total preservation of all the properties of active ingredients.  Clinical testing has demonstrated visible results in just six to eight weeks. 

This unique skin care product has been labratory proven to be more effective than traditional creams or those with plant extracts.  Because it is made with all-natural, compatible active components, it provides real results without any negative side effects.  Call our office at 419-423-1888 or visit our website and schedule your facial today. 

In the meantime, visit our product store for more pampering products. You can pamper you toes with non harmful polish and remover.

Dr.'s Remedy Enriched Nail Polish Remover appeals to health-conscious women, because it removes the potentially harmful additives and toxic chemicals found in most commercial nail polish removers. Created, tested, and prescribed by doctors. Don't hesitate to pamper your feet!