Safely Give Yourself a Pedicure

Increased media attention has heightened awareness for the spread of infections from shared instruments and unhygienic practices in many salons. One way to avoid any exposure is to do pedicures for yourself at home. Here are some easy steps to follow that will make sure to keep your feet safe:


1. Soak your feet in warm soapy water for approximately 10 minutes. This helps soften and clean skin and nails.

2. After the foot soaking, gently rub the skin with a pumice stone or emery board. This gets rid of dead skin cells and calluses. Some body scrub products can help exfoliate dead skin. (Please contact our office if you have deep calluses or corns and need help shaving them.)

3. Push back the cuticles with an orange stick or a Hindu stone. Cuticles offer protection from bacteria and infection. Cuticles clearly overhanging the nail margins need to be carefully trimmed. Do not trim any further than the nail margin or draw blood as this can lead to infection.

4. Trim toenails straight across rather than in a curved pattern. This helps prevent ingrown toenails, allowing the straight edge of the nail to advance as one unit. Toenails should be trimmed just enough so that you can see a few millimeters of skin just beyond the nail margin. Nails should not overhang the edge of the toe.

5. Refine the nail edge with an emery board, maintaining the straight edge.

6. Apply cream and moisturizing lotion to the skin and nail margins.

7. Massage the cream or lotion into the feet. A foot massage can help relieve tension and tired, aching feet. You can get a good massage at home by rolling your feet back and forth over a rolling pin or bottle. Specialists in the body's reflexes, called reflexologists, believe that points on the foot correspond to other body parts and ailments can be relieved through reflexology. They believe the ball of the foot has a connection to the lungs, the heel to the lower back, and the great toe to the head. Although no scientific research exists to back up these claims, reflexology does seem to produce positive results in some people.

8. Apply nail polish remover to the nails to gently remove excess lotion. This allows nail polish to adhere better to the nail. To apply nail polish, start with a base coat, followed by one or two coats of the nail color, and, finally, a clear topcoat.

9. Space your pedicures apart by approximately eight weeks.

These tips will help you achieve a safe at-home pedicure, but if you really want to pamper yourself we all know the salon is the place to go.  Schedule a pedicure appointment with the Step Alive Spa to ensure you get a safe, clean, relaxing pedicure.  Visit Step Alive Spa Center to learn more about the services the salon offers.  While you're on the web you may also want to check out the manicure/pedicure tools available through our online product store like Dr.'s Remedy Nail Polish and remover.  This polish is the only doctor recommended polish and is enriched with anti-fungal properties.  If you notice any problems with your feet during your pedicure at home or at the Step Alive Spa, be sure to make an appointment with our office to check it out. Call (419-423-1888) or visit our website to schedule an appointment.

Summer Spa

The Step Alive Spa at the Advanced Footcare Clinics offers you a unique salon experience with the health and safety benefits of a doctor's office.  All of the instruments used are sterilized in autoclave, just like surgical instruments to ensure the safety of our clients.

Along with the health benefits, the Step Alive Spa offers several luxury services including...

Pedicures

Manicures

Facials using Placenta Cell Science & Infrared Light

Simple Nail Grooming

Body Massages using hot stones

Aromatherapy

Paraffin dips for feet and hands

Nail Restoration with Keryflex™ that creates a durable and flexible artificial nail. You never have to be embarrassed wearing sandals again! Try these Orthaheel Sandals for showing off your new nails.  They are featured and available through our online product store. They feature foam cushioned strap and toe post.  Created for walking comfort with built in orthotic footbeds to help reduce foot pain and pronation.  With the added comfor of soft EVA orthotic midsoles and adjustable straps, these are the orthotic sandals you will enjoy wearing, especially with your new manicured toes!Call our office today at 419-423-1888 and make an appointment!

The Secret to Getting Skin Like Jennifer Lopez

The Step Alive Spa at the Advanced Footcare Clinic has a lot to offer.  The medi-spa offers a salon experience in the safe and clean environment of a doctor's office.  These safety features help you achieve a truly relaxing spa experience, freeing you from worries about infection and unsafe conditions. However, the spa has even more to offer than just a safe environment!

The Step Alive Spa offers facials using placenta cell technology.  Placental cell based cosmetics are being used in all of the top US clinics and are growing in popularity world-wide. Jennifer Lopez spoke about her use of placenta collagen facemasks on the Vh1 show, "The Fabulous Life of Jennifer Lopez."  According to cosmetic researchers, placenta protein in skin care products supplements the vitamin and hormone content.  Over time scientists believe the protein nourishes and actually rejuvenates the skin.

A spokesman for placenta cosmetic experts, Ost Cosmetics, which distributes Plazan Skin Care Products worldwide, said: "This is the future for beauty care. More and more people are beginning to discover the amazing benefits of placenta skin care. What other beauty products promise, Plazan delivers in spades.  It's been proven time and time again that placenta not only slows down the skin's ageing process but also makes young-looking skin healthier."

So, what are you waiting for? Schedule an appointment with us today and get magazine-ready skin.  Call us at 419-423-1888 or visit our websit at vailfoot.com. 

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.