Pedicures 101: Derms Share All You Need to Know Before Booking One

Getting a pedicure can be a relaxing, rejuvenating activity, whether you go alone or with a friend. Having your feet buffed and your toenails painted can feel like an excellent act of self care, too—both in the moment and when you leave feeling refreshed and enjoying a fun nail polish color. But when it comes to their actual effects on your feet, are pedicures a good idea? Like any beauty treatment, this popular service has its pros and cons, so we turned to dermatologists to learn all about the various reasons you might get a pedicure—plus any situations in which you should avoid it. Read on for a full crash course on pedicures, from the different types to the potential benefits to how to decide if it's right for you.

What Are Pedicures?

A pedicure is a professional treatment for your feet that's primarily cosmetic in nature, functioning to get your toes and feet into their most pristine condition. It's similar to a manicure, but for your feet instead of your hands. A standard pedicure is generally called a classic or basic pedicure, and there are numerous other types as well. See a few of the most common below:

• Classic/basic pedicure: A classic pedicure will cover the basics, from cleaning your feet in a bath to scrubbing and massaging them, to a finishing touch of nail polish on your toenails.
• Spa pedicure: This type of pedicure usually includes the same services as its classic counterpart, but with additional treatments to your feet similar to a facial. Options may include an antioxidant rub or extra long massage.
• Sport pedicure: Also known as athletic pedicures, these serve more functional purposes for athletes, such as the additional spent spent exfoliating dead skin.
• Waterless pedicure: This type of pedicure doesn't include the usual foot bath, instead using hot towels to clean your feet.
• Medical pedicure: The medical pedicure is a more clinical variation that may be ideal if you have specific concerns that you're looking to address with a customized experience and/or services that regular pedicures don't offer.
• Specialized pedicure: There are also pedicures centered around specific materials you can soak or treat your feet in, such as chocolate and paraffin. These will vary based on the individual spa, so if you're interested in a certain type, make sure to research where it's available.

When it comes to choosing what type of pedicure to get, our dermatologists say that what matters most is selecting a well-reviewed and fully licensed establishment. "One should choose a salon that meets licensing requirements," explains board-certified dermatologist Justine Park, MD. She notes that for example, "in California, nail salons and nail technicians are legally required to be licensed by the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology. Check the board's website for up-to-date licensing information. [Also], there are a number of recommendations the board makes as to whether an establishment or manicurist is using safe practices."

The Benefits

Getting a pedicure can be a refreshing and positive experience. Below are a few of the top reasons you might choose to get one, proving that your feet will be more than just relaxed and well-polished.

Exfoliation

Many pedicures include exfoliation services to get rid of the dead skin on your feet, leaving you with a fresh start—but if you're looking for maximum effectiveness, choose a pedicure with chemical exfoliation. "When it comes to thick, dry skin such as calluses on your feet, use a strong, non-neutralized concentration of salicylic acid to treat calluses," explains board-certified dermatologist Richard Bottiglione, MD. "Using a physical exfoliator like a scrub doesn't do much; it can sometimes help soften the skin. Chemical exfoliators like salicylic acid or glycolic acid are better to treat dry skin because they can penetrate deep enough to promote deep exfoliation."

Reducing Infection

Provided the conditions as sanitary as can be, getting a pedicure can potentially help you prevent foot or toenail infections. "Pedicures are helpful because they help keep the skin and nails clean, which can reduce infection," Bottiglione tells us. If you're prone to feet infections, taking active steps to prevent them—such as getting your feet professionally cleaned by way of a pedicure—can be beneficial.

Healthier Nails

It makes perfect sense that allowing a professional to trim and treat your toenails can help them remain in tip top shape. "It can help reduce bacteria from developing by keeping [the nails] clean and groomed," Bottiglione says. Just like having your feet professionally cleaned can help prevent infection, it can also keep your nails in better shape than you may be able to accomplish on your own.

Blood Circulation

Despite the fact that a pedicure can't specifically improve the circulation in your feet, the act of getting your feet massaged is overall beneficial for circulation, just like other massages. If you're looking for circulation as a benefit of your pedicure, opting for one that has a longer or deeper massage, such as a spa or athletic pedicure, is your best bet.

The Risks

Wherever there are pros, there are generally a few cons, as well. While a pedicure in a fully licensed establishment is generally a positive, low-risk experience, pedicures performed in unsanitary conditions can lead to detrimental health impacts.

Infection

The main risk of pedicures is that unsanitary conditions can lead to infection. "There are numerous studies documenting the occurrence of infections due to receiving pedicures varying from viral, fungal, and/or bacterial infections," Park says. "These studies cite issues with maintaining adequate sanitation measures between clients, reusing equipment not intended for reuse, and concern for aggressive trimming of the skin, which would allow microorganisms to enter and then cause an infection."

Fungus or Warts

Pedicures can also transmit bacteria if the materials aren't properly cleaned between clients. Bottiglione notes that you should "make sure clean water and tools are used and properly disinfected between each client" when looking for where to get your pedicure—otherwise, you could be at risk of warts or fungus. Park notes that there aren't studies citing the probability of these risks, but it's worth going somewhere reputable regardless.

Excessive Exfoliation

No matter how great it is to exfoliate your feet, if someone overdoes it, that can lead to problems. "If you exfoliate too much, it could make the skin sensitive, which may cause pain when walking," Bottiglione warns. If you're concerned about over-exfoliating your feet, you could try a gentle at-home method instead. "For lighter exfoliation of the skin on the feet, start with active, non-neutralized glycolic acid like in the Dermatologist's Choice Facial Enhancement Cream or the stronger Ultra Anti-Aging Cream," Bottiglione advises. "Apply the active, non-neutralized glycolic acid cream before bed to clean feet, and wear a sock so the cream doesn't get on your sheets or cause you to slip. It helps exfoliate the skin and improve the texture."

When to Avoid Pedicures

While pedicures performed in a safe setting have many benefits, they aren't the right choice for everyone. People with diabetes often aren't a good fit, because poor circulation is one of the most common side effects of the condition. Even if you aren't diabetic, if you have circulation issues then avoiding pedicures is usually best. Also, anyone with active or healing sores on their feet should not get a pedicure, as doing so could worsen your injury and potentially lead to infection for yourself or others. Lastly, pedicures may not be a fit for anyone who has had an amputation in that area.

If you have any reason to worry about whether or not a pedicure is right for you, talk to your podiatrist to get their advice. As doctors who specialize in feet, they should have the most comprehensive notions about what you should and shouldn't do with yours. You can also speak to your dermatologist, as they have helpful expertise as well, particularly as it relates to your skin.

The Final Takeaway

If you're a fan of pedicures, the good news is they have plenty of benefits. They can keep your toenails and feet healthy and well-exfoliated, and if you're an athlete, they can offer you deep massage that may help with muscle soreness and fatigue. However, it's also important to remember that pedicures carry risks: Your pedicurist could exfoliate your feet excessively, leading to pain, or infection is possible if the salon or spa you go to isn't as clean as it should be. To get the best quality pedicure, make sure the place you go to is fully licensed in the state you live in. With these tips, you can be sure that your next pedicure will be as relaxing as possible.