More often than not our feet are the most neglected parts of our body. They carry us from point A to point B, get shoved mercilessly into 5-inch platform heels or squashed into flat ballerinas. When was the last time you gave your feet some proper TLC?
We willingly spend hundreds of pounds on hair care, skin care and makeup but what about our poor feet? They rarely see the light of day, except during open-toe season or when we go on holiday. Yet they bear the brunt of the daily grind.
Say sayonara to the standard pedicures you’re accustomed to and get ready for one that will transform callused soles more suited to a reptile into gorgeous buttery-soft pads.
Cosmetologists vs. podiatrists
A medical pedicure is a dry pedicure, meaning there is no frou-frou footbath likes the ones associated with many spa pedicures. Medi-pedis are performed by trained and qualified podiatrists (foot experts) not cosmetologists. Podiatrists (also known as chiropodists) are foot doctors who treat all skin, nail and foot conditions and can advise you on preventative treatment. That grotesque wart on the side of your foot? Consider it gone. Calluses, bunions, yellow nails and everything in between… they can handle it all.
The medi-pedi
The medical pedicure looks more intimidating than it really is. After 45 minutes, your problem feet will have magically transformed into such beautiful masterpieces you’ll be afraid to walk on them. Excess hard skin is skilfully and painlessly removed with a surgical knife, until the skin is completely smooth. Toenails and cuticles are cleaned without cutting and the nails are filed with crystal as opposed to traditional emery boards (which can tear the nail leaving rough, sharp edges.) Results should last up to 3 months, if feet are moisturised every night.
Why medical pedicures vs. traditional spa pedicures?
Spa pedicures “sterilise” instruments between use by placing them in bright blue barbicide or a similar product. However, podiatrists use one-time only tools (blades and drill tips,) which come from sealed packages and are immediately discarded after use. Also because a medical pedicure is performed on dry feet there is no risk of infection arising from a shared footbath. Everything is extremely hygienic whereas hygiene or sanitation standards cannot always be guaranteed in popular nail salons. With a higher turnover, standards tend to decrease and the likelihood of fungal infections, cross-contamination or ingrown nails (due to poor cutting) increases.
Where to get a medical pedicure?
Most podiatry or chiropody clinics should offer dry medical pedicures. Check with your local clinic which services they offer.
If you live in or around London, you can pay a visit to the renowned celebrity foot expert Margaret Dabbs at any of her clinics. The medical pedicure starts from £80 for 45 minutes.
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