Put Your Best Foot Forward

With Spring officially here, you may be searching for the right strappy sandal or funky flip-flops, but before you make your purchase, are your feet ready for their reveal?  After being cooped up in heavy socks and boots all through winter, your feet need some extra care so that they look good and feel great! Today’s blog provides you with information about pedicures and how to prepare feet for warm weather.
Also, check out this month’s Medi-Money to see where you can save $60 on a Glō Foot and Body Scrub!

In the last decade, there has been heightened awareness regarding exercise and fitness in America. This means we are on our feet a lot more. Furthermore, with more concrete in the country, there is considerable more wear and tear on feet. With that being said, feet need extra attention to treat problems such as bunions, corns and calluses.

Pedicures are a good way to keep your feet healthy and looking good. A pedicure consists of soaking the feet, clipping and filing the nails, pushing the cuticles back, getting off the dead skin, applying lotion, and a deep intense massage. Over time, feet can buildup dry, cracked skin, particularly on the heels. Exfoliation is very key during a pedicure because it gently removes these tough, dead skin cells to allow healthier skin to show through. Skin on the feet will be elastic, smoother and callous-free.

The Glō Foot Scrub offered at Medi-Spa includes GlōLactic 15%, a mild exfoliant with moisture retention properties that will promote softer and smoother skin. The medley of berry extracts strengthen and brighten the complexion in addition to treating dry, dehydrated or sun damaged skin.

As you get ready for Spring, treat yourself to a pedicure and start taking care of your feet today with a few simple tips:

• Short and Across- Keep nails trimmed straight across to avoid toenail edges from being ingrown and causing infection.
• Moisturize Regularly – Make sure feet are moisturized to avoid skin from becoming flaky and dry. When you wear sandals, you are more prone to getting heel fissures (cracks in the skin).
• Leave ‘Em High and Dry- Fungal toenails and athlete’s foot develop by not properly washing feet and by not keeping feet dry. Foot powders help soak up excessive moisture that can breed fungi and bacteria. There are a variety of foot powders on the market with antibacterial and antifungal properties. Corn starch is an alternative that will keep feet dry and moisture free. In addition, make sure you wipe lotion from between your toes as this can lead to fungal infections too!
• Good Shoes- Wear comfortable and well-fitted shoes to avoid blisters, calluses, corns and more. If you have any of these conditions, visit a podiatrist early on to get them removed.
• Keep the Flow- Get yourself a good foot massage (usually part of a pedicure service) regularly to improve blood circulation.
• Sunscreen Head to TOE! - Use a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 if you’re going to be barefoot outdoors or have your feet exposed through open sandals.
• Locker Room Rules- BEWARE: locker rooms are a common source of fungi and bacteria that can set up a foot infection. As you use locker rooms more frequently this season, make sure to wear sandals or some other foot covering.

Come to Medi-Spa at Knoxville Dermatology Group and sit back while licensed nail technicians soothe and exfoliate rough callused feet to reveal a soft glow. Our pedicure treatment will leave you feeling relaxed and revitalized while adding some pep in your step!

DON’T FORGET for a LIMITED TIME ONLY you can enjoy a relaxing Glō Foot & Body Scrub (Glō Duo package) for only $100! For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact us at 865.342.5823(Knoxville location) or 865.868.4683 (Sevierville location).

CND Shellac Goes the Distance

Medi-Spa at Knoxville Dermatology Group is proud to announce the addition of CND Shellac polish to their list of nail services.  CND Shellac polish has everyone buzzing, from beauty and style editors to celebrities. But don’t write this off as another trend or fad.CND Shellac may be having more than 5 minutes of fame because this gel nail treatment can last up to 2 weeks without a smudge, chip and/or crack.

CND Shellac polish blends the strength and high-shine finish of a gel treatment with the color selection and easy application of a nail polish, according to StyleList.com.  During a typical gel nail treatment, thin layers of gel are applied to the nails and upon “drying” under an ultraviolet light, nails are glossy and durable for a few weeks. It is odorless and non-yellowing. The process using CND’s Shellac is the same except the formula is easily removed in ten minutes with acetone-soaked wraps that expose only the nail bed to the remover, with no drilling or filing.

The Shellac manicure simply consists of a UV base coat, two coats of color, and a UV top coat. Cuticles are pushed back and nails are prepped for color with an acetone swipe. Between each coat, nails dry under a UV lamp. Hand massages and lotion are applied after polish, so not to interfere with its application.

Many applaud the manicure because its fast-curing time relieves them from the stress of smudges. Gone is the anguish over searching your purse for keys after a fresh manicure!

After the half hour treatment, the claim is that nails will stay chip-free close to two weeks.  Since its introduction earlier this year, the claim has been widely supported by the beauty industry. Many believe CND Shellac will bring women back into the salon for nail services. In addition, this makes a great option for weddings and other special occasions. This is also recommended for those on-the-goes, but don’t have the time to visit the salon for nail “touch-ups.” And with an array of colors to choose from, it is pretty obvious why CND Shellac is becoming a favorite in salons all over the world.

The proof is in the polish! Make an appointment with one of our licensed nail technician; now through January 31, 2011 receive a Shellac Manicure for $30! ($35 regular price)