Beauty tip: Safe and healthy pedicures

It's important to ensure your pedicure is done properly, whether you're doing it yourself at home or enjoying a professional treatment in a nail salon or spa. The American Podiatric Medical Association offers some pedicure pointers to help you love how your feet look and feel:n Start with a good soak in warm water for at least five minutes. This will help soften calluses and prep feet for removing dry, rough skin. To exfoliate, use a pumice stone or foot file. Never use a foot razor to remove dead skin, and ban your pedicurist from using one on you. It's too easy for a quick slip-up that could cause permanent damage or lead to serious infection.

* Shave your legs a day or two before your professional pedicure, but not the day of. Shaving can cause minor abrasions and fissures in the skin, allowing bacteria to enter while your feet soak or the nail technician handles your feet. A little bit of stubble won't bother her at all.

* When doing a home pedicure, use toenail clippers with a straight edge and cut nails straight across. Avoid other cutting tools, such as manicure scissors, as they can increase the risk of ingrown nails. For salon pedicures, bring your own tools; shared tools can spread bacteria if they haven't been properly cleaned. Use an emery board to smooth and round nail edges.

* Never permit a nail technician to cut or trim cuticles, which protect nail beds from bacteria. Instead, use a rubber cuticle pusher or liquid remover to gently push back cuticles just a little bit. Use a wooden or rubber manicure stick -- never metal or anything sharp -- to clean beneath nails.

* Remove polish after it's been on for a while. Keeping nails polished for extended periods may promote fungal growth. Leave toe nails polish-free for a few days between pedicures.

* Post pedicure, don't walk around in flimsy flip-flops, especially the ones salons sometimes give customers before they leave. They don't provide adequate protection or support for your feet.

-- BrandPoint Content