Acid pedicure is an innovative method of foot care. It is absolutely safe and can be performed at home independently, or by an experienced professional in a salon. Chemical peeling is often called “cream” or “gel” due to the fact that it is carried out using a special gel-like substance that contains fruit acids.
Acid pedicure
What is an acid pedicure?
Manicurists and pedicurists call cream or gel. Compared to a trim pedicure, this is a much softer and safer procedure. Fruit acids, which are the active ingredient, are simply applied to the skin of the lower extremities, in particular the feet.
During the pedicure, no instruments, including piercing or cutting ones, are used. In this regard, the risk of microtrauma and infection during foot treatment is completely eliminated.
Acid molecules are very small in size, and therefore they easily and fairly quickly penetrate the skin cells. They dissolve roughened epidermal cells, soften and moisturize them.
Among the components of the cream there is glycolic acid, which slows down the process of coarsening. This allows you to rarely resort to this procedure and consolidate the results for a long time.
With this foot treatment it is very easy to deal with old calluses and corns.
Alkalis
Vogue Nails, Dead skin remover, alkaline - 350 rub., Vogue Nails, Neutralizer for alkaline remover - 450 rub.
Alkaline preparations are more gentle than acidic ones, but they also cope with keratosis of the feet quickly. Active alkaline preparations are recommended to be applied pointwise to problem areas; they usually require the use of a neutralizer. Softer ones can be applied to the entire foot and washed off thoroughly after the procedure with soap and water. They soften the skin very carefully, without damaging the living layers, and make it possible to remove keratosis not completely, and this is the prevention of overly active skin regeneration after the intervention.
Alkaline preparations work a little slower than acidic ones; their exposure time is 3–5 minutes. However, they are also safer. Contraindications for use: open wounds and individual intolerance.
The usual pedicure has more contraindications: Hardware pedicure: five reasons for and three against the procedure.
Selection of means for the procedure
Before choosing a suitable acid peeling product, it is worth studying the composition. The main active ingredient is fruit acid. In addition to acid, the cream may contain flavors, herbs, and other excipients. They are designed to soothe the skin, have a pleasant scent, etc.
To carry out acid peeling at home, you should not take the cream in jars with a large volume; a volume of 50-60 milliliters will be enough.
Another important component that may be included in the cream is glycolic acid . It copes with the tasks no less effectively than fruit acid and provides a long-lasting effect.
Professional manicurists and pedicurists use the American product My Nail in particularly difficult cases to remove calluses and old corns. It is not recommended for use at home, as it can cause chemical burns if the instructions for use are not followed. This company also produces other products with a more delicate and mild effect on the skin.
Professionals also often use and respond positively to acid peeling products such as Naomi from the Japanese manufacturer and Kart from the famous Israeli brand. In addition to the fact that these products gently and effectively soften the skin of the feet, remove dead skin cells, they have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects.
Farmeffect cream is considered to be quite famous and in demand . It is used by professionals as a means for acid peeling, and also as a basis for preparing for classic unedged and hardware pedicures.
Among the well-known Russian products one can note SAGITTA Cosmetics . This is an acid cream, which contains both fruit and lactic acids. It has a mild effect, does not dry out the skin, does not cause burning or discomfort when used.
We can highlight another fairly well-known cream from a British manufacturer - Derma Pharms . This is a universal product that is successfully used to care for hands and feet not only for women, but also for men of any age category.
User opinions
Having re-read a number of reviews on numerous sites on the World Wide Web, we can conclude that the majority of opinions are still positive. Some immediately, after the first application, felt an excellent result. The skin became soft, the corns disappeared, everything was cleaned off perfectly with a grater.
But there are other opinions, although they are quite rare, but they are still worth mentioning. The “liquid blade” for pedicure, according to reviews from rare users, did not bring any results at all. The rough areas didn't go away, so I had to steam my feet the old fashioned way and rub them with a pumice stone.
Knowing the opinions of people, we can conclude that everyone tolerates the effects of acids differently. On some feet the result is visible instantly, while on others it probably requires repeated use. If unsuccessful, you can also try products from other manufacturers. German drugs are highly praised. Good luck!
How is the procedure done?
Cream pedicure is carried out in several stages:
- First, inspect the extremities for skin damage, microtrauma, and extremities.
- Treat the skin of your feet with an antiseptic.
Treat the skin of your feet with an antiseptic
3. The skin of your feet is steamed in a warm bath, or in a herbal decoction for 5-10 minutes. You can add sea salt, iodized substances and mixtures to the bath.
Steaming the skin of the feet in a warm bath
4. After this, wipe your feet dry and treat them with an antiseptic again. 5. Apply the acid base to your feet using cotton pads or cotton wool. 6. Wrap the legs in a plastic bag or film. You can use special socks for pedicure.
Wear a plastic bag after applying acid base
7. Leave it in this form for 15-20 minutes. 8. Remove the film and remove any remaining product with a napkin. 9. Use a special nail file to remove dead skin.
Remove the skin with a special file
For these purposes, purchase a special file that is not too hard and rough, which you will not use for manicure or pedicure.
After completing the procedure, it is recommended to moisturize the skin with special oils or creams. Exposure to acids in any case dries out the skin. To minimize this effect, it is recommended to moisturize it.
Pedicure cosmetics based on “Liquid Blade”
Let's look at the introduction to this product. Professional pedicure products based on fruit acid are in great demand. They include: liquid soap, biogel, various moisturizers. As a rule, during the chemical pedicure procedure, these drugs are used in combination. Depending on the “negligence” of the skin of the feet, the presence of deep keratinized formations, and old calluses, various preparations based on a liquid blade are used, for example, Domix Green Professional or Callus Eliminator.
Biogels with a higher concentration of acids are considered more aggressive, capable of destroying and removing dead skin tissue in a matter of minutes. There are other types of drugs: express emollients for the skin, creams, foams. The time for a home foot hygiene procedure is 20-30 minutes.
The main function of cosmetics based on fruit acids is the ability to quickly and painlessly cleanse the feet of dead skin tissue. The liquid blade is great for classic (trimming) pedicure. It can be applied to the toes for quick cuticle peeling and subsequent removal.
Features of the procedure and precautions
When using acid gels, the absence of microcracks and damage to the skin is very important. If there are damaged areas of the foot or damaged nails, do not apply the product.
When doing acid peeling, it is very important to observe the time of application of the cream so as not to get a chemical burn. During an acid pedicure, it is recommended to use personal protective equipment: gloves, apron, etc. If, while applying the cream to the skin, some of it gets on open areas of the body or mucous membranes, it is recommended to immediately wash it off with water.
On areas of the feet where the skin is especially delicate and sensitive, for example, between the heel and toe, the cream does not need to be applied, since in such places corns and calluses almost never form, and the skin does not become rough.
We use gloves
Contraindications and side effects
Despite its high effectiveness, fruit-acid pedicure can cause negative reactions. Using this technique, you should take into account the list of contraindications:
- The presence of unhealed wounds, abrasions, scratches.
- Suppuration and bleeding of cracks.
- An allergic reaction to any of the components of the drug.
- Mycosis of the feet or nails.
- Infectious diseases.
- Animal or insect bites on the treated area.
After having an acid pedicure, some people are disappointed in the results. It also happens that adverse reactions occur, even if no contraindications were found. Often complaints relate to the following phenomena:
- Painful sensations.
- Redness.
- Swelling.
This is due to the fact that girls overexpose the cosmetic product, ignoring the recommendations in the instructions. If you are doing an acid pedicure, be more attentive to your own feelings. If a burning sensation occurs, it is better to interrupt the session. When the skin on the feet is very rough, the procedure time can be increased, otherwise there will be no effect.
The heroine of the video will talk about her experience of using pedicure exfoliating socks:
Chemical foot treatments were invented in Israel. Nowadays Japanese, Chinese and French compositions for foot skin care are very popular. In the comments, we invite you to tell us about your experience of using products from different brands.
Advantages and disadvantages
Pedicure using chemical components has a number of advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages:
- An excellent product for removing corns.
- The skin softens and dead cells are removed.
- When treating the skin of the legs with a special solution, no injuries or cuts are formed.
- Saves personal time and money.
- There are no age restrictions.
- Can even be used by pregnant women and nursing mothers.
- Does not cause allergic reactions unless a person is already allergic to one of the components of the cream.
- Acid peeling is gentle and retains its effect for a long period of time.
- This procedure can be easily performed by anyone at home.
- Acid pedicure cream is absolutely safe for health.
- After use, the skin of the feet is soft and velvety.
Flaws:
- It is not advisable to use such a pedicure for those with thin and sensitive skin.
- Peeling cream may cause dryness and flaking in some cases.
- After use, rinse off the product thoroughly without leaving it on your feet. Otherwise, there is a risk of getting burned.
Advantages and disadvantages
- Safety. No blades, scissors or wire cutters required. Everything is done using a special creamy product and a gentle file.
- The whole process will take no more than 40-60 minutes.
- The product acts on the skin very delicately and at the same time effectively. With each procedure, the area of new keratinized areas will decrease until the problem disappears altogether.
- The product contains only natural ingredients, the main ones being fruit acids, which practically eliminates allergic manifestations.
- The cuticle will look more well-groomed each time, and hangnails will disappear.
- Affordable price. Everyone can afford it, both at home and in a salon.
But, despite the undeniable advantages, acid pedicure, like any procedure, has its disadvantages:
- if there are too rough areas of the skin, the acidic product may not cope with them the first time - several procedures will be needed at intervals of 10-15 days;
- Despite its safety, the product still has some aggressiveness, so the exposure time should be selected strictly individually;
- It is better to carry out the procedure in beauty centers;
- Do not do an acid pedicure if there are injured areas of the skin, wounds, scratches, wet calluses, irritation;
- An allergy test may be required before a pedicure.
Contraindications for acid pedicure, in addition to injuries and irritations, are any infectious diseases, fungal infections (mycoses), allergies.
Photos before and after
Conclusion:
Acid pedicure is an excellent remedy for combating excessive sweating, unpleasant odor, corns, calluses, etc. With the help of special creams and gels, you can take care of the skin of your feet without any harm to your health, without resorting to the help of professionals. To do this, it is enough to study the features of the procedure and follow all precautions.
