Wednesday, January 31, 2024

How To Get Rid Of Stinky Feet?


Bromodosis, or smelly feet, is a very common medical condition. It’s due to a buildup of sweat, which results bacteria growth on the skin. These bacteria cause bad odors. Fungal infections like athlete’s foot can also lead to bromodosis.

Home treatments for smelly feet and how to keep your feet clean and neat...

  • Use a mild soap and scrub brush to wash your feet at least once a day. The best time to do this is during your morning or evening shower. It’s important to dry your feet completely after washing. Pay special attention between your toes, where any wetness can easily cause bacteria to grow.
  • Clip your toenails often so they’re short, and make sure to clean them regularly.
  • Remove the hard, dead skin from your feet with a foot file. Hard skin gets soggy and soft when it’s wet, creating a place where bacteria like to live.
  • Change your socks at least once a day. If you’re in a hot environment, exercising, or in any other situation where your feet may become sweaty, you should change your socks more often.
  • Have two pairs of shoes that you alternate wearing every other day. This allows each pair to thoroughly dry out from sweat or moisture for a full day before being worn again. You can remove the insoles in your shoes to help them dry again. Wet shoes allow bacteria to grow on your feet more quickly.
  • Choose socks that absorb moisture rather than keep it on your feet. These include thick, soft socks made out of natural fibers or sports socks.
  • Wear open-toed sandals in warm weather, and go barefoot indoors when appropriate to allow your feet to stay dry.
  • Avoid shoes that are tight or may retain moisture.
  • Use a cotton ball to apply a small amount of rubbing alcohol to your feet every night. This will help to dry out your feet. Avoid applying it to any cracks in your skin.
  • Apply an antifungal foot spray or medicated foot powder on your feet once daily.
  • Insert medicated deodorant insoles into your shoes.
  • If you need to quickly cut down on your foot odor, it’s safe to apply antiperspirant or deodorant spray to your feet.
  • Try various types of antifungal and antibacterial soaps until you find one that works best for you.
  • Make your own foot soak using Listerine or vinegar. 
Home treatments will normally do a good job of helping to reduce or eliminate your foot odor. However, if home treatments don’t help alleviate your bromodosis, or if you’re concerned that the sweating and odors are severe, you should see your doctor. They may prescribe stronger antiperspirants and foot soaps, and can offer advice on medical treatments for excessive sweating (hyperhydrosis).

What causes smelly feet?

Your feet produce a lot of sweat. They have more sweat glands than any other part of the body. These glands release sweat all throughout the day to help cool your body and keep your skin moist.

Everyone’s feet sweat, but teenagers and pregnant women are most prone to very sweaty feet because their bodies produce hormones that make them sweat more. People who are on their feet all day at work, are under a lot of stress, or have a medical condition that makes them sweat more than others tend to have sweatier feet.

There are naturally some bacteria on the feet. These bacteria help break down sweat on the feet as it’s released. If bacteria and sweat build up, a foul odor can form. Extra bacteria tend to form when a person sweats in their shoes, takes them off, and then puts them back on without allowing them to fully dry.

Poor hygiene can also play a role in causing bromodosis. Infrequent foot washing or not changing your socks at least once a day can allow extra bacteria to begin to grow on your feet. This can cause foot odor to worsen.

Although it’s a common condition, bromodosis can make you feel self-conscious. The good news is that bromodosis is quite simple to treat. With daily attention, you should be able to reduce or eliminate your foot odor within a week.

Sunday, January 28, 2024

Certified Master Pedicurist Training Details

 

 

Megan talks about the benefits of the class and what it will entail.  Upkept Nail Spa is closed Jan 28- Jan 31st for this training! We are so excited to share our knowledge from this training and cant wait to see you! 


Thursday, January 25, 2024

How Nail Biting Affects Your Health

Nail biting, also known as onychophagia, can transcend from childhood to adulthood. While it is a common habit, it may become a body-focused repetitive behavior when one bites their nails consistently. Initially, the behavior may seem harmless, but in the long run, it can result in several negative consequences ranging from psychological to digestive and bacterial infection issues.

While some people may bite their nails simply because they are bored, others can face this challenge because of various underlying mental health conditions, including anxiety and depression. The habit often shows up when one is anxious or stressed. Therefore, it is essential to identify one's triggers to prevent the habit from getting out of hand. It is often a reflex action to an anxious moment as it may provide a sense of relief. Furthermore, it is often a subconscious act, and the afflicted individual may not know when they start chewing their nails, especially when they are frantic. 

Negative Impact of Nail Biting

While nail biting may seem like a harmless habit, it leaves you exposed to infection, digestive and mental health issues, dental damage, and ingrown nails. 

1.) Bacterial and Viral Infections

Biting the nails can cause inflammation and peeling of the skin around the nail bed. The inflammation and peeling often leave one with open wounds, making them susceptible to infections. The self-inflicted injuries can also cause discomfort and pain, especially when infected. Moreover, the mouth has several bacteria that can be transferred to your hands. The most common bacterial infection from nail biting is paronychia, which affects the tissues that border the nail bed. The infection causes painful and red swellings filled with pus.

It's also possible to suffer facial infections from biting your nails. For example, bacteria and viruses may hide under your nails. Touching your face and mouth with contaminated nails may therefore result in infection. 

2.) Digestive Problems 

Inadvertently biting your nails means ingesting harmful substances such as dirt and bacteria, which may result in digestive problems. Our hands are not always clean, and in most cases, people bite their nails subconsciously. One may ingest dirt without knowing, especially if the hands are dirty, causing severe stomach issues.

3.) Mental Health Issues

Although nail biting may seem like a normal and harmless habit, doing it for an extended period may result in psychological and emotional issues. Biting one's nails for a long duration, results in unsightly nails, which may affect one's confidence. The embarrassment and shame of having chewed nails may lower one's self-esteem over time, causing an emotional burden. The frustration and helplessness often result in a heavy emotional and psychological burden that may even lead to depression.

4.) Dental Problems

Nail biting often results in the spread of germs, which may cause dental issues such as gingivitis. The dirt transferred from the nails to the mouth can cause various oral infections. Additionally, the constant grinding between the teeth and nails may result in wearing and chipping of the protective enamel. Furthermore, it may misalign one's teeth over time since it puts constant pressure on the jawbone. The more pressure applied on the jaw bone, the higher the chances of your teeth shifting position, thus causing misalignment. 

5.) Ingrown Nails

Our nails are made up of a generative layer known as the matrix. The role of these special cells is to generate new nails. They also form the bed from which all the nail cells grow. Therefore, constantly biting on the nails and other infections can damage this generative layer, resulting in ingrown nails or other nail deformities, which may also be detrimental to one’s self-esteem. 

Nail biting is a habit that often transcends from childhood to adulthood. Despite being a common behavior, as seen by those who practice nail biting when bored, its severity may be due to an underlying mental health condition such as anxiety or stress. While it may be harmless to others, it may harm their overall health and mental well-being. 

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Monday, January 22, 2024

Waterless Manicures

 

 

Megan talks about how all manicures are now waterless and the benefits of waterless manicures.  
A waterless manicure basically eliminates the soaking step of your manicure and replaces it with the application of heat treatments, creams and lotions. These products can be infused with exfoliants and aromatherapy oils, to provide a more luxurious experience. This hydrates and softens the skin and cuticle area. Source

Friday, January 19, 2024

Gel Polish Removal

 

We can quickly and easily remove your gel polish.  Our techniques are faster and easier than ever. Book your gel polish removal today at UpKept

 

Tuesday, January 16, 2024

The Benefits Of Gel Polish

In the past decade, there has been an increasing demand for gel manicures, which are known for their glamorous appearance and durability. Gel nails elicit an authentic and classy touch to your overall style and appearance! If you want something between acrylic nails and regular nail polish, a gel manicure is the way to go!

Easy to Apply and Remove

Thanks to the development of polish formulas, gel nail polish makes manicures easier by being able to apply and remove with no difficulties. A gel manicure can be performed in nearly the same amount of time as a traditional manicure, with results you won’t be disappointed with! If you want to remove your nails with no mess and no extra effort, gel nail polish is your best bet. 

Long-Lasting

When applied properly, gel nail polish is not quick to chip in a few days that most traditional brands of nail polish do. Gel nail polish is manufactured with thick and sturdy material, enabling it to face tough impacts. In addition, gel nail polish goes beyond by providing a shiny and pearly look! 

Improving the Integumentary System

A gel manicure can improve the appearance of anyone’s nails. Although, this choice of nails is especially beneficial to those whose nails are deformed or discolored because of trauma. Regular nail polish may not adhere properly to a damaged nail or provide enough coverage to mask discoloration. Thankfully, this is where gel nail polish exceeds. 

The Difference Between Gel and Regular Nail Polish

The biggest difference between these products is their composition and the way they are applied and cured. Regular nail polish is made up of a thinner, lacquer-like substance that is applied in one or more coats and dries on its own, leaving room for smudging. Gel nail polish, on the other hand, is made up of a thicker, gel-like substance that is cured under UV or LED light to create a hard, durable layer on the nails. Although regular nail polish can provide a quick and easy manicure option, it is not as durable as gel nail polish and can chip or peel more easily, requiring touch-ups or complete removal and reapplication. 

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Book your gel polish manicure today at UpKept!!

Saturday, January 13, 2024

Gel Polish Is Here!

 

 

Gel Polish is now available at UpKept Nail Spa! Want your manicure to last 3-4 weeks? Contact us today to book your gel polish manicure appointment today! You wont be disappointed!

Wednesday, January 10, 2024

Hairy Legs Are A Good Thing

Megan explains that waiting to shave you legs after your pedicure is actually a good thing.  

Book your pedicure appointment today at https://stayupkept.com


Sunday, January 7, 2024

Thursday, January 4, 2024

Book Your Gel Manicure Today!


Introducing Gel Polish Manicures at UpKept Nail Spa 

Tired of dealing with chipped nail polish? Look no further! Gel polish is here to save the day. Say goodbye to frequent touch-ups and hello to long-lasting, vibrant nails.

You can enjoy flawless nails that stay perfect for weeks. No more worrying about smudges or chips. Gel polish is designed to provide a high-gloss finish that will catch everyone's attention.

Whether you're getting ready for a special occasion or simply want to treat yourself, a gel polish manicure at UpKept is the perfect choice. It's easy to apply and dries quickly under a UV lamp.

Don't miss out on the opportunity to have long lasting, beautiful nails. Try gel polish today and experience the difference for yourself.

Book your next Gel Manicure, Relaxing Pedicure or Both at StayUpKept.com

Happy New Year 2024

Monday, January 1, 2024

Four Tips To Avoid Dry Uncomfortable Hands This Winter

Cold outdoor temperatures as well as dry indoor air from our central heating systems both contribute to this.  This causes water to evaporate from our skin quickly, making it vulnerable to dehydration.  

Common symptoms include scaling, redness, irritation and cracking.

So, how can you best treat and prevent dry hands?

1- Use a gentle cleanser

Soaps can strip oils from the skin.  Look for either a mild, fragrance-free soap or a soap-substitute that moisturizes. 

2- Do not use hot water

Hot water is more likely to strip your natural skin oils more quickly. Instead use water that is warm.

3- Apply moisturizers after washing

While the skin is still damp, apply a moisturizer to lock in moisture.  Thinner hand creams or lotions are more practical and feel more comfortable during the day.  At nighttime, use a cream or an ointment such as one containing petrolatum.  This will soak in and hydrate your skin overnight. When washing the dishes consider wearing gloves to protect your hands (and fresh manicure) from the potentially harsh temps of the water. 

4- Wear Gloves

Keep your hands warm and protected.  Wearing gloves when outside will increase the humidity of the air next to your skin and slow down skin water loss. 

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