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It’s probably fair to say that a large part of the population views manicures and pedicures as an overindulgent way to treat yourself. It’s certainly more common for women to schedule manis and pedis than men, which shows us that there’s an apparent bias or stigma. So we have to ask: Is this practice of foot and hand treatment just for show? Is its sole purpose just to make us look prettier?

Although we definitely look more polished after an appointment at the spa or salon, there are actually a handful of health reasons to make manicures and pedicures a part of your regular routine.

It’s the best way to detect problems before they become bigger issues.

With manis and pedis, early detection is the name of the game. Whether it’s bad bunions on the rise or the beginning of a nasty infection, regularly scheduled appointments with a manicurist and pedicurist can help you address issues before they get bad. It’s always easier to treat something earlier on.

It’s a much-needed way to moisturize.

You may not think of moisturizing as a way to maintain your health, but it is! Pedicures and manicures often include soaks in warm water and massages with oils and lotions to keep your extremities moisturized. And since moisturized hands and feet are less likely to get blisters or cracks, it’s a direct way to practice preventative health! Keeping your cuticles moisturized will also help prevent nails from growing out with ridges or split ends.

They help prevent infections and fungi.

It’s kind of gross to think about, but bacterial infections and fungi love to seek out our feet for homes. Especially when the weather is nice, we tend to go barefoot and constantly expose ourselves to the world. Even if you wear sandals in the gym showers, there’s no guarantee you’re safe from any number of yucky things out there. Even with our hands, it’s important to keep your cuticles from becoming ragged, torn and prone to bacterial infections.

It will even out your weight distribution.

Although exfoliation from a mani or pedi makes our skin look great and can help stave off unwanted bacteria, it also serves another purpose. Exfoliating and removing calluses from your feet during a pedicure make it so that your weight is evenly distributed among your feet. That will inevitably cause you less leg and back pain in the long run!

They can do wonders for your circulation.

A lot of places will massage your hands, feet and legs during the course of a mani-pedi. Massages like this promote better circulation and blood flow to your extremities and can help keep you warmer during the fall and winter. And if you can get a massage at the same time as your nail care, why not?

It helps put your mind at ease, too.

Aside from all the physical health benefits, getting your hands and feet pampered is a really relaxing experience. If you’ve had a long and hectic week, it could be just the thing you need to de-stress. Then, when you’ve got clean and beautiful hands and feet, you may even feel a boost of confidence as you walk back out into the world.

Have you ever had a manicure or pedicure? What was your experience like? Do you recommend them? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!