Exfoliating pedicure socks: features, rules of use and the best brands
Pedicure socks are an innovative Asian foot care technology. This product is produced in China, Japan and Korea, however, more recently, some well-known Israeli and European cosmetic brands have started producing such products. In this article, you will learn how such socks work, and also understand whether they can completely replace salon grooming procedures.
Indications for use
The term "socks" in this case is rather arbitrary. Outwardly, such products more resemble shoe covers without a specific size, so they can be used by both men and women.
The socks are made of transparent airtight material in two versions. In the first case, there is already a special pedicure impregnation inside. In the second case, the set includes sachets with working fluid, which should be poured into the product immediately before use.
Depending on the subject matter, pedicure socks are divided into several types:
- to remove dead skin;
- softening and nourishing the surface of the feet;
- peeling.
It is quite simple to use such pedicure products. You just need to pull them on your feet and leave them for a while. After that, the liquid should be washed off the skin. During the procedure, freedom of movement is not limited by anything - you can walk around the apartment and perform any actions, doing your usual things.
Many women expect that once they take off their socks, they will see soft and rejuvenated skin on their legs.
Unfortunately, they are in for a big disappointment - immediately after the treatment, the skin of the feet will remain as rough as it was. A noticeable result will be visible only after 5-7 days.
However, this figure is conditional, it largely depends on the degree of keratinization of the skin and individual characteristics.
The main indications for the use of pedicure socks are:
- constant peeling of the skin on the feet;
- excessive sweating of the feet;
- corns;
- thickening of the upper layers of the skin of a light yellow hue;
- frequent cracking of the heels;
- old callous formations;
- tendency to fungal diseases of the feet;
- ingrown nails;
- warts on the sole.
Gradually, dead skin cells will begin to flake off, so the first days of the legs after treatment do not look very aesthetically pleasing - whitened areas and hanging pieces of skin are visible to the naked eye, but these are only short-term inconveniences.
The situation will improve within a week. The result of using pedicure socks is smooth, even skin on the feet and soft heels "like a baby's."
Contraindications
The use of pedicure socks is not recommended for any skin damage such as wounds, cuts, abrasions, burns, abscesses or scratches. An inflammatory pathological process on the extremities, diabetic feet and complex trophic ulcers are also considered contraindications to this procedure.
Feet should be handled with caution if you are allergic to any component of the working fluid. In case of identification of individual intolerance, the procedure should be stopped immediately.
If your legs have cracks, it is best to wait for them to heal. Only then can this care product be used.
The same applies to too dry skin - first, carry out a course of moisturizing procedures, and when severe peeling stops, feel free to wear socks.
The instructions for use indicate that socks are not recommended for use by persons under the age of 18, as well as pregnant and lactating young mothers. In practice, this only means that the products have not been tested for this category of users during clinical trials. According to user reviews, the use of pedicure socks does not in any way worsen the condition of the mother and child during pregnancy and breastfeeding, unless, of course, the woman had the idea to soften the hardened mammary glands in this way (such use is categorically unacceptable).
The socks have an extremely exfoliating external effect. The components of the product do not penetrate the bloodstream, therefore they do not in any way affect the internal metabolic and chemical processes in the body. However, during this period, you should be especially careful in choosing a product and refrain from buying cosmetic products of dubious quality.
Also, any categories of persons should remember that you should not carry out the procedure more often than once every 10 days.
Operating principle
The exfoliating effect of the socks is due to the presence of a special working fluid in the kit, which actively affects the skin of the feet during the procedure. Its composition includes a set of acids (fruit, salicylic and glycolic), which has a peeling effect, softening all the hardened layers of the skin.
Hyaluronic acid makes the skin more elastic and promotes its rapid regeneration. Squalane softens and moisturizes, has a wound healing effect. In addition, it is this component that is responsible for full-fledged diffusion, as a result of which the active components of the active substance penetrate into the skin and are evenly distributed in it. Castor and soybean oils soften the skin of the feet and nourish it with nutrients. Extracts from medicinal herbs additionally impregnate the epidermis with vitamins and minerals, thereby stimulating its rejuvenation.
The chemical peels that occur during the procedure are quite mild. It does not create any discomfort for a woman, does not cause pain or inconvenience. Many manufacturers produce a line of alcohol-based products, as well as socks with a strong moisturizing component. Such funds affectively soften the corns and contribute to the nourishment of rough skin, but at the same time they act more gently.
However, if the skin is too sensitive, it is better to use other cosmetic products that do not contain acids and alcohol.
Instructions for use
The high popularity of pedicure socks is due to the fact that you do not need to leave the house to use them - all the necessary manipulations can be done while in the apartment, without interrupting household chores. If you like the procedure, then in the future you can generally refuse to visit the pedicure office.
The procedure takes place in several stages.
- First, you need to unfold the exfoliating socks and put them on your feet so that they fit the skin as tightly as possible, hold well and do not slip.
- To enhance the effectiveness of these socks, you can wear regular socks over them, which not only provide a snug fit to the skin, but also provide additional warmth.
- The products are left on their feet for an hour and a half. At this time, you can walk, lie down or sleep - physical activity is not limited by absolutely nothing. During this time, the acids will soften the hardened areas of the skin.
- After the allotted time, the products are removed, the feet are thoroughly washed with warm water and soap, wiped and covered with a moisturizer.
- The socks themselves are only used once and must be disposed of after handling.
- After three to four days, the skin at the points of contact with the socks will begin to peel off and even come off in "rags". This is completely normal, do not be afraid and upset. During this period, it is better to move around the apartment in cotton socks so as not to damage the skin of the legs.
- If the skin "slips" too much, you can prepare a small foot bath, which will speed up the process of cell renewal.
Review of the best brands
Most users unanimously declare that pedicure socks from the company are the most effective. Sosu... A characteristic feature of the products of this brand is the absence of aggressive chemical elements, as well as the presence in the composition of ceramides, valuable plant components (sage, mint), as well as castor oil and hyaluronic acid. Socks of this brand have a cumulative effect, therefore it is necessary to wear them regularly (preferably 2 times a month).
Baby foot Are Japanese products that also consist of natural ingredients and natural acids. The composition includes malic acid, lemon oil, extracts of calendula, chamomile and sage, as well as other plants.
Braphy Callus Removal Food Pack - products of a Chinese manufacturer that contain a fairly large amount of alcohol. This ingredient induces strong exfoliation. This is one of the cheapest types of care products. It is not recommended for users with dry or excessively flaky skin.
Floresan - a novelty from a Russian manufacturer. Such socks are much cheaper than imported counterparts, but their effectiveness is much lower. The result is achieved with a combination of glycolic and salicylic acids, fortified with apple and papaya pomace. Products dry out the skin greatly, therefore, after using them, it is necessary to additionally soften and moisturize the epidermis. You can resort to repeated exfoliation no earlier than a month later.
There are also less well-known brands of socks on the market. For example, Ecotools Sustainable (products with iherb). These socks moisturize the skin very well, but they do not solve the problem of corns and unaesthetic corns.
Skinlite - Exfoliating peeling mask based on propylene and glycolic acids.It is highly effective, thanks to which it quickly solves the problems of dead skin on the heels.
Pedicure socks Tony moly from a Korean brand show maximum results on tough skin. They contribute to good cleansing, but they do not get rid of layers.
Reviews
Users who have tried the effect of pedicure socks on themselves note that such products have many advantages:
- easy to use - in order to carry out the procedure, you need to perform only a few elementary actions;
- save time - for high-quality treatment of feet, you do not need to break away from ordinary affairs and go to a beauty salon;
- do not cause pain and inconvenience (if, of course, they were selected correctly);
- make the skin on the legs softer, smoother and more youthful.
However, there are also disadvantages. The most basic of these is the delayed effect. The tool works for a week after application.
All this time, the skin "comes off" in layers, which does not look very aesthetically pleasing. That is why it is better to use such socks in the cold season, when your feet are protected from prying eyes with closed shoes.
As already mentioned, socks should be selected individually. With the wrong choice, individual reactions are not excluded. And, of course, the price is a serious drawback. Quality socks are expensive and can be difficult to find over the counter.
Consumers note that Japanese and Korean products are of the best quality and efficiency. Products from other manufacturers, even such well-known ones as "L" Etoile "and Faberlic, do not give the effect of perfectly soft feet. It is noteworthy that some manufacturers produce socks with different flavors. In this case, an express pedicure at home becomes not only effective, but also pleasant.
Many women mistrust this cosmetic know-how, and in vain. The right pair of exfoliating socks can literally work wonders, transforming rough and unkempt feet into soft, delicate and inviting feet in a week.
For feedback on the use of pedicure socks, as well as how to use them correctly, see the video.