Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Not just a footnote

Yes, it's that time again! With raindrops instead of sunshine hitting our toes, we can't seem to get them into gorgeous boots fast enough. And who's complaining? Boots are, after all, a West Coast signature look, whether casual, vampish or somewhere in between.
Of course, fall and winter foot attire is also the perfect excuse to ignore our feet for another couple of months—until the festive season starts and strappy, toe-revealing sandals are pulled from the murky depths of our closets, or (even better) toted home in brand new boxes. Then it's off to the fainting couch when we see what disasters were lurking underneath the safety of our socks...

To help you avoid this annual rite of passage, Spa Utopia would like to remind you that just because you can't see your tootsies, doesn't mean they aren't there. And we're betting that, just about now, they could do with a refresher pedicure. Before we get to our various options (and a really fabulous special), here are a few things you need to watch out for, if you want to maintain foot health and beauty throughout the colder months:

The yukkies. Nasty things that develop when our feet are tucked into dark places include fungal infections of the toenails. The most common of these is known in medical circles as onychomycosis, (and among fastidious females as "that #$*!# toe thing again").  

Onychomycosis loves dark, damp places like running shoes and boots that are worn all day and never aired. The best way to avoid it is to remove shoes and socks whenever possible, and to wear footless pantyhose. A light dusting of powder will help keep your feet dry and discourage fungal growth.

Athlete's foot (tinea pedis) is another fungal infection that thrives in dark, damp places and the same preventive measures apply. Both onychomycosis and athelete's foot affect both sexes, although men, being inveterate sock-wearers, experience athlete's foot more frequently.

If you are prone to fungal infections of the feet, we highly recommend Footlogix products, available in our spas and in our online store. #7 Anti-Fungal Cream is perfect for the prevention and treatment of athlete's foot, #7 Extra-Dry Skin Anti-Fungal Foam works miracles on dry skin that suffers from fungal infections, and #7 Nail Tincture is a wonderful toenail fungus prevention agent, with a little spout that reaches right under the nail!

When wishing to prevent fungal infections, it is also important to make sure that the spa that performs your pedicure has proper sanitation procedures. Spa Utopia adheres to the strictest standards of hygiene and sanitation.

Corns and calluses. We're all familiar with these hard areas of skin that develop as a means of protecting the feet from tight and/or rough areas of footwear (or from concrete, sand and rocks for people who love a closer connection with nature). They are best prevented by wearing footwear of appropriate size and shape. If you have a wide toe area, with toes of close-to-even length, you should aim for a square or roundish toe, instead of squeezing your feet into pointed shoes.

A regular pedicure will help keep calluses at bay (but licensing regulations do not permit spa technicians to treat corns). Wearing a corn pad minus the medicated disk, or some moleskin cut to size, can help prevent corns from getting worse, or developing in the first place.

Sweaty feet. While sweaty feet generally run in families (did we really write that?) and can't be prevented, associated foot odour can. Always wash your feet in the morning and dust with foot powder, body powder or corn starch. If you are planning to wear socks, make sure they are fresh ones. If possible, wash your feet again midday and, of course before you go to bed. Letting your feet out for an airing once in a while is a good idea.

To help your feet remain fabulous throughout fall and winter, Spa Utopia offers three pedicures: the Classic Express, Signature, and Exclusive.

The Classic Express 50-minute pedicure concentrates on foot essentials, including detailed grooming of the toenails, cuticles and soles, to promote good health. A light application of foot mousse to hydrate winter-dry feet is followed with CHI ceramic nail lacquer* or a buffing.

Our very popular 60-minute Signature pedicure provides detailed grooming, with a mineral salt exfoliation to reveal fresher skin and promote hydration. This is followed by a relaxing foot and leg massage, and the application of CHI ceramic nail lacquer* or buffing.

The 75-minute Exclusive pedicure provides the same detailed grooming, in addition to the application of alphahydroxy acids to dissolve and remove the dead skin that tends to build up around the sides and on the soles of the feet. Following a special leg treatment and foot-to-knee tension-relieving massage, your feet further benefit from a PerfectSense paraffin infusion mask, before your toenails are treated to CHI ceramic nail lacquer* or buffed.

* CHI ceramic nail lacquer is toluene and phthalate-free and contains anti-bacterial nano-silver.

A PerfectSense paraffin infusion mask may be added to the Classic Express and Signature pedicures (and is included in the Exclusive pedicure). The mask comprises medical grade paraffin, with multiple minerals and 11 vitamins, and invigorating essences of eucalyptus, mandarin, orange, spearmint and peppermint. The mask increases hydration and helps ease tired and achy joints, and is a much-loved part of Spa Utopia pedicures and manicures.

And now for our special:

Since party season is just around the corner and strappy shoes
are a must—even on the coldest of nights— be sure to keep your feet
looking great all winter long!
Or, plan a pedi-party with your BFFs!
Get 4 Signature Pedicures for the price of 3.

PLUS, receive a free litre of Rosemary Mint Body Lotion.

Total value: $380. + $39.98 = $419.98 (plus tax)

Special Price: $285. (plus tax)

SAVE 33% or $134.98



Don't miss out! Watch for our Tuesday morning eBlast...


Pictured Ballentine boot courtesy of The ALDO Group Inc.

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