The One Thing You Shouldn't Do When You Get a Pedicure, According to a Dermatologist

The One Thing You Shouldn't Do When You Get a Pedicure, According to a Dermatologist originally appeared on Parade.

Summertime sandals look fab with a fresh pedicure, and many people enjoy a mani/pedi ritual as a form of self-care. But what's important to keep in mind when getting one?

We spoke with Shari Lipner M.D., Ph.D. and Assistant Professor of Dermatology at Weill Cornell Medicine to get all the deets on how to take care of your feet.

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The One Thing You Shouldn't Do When You Get a Pedicure

The nail tech often asks if you'd like your cuticles trimmed or pushed back, but from a dermatologists point of view, the answer is: neither. "It is a common misconception that cuticles should be cut or pushed back," Dr. Lipner says. "The cuticle is there to protect the nail from infections. It is best to leave that seal on the nail."

Especially if you're prone to infections or have psoriasis, have a chat with your nail tech beforehand. "If a person with psoriasis gets a pedicure, it is important that the nail tech is gentle and not overly aggressive. People with active infections should not get pedicures, because it can cause the infection to spread or become worse," Dr. Lipner says. "Of course It is important to use salons that are licensed, clean, and sterilize their equipment."

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Can Skin Conditions Be Helped by Pedicures?

Dr. Lipner adds that if a person has thick nails due to friction or trauma, a pedicure can be helpful in thinning down the nail.

More good news—regular nail polish usually has no effect on improving or worsening nail conditions. "However, if people do not inspect their nails between manicures and pedicures, a nail disease may be concealed," Dr. Lipner adds.

"For example, nail melanomas appear as brown to black streaks in the nail and could be missed if nail polish is covering it. Gel polish can be detrimental to people that have dry brittle nails. The removal process can thin the nails and make them even thinner."

Be sure to inspect your nails in between pedicures. "If you or your nail tech notices anything that looks abnormal about your nails, or if you feel pain, make an appointment with a board-certified dermatologist who can diagnose your condition and get you the help that you need," she advises.

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What You Should Never Do to Your Nails, According to a Manicurist

Julie Kandalec, who has worked with Emily Blunt, Jessica Chastain and Connie Britton says you should never, ever "peel your polish, gel, acrylic or press-ons off, or remove them with a tool before giving them enough time to properly soak," Kandalec tells Parade. The absolute minimum to soak is 15 minutes. Set a timer, because it's longer than it sounds!

When you peel off your gel or press ons, you "can cause months of damage, but it will also cause the next enhancement that you want to apply to not adhere as well as it would to a healthy nail. This causes more lifting, and thus a perpetual cycle of damage that's difficult to get back from," she says.

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The One Thing You Shouldn't Do When You Get a Pedicure, According to a Dermatologist first appeared on Parade on Jun 23, 2025

This story was originally reported by Parade on Jun 23, 2025, where it first appeared.