Nowadays there are a lot of ways to get your feet in order. Cosmetology is improving and developing, original and unusual types of pedicure are appearing, which at first glance surprise. One of these is a fish pedicure. It has become a new trend in beauty salons; in addition, experts call it pleasant and useful. What are its features?
What is a Garra Rufa fish pedicure?
This type of pedicure came to Russia recently, but has been widespread in the countries of the Middle East for many years. There, this unusual type of peeling was used to treat various skin diseases. There is an assumption that the birthplace of fish pedicure is Türkiye. By chance, people have noticed that after being in a hot spring with Garra Rufa fish, their feet become softer, and problems such as psoriasis or dermatitis begin to go away. Since then, the procedure began to spread in China and Thailand, after which it came to Europe.
Almost every spa located in a resort town near the sea offers fish pedicure services. There it is perceived more as an exotic type of self-care, but initially the procedure was of a medical nature and helped treat eczema, psoriasis and neurodermatitis.
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A special feature of the procedure is the use of special fish that carefully remove a layer of rough skin from the feet. The fish are called Garra Rufa and belong to the carp family. They reach no more than 10 cm in length and live in Turkey and Egypt.
Many clients wonder if there is any discomfort during the procedure. Do not be afraid of discomfort: fish do not have teeth, but they have highly developed lips, thanks to which they can clean the skin. That is why there is no pain during the procedure; moreover, the pedicure feels like a pleasant massage.
Another benefit of the procedure is improved skin health. Fish saliva contains a special enzyme called dietanol, which has a beneficial effect on the epidermis, accelerates skin regeneration processes and heals it.
This type of peeling is very effective in the fight against rough skin, corns, and various skin diseases. After the procedure, blood microcirculation improves, so the skin of the feet becomes young, soft, smooth and silky.
A fish pedicure helps you calm down and relax after a hard day. The procedure relieves fatigue and tension from the legs, and a positive effect on the nervous system is felt.
Interestingly, fish pedicure is prohibited in some countries, for example, in the USA. Animal rights activists oppose the use of fish for cosmetic purposes, as they consider it exploitation of animals.
Advantages and disadvantages of fish peeling
If you choose the right salon, a fish pedicure will bring only positive emotions. Among its advantages:
- Stress relief. During the procedure, not only excess skin is removed, but also a kind of foot massage. This calms you down and allows you to fully relax.
- No harm to skin. The fish only feed on dead skin cells, so they do not harm healthy tissue. Unlike other types of pedicure, there is no risk of damaging the skin of the feet.
- The development of allergies is excluded. The procedure does not use any cosmetic products, and these are the ones that cause the development of allergies after other types of pedicure. The only thing the master applies is a disinfectant.
- Health-improving effect. After removing dead cells, the skin seems to “come to life”, looks soft, and feels light.
- Painless. The procedure is suitable for those who are afraid of getting injured during other types of pedicure.
- Harmlessness. Provided that safety rules are followed, the procedure will not cause any problems. Fish pedicure is suitable even for children and clients with skin diseases.
However, fish pedicure also has several disadvantages:
- High price. Compared to other types of pedicure, fish pedicure is quite expensive.
- It will not help in all cases. If the condition of your feet is severely neglected, you should pay attention to more effective types of pedicure that can cope with serious problems. In such cases, the use of special pedicure products and tools is required.
Doctors' opinion
We suggest that you read reviews from doctors about peeling with live fish.
Anatoly, cosmetologist
The fashion for spa peeling with live fish has appeared quite recently. Few clients expect amazing results from the procedure; many simply like the sensation of tickling on the body. Personally, I recommend carefully checking the salon that performs fish peeling, and only then agreeing to the procedure.
Elena, dermatologist
I do not recommend using fish peels to remove dead skin cells. Firstly, this is dangerous, since the fish are only checked for infections at the initial stage. Secondly, the effect of the procedure appears only after several sessions.
How does the fish peeling procedure work?
The procedure is carried out using a special glass pool. It can be small in size and intended for one person, or it can be large in size for joint procedures. Many small Garra Rufa fish swim in it, and as soon as their feet are immersed in the water, they immediately begin the procedure. On average, there are 300 fish in one tank. The water for fish pedicure is heated to 30 degrees, which makes the process comfortable and relaxing.
First, the fish pinch the areas of the foot where the skin is softest. After a while, when very hardened areas, for example, the heels, soften in the water, the fish move on to them.
Fact about pedicure
The main enemy of pedicure is uncomfortable shoes and too high heels. They cause the greatest harm to the feet, increasing the risk of nail deformation and the development of fungus and inflammatory diseases.
If possible, it is advisable to steam your feet before the procedure. This improves the effect of a pedicure and reduces the time required for it. Also, some masters additionally apply a disinfectant. Before immersing your feet in water, you should wash them thoroughly with soap to keep the aquarium clean.
Before visiting the salon, it is not recommended to apply cream to your feet for several days, as this may worsen the result. Typically, a fish pedicure procedure takes about 20 minutes. This is a very quick way to get rid of many foot skin problems, which will definitely appeal to busy clients.
Feeding
Although in nature they eat mainly algae, they are not herbivores. They eat frozen and live worms, tubifex, bloodworms, brine shrimp, and artificial food.
Fresh vegetables and fruits are also eaten with pleasure, for example, cucumber, zucchini, spinach.
But if you use fish for fish spa treatments, you need to feed them special food for garra rufa, containing the elements they need.
Indications and contraindications for fish pedicure
Having heard the name “fish pedicure”, many people want to try this procedure on themselves because of its exoticism and unusualness. But it is also chosen by clients who want to get their feet in order as quickly as possible and take gentle care of them.
Fish pedicure is indicated for people with problem skin on their feet, namely if they have:
- rough skin;
- corns;
- eczema;
- dermatitis;
- psoriasis.
Sometimes, to treat skin diseases, not only the feet, but the whole body are placed in an aquarium with fish.
The procedure cannot be done if there are open wounds, cracks, fungal diseases or other damage on the legs. An experienced specialist should carefully examine the client's feet before starting a pedicure.
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Is fish peeling safe?
Despite the great popularity of this type of pedicure, you should be careful. First, you must be sure that the fish used are Garra Rufa fish. Chin-chin fish that look similar to Garra Rufa are sometimes supplied to the Russian market. However, they do have teeth, so there is a risk of injury and infection. You can distinguish “fake” fish from “original” ones by looking at their mouth: in Garra Rufa it is located below the eyes and has a rounded shape.
Secondly, it is worth checking whether you put your feet into the aquarium first. Ideally, both water and fish should be changed after each client to eliminate the risk of infection. If in doubt, you can ask a specialist to do this for you.
If you follow all the rules of the procedure, fish peeling is quite an effective and useful way of caring for your feet, which, in addition to aesthetic legs, will also give you a pleasant sensation.
Reproduction
Since fish are increasingly used in salons, their breeding and subsequent sale is a business and is of commercial interest.
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Keeping and breeding Garra rufa
It is quite possible to breed garra rufa at home. In captivity, breeding occurs easily throughout the year. The exact age of the fish capable of giving birth has not been determined. Female individuals who have lived for at least 1 year are considered capable of spawning. Rapid reproduction is facilitated by maintaining the water temperature within 36 °C and the presence of sufficient lighting.
When eggs are laid, adult fish are placed in a common aquarium. The fry from the eggs appear after 3-4 days, and they begin to feed gradually. For the first days, they need to be fed only live food.
Fish pedicure results: before and after photos
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