Many, including myself will market the benefit of “panthenol” in our brands. Many LCN products contain panthenol, some Footlogix contain panthenol. However, do you really know what it is, or understand its benefits? Probably not!
Panthenol is a precursor of pantothenic acid (vitamin B5). It is a key ingredient in many skin care products. It is a humectant, meaning it holds and binds water. These properties mean, it is ideal when it comes to keeping water in the skin.
- Is it safe?
- Experts say apntehnol is safe for personal care. There is a low risk of side effects for our consumers.
- Is panthenol a natural ingredient?
- B5 is also known as pantothenic acid which is a natural constituent of hair. Vitamin B5 is found through many living organisms.
- Are there any side effects?
- Not usually. If any, it may be a slight burning/stinging sensation.
- What else should you know?
- Unlike common ingredients like hyaluronic acid. Panthenol acts as both a humectant and an emollient. Humectans attract to and bind water to the skin while emollients seal in the cracks of the skin…..keeping the water locked in.
We so often hear, do not “soak the feet”. Because of this, many technicians are moving to offering “dry” or “waterless” pedicures only. Are we mis-informed?
With the proper ingredients, when submerging feet in water, it can actually help decrease the roughness of the skin, leaving the skin feeling softer. Soaking the feet in properly treated water can aid in the ease of using exfoliating products to assist in removing dry skin.
What we don’t want to do, is soak the feet for too long, causing the skin to absorb all the water, leaving that shriveled, dehydrated look and feel. Warm water can help us feel relaxed. In fact, ancient Chinese remedies say soaking in warm water is said to activate blood flow allowing the body to flourish and keep disease at bay. Foot soaks unblock the meridians (things connecting acupuncture points which are considered passageways through which energy flows through the body)
The disadvantages of soaking our feet in water are only prevalent if we;
- Soak to long, causing dehydration
- Skin irritation if using any type of salt product
- Water is too hot
- Are not sanitary
Combining panthenol with allantoin is an added bonus. Especially when it comes to mild burns, cuts and insect bites. Its antibacterial properties are especially valuable. Panthenol by itself has also been know to decrease skin reddening.
Allantoin is known to relieve irritation and protect minor cuts, scrapes and burns.
Much like panthenol;
- It is used as a moisturizer to treat or prevent dry, rough, scaly, itchy skin
- Can help reduce the affects of minor skin irritations
Allantoin is produced from uric acid. Uric acid is urea which is known for reducing dead skin build up to get rid of flaking or scaling skin.
Both panthenol and allantoin are “must” ingredients to have in your pedicure brands in an effort to assist your clients in reducing inflammation, softening dry, flaking skin and aiding in the process of transforming their feet to be smooth, safe from cuts and abrasions as well as keeping the skin on their feet healthy and strong.
So, if you are following the bandwagon of going to “dry” pedicures. Maybe you need to re-evaluate and know your chemistry. As with any foot care service, know products you use and what ingredients are in them, understand your form of application and processes you use. Understand the why’s and why not’s. Then choose.
Finally, know your clientele. Not everyone enjoys or wants or needs a dry pedicure. However, keep in mind….our clients don’t always know what they need.
CJ Murray, President