Famed podiatrist Bastien Gonzalez’s philosophy behind pedicures and the importance of foot care

Can you elaborate on the health benefits of regular pedicures, especially concerning foot hygiene and overall well-being? Can you discuss the role of massage in pedicures and its impact on stress relief and circulation?

Bastien pedicures go beyond just aesthetics, they’re essential for maintaining foot hygiene and overall well-being. By regularly treating your feet, you prevent common issues like calluses, ingrown nails, and fungal infections.

It also improves circulation and relieves tension, which is great for your overall health. Healthy, well-cared-for feet can really contribute to a better quality of life, especially if you're on your feet all day.

Think of it as if it were your face: how often do you put make-up on and what is an average time the makeup sits on your face daily? At the end of the day, you take the make-up off, cleanse the face, moisturise before massaging and lathering serums on.

How about your feet, which takes you places every day—do you treat them with the same care? Additionally, I believe that the focus on foot and nail health transcends gender, as both men and women can benefit from proper care for their hands and feet.

How can clients replicate this relaxation at home?

Putting together a simple foot care routine at home is easier than it seems. It starts with the basics: exfoliating and massaging, taking care of the nails, using the right tools, and most importantly, staying consistent with the foot care regime.

Massage is vital across all of the treatments in order to promote blood circulation and healthier nails. This helps with elasticity of the skin, preventing corns and callouses. Using the right tools is just as important. With Révérence de Bastien, a range of foot, hand, and nail care products, each product formula has been carefully crafted with natural ingredients and essential oils to deliver the best results.

Each ingredient is chosen for its specific properties and benefits, ensuring a naturally effective treatment. Most of the plants and raw materials utilised come from France, ensuring that each product is created with a simple, natural, and targeted formula.

From the texture to the fragrance, every product is formulated to be both effective and gentle on the skin. Developed by chiropodists and podiatrists, these products ensure the highest quality, making it simple for everyone to recreate this relaxation experience at home.

In Singapore, many people view pedicures as purely a cosmetic indulgence. How would you address this misconception and highlight the importance of foot health?

To me, the word “pedicure” is all about the two components—pedi, for feet, and cure, as in to fix and treat. Pedicures are more than cosmetic indulgence—they are essential for maintaining foot health and preventing issues like calluses, ingrown nails, and poor circulation. Our treatments combine beauty with therapeutic care, addressing both appearance and functionality.

Proper foot care promotes overall well-being, showing that pedicures are an investment in health, not just an indulgence. Massage during pedicures promotes better blood flow, which helps with skin elasticity and healthier nails.

Using high-quality, natural-based products ensures long-term hydration and protection for the feet. Educating clients about the connection between foot health and overall well-being helps shift their perspective from indulgence to necessity.

It’s about taking the time to care for yourself, even in the busiest of times and being equipped with the right knowledge to do so.

What common foot care mistakes do you see people making, and what practical tips can you offer to help them improve their at-home self-care routines?

More often that not, many tend to neglect moisturizing the feet leading to dry and cracked skin. While there are others on the other side of the spectrum, who tend to over-exfoliate or use rough tools that may damage the skin.

Ignoring foot hygiene and the inability to trim nails properly are other common mistakes that may lead to health issues such as bad odour and fungal infections.

Additionally, choosing the right shoe size is also vital as wearing footwear that are too tight will lead to blisters, calluses, as well as long-term foot problems.

Therefore, having a few breathable footwear options to switch to where possible will reduce unnecessary pressure and keep the feet comfortable throughout the day.

In your opinion, what are the key elements that differentiate a luxury pedicure from a standard one? What should clients look for when choosing a pedicure service and how often should they get one done?

For me, a luxury pedicure stands out because it’s all about the details—using premium products carefully crafted with the best natural ingredients, receiving personalised attention from skilled. Podiatrists or pedicurists who focus on both the aesthetic and health of your feet, and enjoying an experience that goes beyond traditional pampering.

What really makes this collaboration with Raffles Spa special is the ability to combine medical expertise with aesthetic beauty, all within a peaceful, luxurious environment.

Clients should also prioritise spas that offer personalised consultations to address individual concerns, ensuring their experience is not only relaxing but restorative.

The advanced techniques used for foot and nail care are essential, and they should be carried out by someone who is expertly trained and knows exactly what to look for. This ensures that the care provided is not only effective but also tailored to the client’s individual needs.

Hygiene and cleanliness are non-negotiable, at Raffles Spa only sterilised tools are used and we follow strict protocols for safe and hygienic treatments. A pedicure every four to six weeks is recommended to maintain nail and skin health, prevent dryness, and keep feet looking and feeling their best.

As a renowned expert in foot care, what innovative trends or techniques in pedicure treatments are you most excited about, and how do they contribute to better foot health?

The rise of personalised pedicures is a trend I find very exciting. Treatments are increasingly tailored to individual needs, whether it’s hydration for dry skin, care for damaged nails, or addressing foot pain caused by lifestyle factors like high heels or sports.

Sustainability is playing a significant role, with more spas using eco-friendly, natural products and packaging. Clients are now looking for treatments that are not only effective but also environmentally responsible.

Technology is making its way into pedicure treatments, with devices like laser tools for fungal nail care or advanced foot analysis systems that help customise treatments.

With the increasing emphasis on quality and sustainability, our holistic approach and methods are even more relevant and continues to resonate with those looking for more than just cosmetic care, but rather a deeper, more integrated approach to wellness that can be experienced right here at Raffles Spa.

• Do not push the cuticles. Instead, massage them with oil or cream
• Perform abrasion only after a long foot bath of at least 10 minutes. Use a coarse-grain foot file and avoid scrubbing too hard. Stay very superficial to avoid damaging the skin’s elasticity and causing inflammation
• Apply talcum powder before putting on shoes to control moisture and reduce friction, especially with pointed shoes

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