A pedicure is a wonderful way to relax and take a break from life's stresses. If you're someone who gets professional pedicures regularly, you recognize the benefits of taking care of your feet. Although it is more relaxing to let your nail technician take care of your toes, in between maintenance at-home is key to keeping your feet happy. So the next time you need a little pampering, turn on your favorite Netflix show and give yourself an indulgent pedicure. We promise you won't regret it.
What You'll Need
Tub to soak your feet
Pumice stone or foot file
Foot scrub (optional, but very beneficial)
Moisturizer
Nail polish (optional)
What to Do
Soak your feet in warm water for at least 15 minutes: This is the time to just sit back and relax. You can use any bowl or dish that your feet will fit into. You could even consider investing in a foot spa that massages, heats the water, vibrates, and bubbles like the pedicure tubs at a spa. To help reduce swelling in your feet and ankles, add a quarter cup or so of Epsom salts into your water. If you suffer from any sort of foot fungus get Epsom salts with added tea tree oil or add a few drops of tea tree oil to the water. If you don't want to use Epsom salts you could use your favorite body wash instead.
Exfoliate your skin, concentrating on the calluses: There are many different options when it comes to exfoliating tools. Use a damp pumice stone or foot file to scrub the callused areas of your feet. Everyone has areas that need to be filed down, so really take your time to treat your feet. Using a foot scrub makes buffing away dead skin way easier. Scrub over your calluses with the foot file and then rub the foot scrub on your feet to get exfoliation all over. When you are done scrubbing, rinse and dry your feet.
Moisturize with an intense moisturizer: You can use your favorite moisturizer or get something specifically for your feet. We love using peppermint lotions. The cooling sensation of peppermint will last long after you've finished your soak. Make sure you moisturize not only your feet but your ankles and legs too. Give yourself a foot massage. Take your time.
Paint your toenails: This is an optional step, of course. Everyone can pull off bold colors on their toenails, even if they only wear clear (or nothing at all) on their fingernails.
Helpful Tips
After your pedicure, make sure you clean and disinfect your foot tub and foot file with bleach or another strong disinfectant.
When painting your nails, you may want to use a base and top coat. A base coat fills in any ridges your nails might have making it an even surface. A top coat seals in the polish, giving it extra protection.
Try to give yourself a pedicure once a week. Once you get in the habit of taking care of your feet, your feet will always look and feel fabulous. Store all of your products in your soaking tub. Once a week, before you sit down for your favorite show, grab your foot spa kit and fill up the tub.
If you have any persistent nail or skin issues on your feet, like a fungus that just won't go away, be sure to see a dermatologist for help. Some issues require professional help.