Good foot care is essential for your overall health and you can achieve it without spending a fortune in expensive salons. Follow these easy steps and get healthy and beautiful feet at home.
Step 1: Remove old nail polish
Opt for an acetone-free nail polish remover to protect your nails when you remove the old nail polish. Acetone is very harsh and may cause thinning and brittleness.
If your nails have turned yellow, that means that they need a break from polish. Let them breathe and grow out your natural nails.
Step 2: Make a relaxing foot soak
Fill a basin with warm water and soak your feet for 10-15 minutes. This way your skin will soften and your feet will relax. Make sure the water is not too hot, as it will dehydrate your skin.
If your legs feel heavy or you suffer from stressed and tired muscles, add some Epsom salts to relieve the pain. You can also add a natural oil, like almond oil, to increase moisture or a few drops of your favorite essential oil for a more regenerative and calming experience.
Step 3: Exfoliate
Exfoliate your feet to remove dead cells and boost cell renewal. Use a natural body scrub and exfoliate with circular motions. You can also use an exfoliating soap, especially made for feet. We recommend this one.
If you enjoy diy cosmetics, follow this easy recipe and make your own scrub with just two ingredients from your kitchen:
1 tbsp. brown sugar
1 tbsp.. olive oil
Mix the ingredients well and apply.
The exfoliation will cleanse your skin’s pores and improve product absorption. The active ingredients of the moisturizing product you will apply next, will penetrate deeper into your skin and thus be more effective.
Step 4: Rub your heels with a natural pumice stone
Pumice stones are lightweight, volcanic rocks widely used as skin-scrapers. They remove dead cells and hardened skin while cleansing and smoothing the skin naturally. Natural pumice stones should be wetted before use, because when they are dry, they are rough and harsh on your skin and may cause injuries.
Wet your pumice stone and gently rub your feet using circular motions until you remove the dead skin. Focus on the heels, the sides of your toes and all the areas with hardened skin.
When soft skin is revealed, rinse your feet and pat dry with a towel. Clean your pumice stone with soap and water and let it dry.
Step 5: Take care of your nails
Trim your nails to the desired length and make sure they are little longer than the tips of your toes to avoid ingrown toenails. Use a buffer to smooth out the tops of your nails.
Push back your cuticles carefully and avoid cutting them. Then apply a natural oil (jojoba oil, almond oil) to the tops of your nails and cuticles. Gently rub it in and let it absorb.
Step 6: Moisturize
Your feet are clean, your heels are soft and your nails are neat and pretty. Now is the time to moisturize. Apply a foot cream with active ingredients that refresh and soften your feet. You can also apply a rich body butter to deeply nourish and hydrate your skin. Gently massage to improve circulation and offer your feet relaxation.
Wait until it is fully absorbed and then apply your favorite body oil on top to seal in moisture. Ideally, wear a pair of cotton socks to lock the moisture and go to bed.
General tips to keep your feet healthy
- Keep your feet clean and dry. Change socks frequently and let your shoes outdoors.
- Be very careful when you use a public swimming pool or when you shower in the gym. Wipe your feet carefully with a towel especially between the toes to avoid fungus infections.
- Check your feet regularly for irritations, abrasions, unusual marks and odors.
- Don’t try to remove calluses or cut ingrown nails on your own. Visit a specialist.
- Don’t share your shoes or your pedicure tools.
- Wear comfortable shoes and avoid high heels and platforms on a daily basis.
- During summertime, put sunscreen on your feet to protect it from the sun.
- Avoid standing for long periods. If that’s not possible, try to make small movements with your feet.
- When you go to sleep, make sure that your legs are slightly elevated.
- Make healthy choices: reduce salt, maintain a healthy weight and exercise regularly.
