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We're always on our feet and, as a result, they undergo a lot of wear and tear. That makes taking care of them all the more important. Taking the extra time to do a complete pedicure routine once every two to three weeks will ensure that your feet stay feeling fresh.
The benefits of getting regular pedicures are enormous. In addition to improving both the smell and appearance of your feet, pedicures can also help prevent ingrown toenails and improve blood flow to your feet if you get a massage as part of your pedicure routine.
You can definitely visit a salon to get a pedicure, but, if you'd rather do it at home, read below for our simpe steps to a giving yourself a pedicure at home.
Step 1: Get Your Set Up Right
You'll want to set up in your bathroom, kitchen, or another area of your home where you've got quick access to hot water and somewhere where you don't mind the floor getting wet.
You'll need a basin that can fit enough water to soak up to your ankles, nail clippers, a nail file, a pumice stone, a small towel, and foot cream.
Step 2: Soak Your Feet
Fill a small tub with water that's hot enough to open up your pores, but not so hot that it feels uncomfortable. Add a foot soak if you'd like and then soak your feet for ten minutes.
Step 3: Remove Dead Skin
After your feet are nice and soft, remove them from the water. Grab the pumice stone and scrub the bottom of our feet, paying special attention to your heel and the ball of your feet, where dry skin is more likely to build up.
If you've got particularly stubborn calluses, you might not be able to get rid of them with a single go and that's okay. If they're particularly thick, you might try a callus shaver or rasp which can more aggressively remove calluses.
Step 4: Clip and File Your Toenails
Once the skin on your feet are feeling a bit smoother, it's time to take care of your toenails. They should still be soft from the hot water soak, so they'll be easy to cut. Once you've cut them, use the nail file to smooth out and shape any rough edges.
Step 5: Moisturize Your Feet
Dry your feet and clear off any dead skin with a towel. Finish strong by applying a great foot lotion. Be sure to put on your socks before you walk around so you don't slip and to give the moisturizer a chance to work.
Step 6: Massage Your Feet
For a simple personal foot massage, grab each foot with both hands and make circular motions with your thumbs on the soles of your feet. Also make sure to give your toes some love. Grab the base of each toe between the thumb and forefinger. Then, gently pull up with a twisting motion. If you want to get more elaborate, foot reflexology has been shown to have numerous health benefits.
That's all it takes to do your own pedicure at home. It'll leave your feet feeling and looking amazing. It'll also leave you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated.
Born and raised in Austin, David is a dedicated writer and avid fragrance lover. When he's not trying out perfumes, he enjoys traveling and exploring new restaurants.