As we go about our daily routines, it’s easy to overlook one crucial aspect: foot care. Yet, neglecting this vital part of our overall health can have significant consequences. Our feet are a reflection of our body’s age, and issues like calluses, cracked skin, and nail problems can signal more serious underlying conditions such as diabetes, arthritis, or vascular disease. In fact, it’s not uncommon for foot problems to be the first indicator of these conditions.
With this in mind, I’ve put together an ultimate guide on how to do a pedicure at home, perfect for April’s National Foot Health Awareness Month. In the following section, you’ll discover the essential steps and products needed to keep your feet healthy and looking their best.
Exfoliate Dead Skin
Properly exfoliating the skin on your feet is crucial, as it helps eliminate dead skin cells and reduces the likelihood of calluses forming. If left unchecked, corns and calluses can become too thick and potentially crack, leading to painful infections. To combat this issue, I highly recommend using the PATCHOLOGY PoshPeel PediCure product. This innovative solution consists of socks filled with a proprietary blend of chemical exfoliants, including glycolic, salicylic, lactic, and citric acids.
When worn for 60-90 minutes, the socks effectively remove rough patches on the feet, dissolve dead skin cells, and leave the skin feeling brighter, softer, and smoother. To use the product, simply pour the essence into the socks, ensuring even distribution before slipping them onto your feet. Secure the socks with the closure and let the exfoliating process unfold for 60-90 minutes.
After removal, rinse your feet to reveal the start of dead skin cell shedding, which will continue over the next 3-7 days.
Use Foot Treatments
After removing dead skin cells from your feet, it’s essential to apply a foot treatment to ensure the skin is well-nourished and less likely to develop hard skin. One excellent option is PATCHOLOGY’s Best Foot Forward Softening Foot Mask, which utilizes space blanket technology to lock in natural body heat, allowing the formula to penetrate deeper into the skin. The mask, like their exfoliant, comes with socks that you wear over your feet for 10 minutes or more.
This treatment-rich formula combines vitamins, fatty acids, shea butter, and coconut oil to leave your feet feeling soft, smooth, and luxuriously moisturized.
Regularly Moisturise Your Feet
Moisturising your feet is a crucial part of any foot care routine, and it’s essential to do it regularly to prevent issues like cracked heels and thickened skin. Unlike occasional treatments, moisturising your feet should be a daily or several times a week habit. One great product for achieving this is the AMELIORATE Intensive Foot Treatment.
This treatment not only hydrates and softens your skin but also improves its texture and elasticity thanks to its blend of shea butter, glycerine, jojoba oil, and Farnesol. The latter adds anti-microbial properties and deodorising benefits, while alpha hydroxy acids provide gentle exfoliation. To get the most out of this product, simply massage it into your feet every day.
Invest in a Foot Massager
Regular foot massages have been shown to enhance blood circulation, leading to several benefits for overall foot health. The stimulation of muscles around the feet during a massage can effectively reduce stiffness and pain in the ankles and heels, while also alleviating swelling caused by fluid retention. This traditional technique is also known as Shiatsu, originating from Japan. When applied to the feet, it not only relaxes and soothes, but also serves as a valuable tool for managing stress.
The HoMedic Shiatsu Foot Massager, with its 6 rotating nodes and heat setting, offers an excellent at-home pedicure solution. I previously wrote about this product in my article 10 Habits of Women Who Age Slowly, highlighting its potential to contribute to overall health and well-being.
Use Nail and Cuticle Serum
Elevate Feet at the End of the Day
When you’re always on your feet throughout the day, taking a few minutes to elevate your legs at home can be a game-changer. By doing so, you’ll alleviate pressure on your veins, boost blood circulation, and reduce swelling in your legs and ankles. This simple habit can also help alleviate leg and back pain. I’m particularly fond of the Aidapt Contour Bed Leg Rest, which boasts a removable and washable cover, as well as 2cm of memory foam that conforms to the shape of your legs.
Its ergonomic design is specifically tailored to support swollen limbs, stimulate circulation, and ease pressure on sciatic nerves and muscles, making it an excellent choice for anyone who leads an active lifestyle.
Use a Nail Strengthener
For stronger and healthier-looking nails, I highly recommend using a nail strengthener like Renunail, which is enriched with protein and calcium gel to promote growth and protection. By applying the product correctly, you can say goodbye to brittle and breakable nails. Here’s how it works: apply 2 coats to clean nails, avoiding the cuticle, then follow up with one daily coat for five days. On the seventh day, remove the product with nail polish remover and repeat the process three times.
Allow your nails to rest for a week or two before repeating the treatment again. With consistent use, you can expect to see significant improvements in nail strength after just four weeks.
Foot Care FAQs
What can I put in my pedicure water at home?
One effective solution for reviving tired feet is the Margaret Dabbs Hydrating Foot Soak, which not only rejuvenates but also deeply hydrates. This soothing soak boasts a potent blend of Emu Oil and Lemon Myrtle, renowned for their antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
How do you get dead skin off your feet?
To effectively eliminate dead skin, you have two primary options: utilizing a pumice stone or opting for a chemical exfoliant. While both methods can be effective, I highly recommend the PATCHOLOGY PoshPeel PediCure as it has shown to excel in dissolving dead skin cells and successfully removing corns and calluses, making it an excellent choice for achieving smoother, healthier-looking skin.
What do you soak your feet in for a pedicure?
For a relaxing and effective pedicure experience at home, all you need is a small bowl or basin filled with comfortably warm water. The ideal temperature should be soothing to the feet, allowing you to unwind and pamper yourself without feeling too hot or cold.
What is the best homemade foot soak?
Soaking your feet in a warm, Epsom salt-infused bath is an easy and effective way to give yourself a relaxing homemade foot soak. The natural exfoliating properties of Epsom salt help to soften and smooth out rough patches of skin, while its detoxifying abilities draw out impurities and toxins that can accumulate on the feet. This simple yet soothing treatment can be enjoyed in the comfort of your own home, making it an ideal addition to your self-care routine.
