“2020” could be the title of an Italian opera. One of the darker ones with unrequited love, pounding arias and tragic loss. Instead of falling into the drama, we’ve found ways to pivot from the challenge, the proverbial when life gives you lemons. It begins with the feet or, more specifically, toes. As salons begin to open, at-home treatments offer a safer option and it’s a lot easier to relax without gasping through a mask.
Importance of Foot Care
Feet are more than just platforms to show off pretty shoes, they are an essential part of everyday movement. In the book Perfect Feet, Caring and Pampering, which I wrote with leading foot doctor Dr. Stuart Mogul, he reviews the importance of maintaining good circulation, keeping toenails trimmed and to check daily for calluses, cracked skin, bunions and blisters. Always wear proper shoes that fit well to prevent potential foot ailments and schedule regular appointments with your doctor and dermatologist. Enlist a podiatrist for more serious foot problems like fractures, sprains and unexplained swellings. Massage and stretch feet regularly, such as pointing and flexing your toes.
Perfect Feet, Caring and Pampering is a guide on how to give your feet expert treatment.
How-to Give Yourself an At-Home Pedicure
Thanks to COVID-19, we’ve been in beauty survival mode–learning how to do everything from brow shaping to treating hair with highlights. While some may be holding out for the pros, learning basic beauty skills will keep you from being less dependent on pricey salons.
With the arrival of the warm weather, opened toe shoes are part of the season. Pedicures have a lower degree of difficulty than most salon procedures and contribute to overall good foot health.
Basic pantry items are all that’s needed to make your own exfoliating scrub to slough away dry skin.
What You’ll Need for an At-Home Pedicure:
- Tub or pail for foot soak
- Soap
- Towel
- Pantry and everyday food items to create a scrub:
- Yogurt, mangoes, ripe bananas, sea salt, honey, juice of a quarter of a lemon, essential oil of preference
- Fresh peppermint
- Sponge
- Nail clippers
- Nail file
- Moisturizing lotion
- Nail polish
Yogurt mixed with fresh mint and essence oil make for a pampering foot mask. Finish with a trending polish.
7 Steps for an At-Home Pedicure
- Prep: Fill tub with enough warm water to cover your feet, midway between your ankle and knee is best.
- Wash: Clean feet in tub, dry and drain.
- Exfoliant: Create a natural exfoliant scrub with such ingredients as ripe fruit, yogurt, fresh peppermint and an exfoliant like coffee grounds, brown sugar, sea salt or baking soda. Mix in a bowl to achieve a thick, emollient consistency and scrub on feet.
- Cleanse: Rinse feet and dry.
- Cutting nails: With a nail clipper, cut along the top of nail and avoid the corners. Do not get too close to the quick. Use a file to smooth away any rough edges.
- Moisturize: Use an emollient cream to smooth and hydrate feet. Allow to set in. For a more penetrating hydration, cover feet with plastic bags and leave on for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Finish: Paint nails with polish of your choice.
