How to Have Pretty Feet

To have pretty feet, you do not always have to go to the salon. With a small amount of time and effort, you can give yourself a fabulous foot makeover.

Step-by-Step Guide to Taking Care of Your Feet

1. Remove Toenail Polish: This will allow you to inspect your toenails and look for any problems. It is best to use a non-acetone polish remover. Polish removers that contain acetone are very harsh on your toenails. You should give your toenails a break from polish every now and then. Keeping your toenails constantly painted may cause your toenails to become discolored.
2. Soak Your Feet: A relaxing foot soak for 15-20 minutes will do wonders. You may add aromatherapy salts or oils to the water. Do not use water that is too hot. This will cause your skin to dry out more. Use a toenail brush to gently scrub your toenails at the end of your soak. If you have an open sore on your foot, check with your podiatrist before soaking.
3. Trim Calluses and Corns: Use a pumice stone, emery board or callus file. It may take a few trimmings before you are able to remove all of the hard skin. Removing calluses will help prevent cracks from forming in your skin. You should trim your corns and calluses after soaking because they will be softer and easier to trim.
4. Trim Toenails: Use a stainless steel nail nipper. You should try and cut your toenails straight across and then gently round the corners with an emery board. You can push your cuticles back, but you should not cut them. You should trim your toenails after soaking because they will be softer and easier to trim.
5. Paraffin Wax Treatment: The paraffin wax will make your feet feel incredibly soft. The warmth of the wax helps to increase blood flow and opens up the pores in your skin. When your pores are open, they are able to absorb more moisture. When you feel the wax begin to cool down, wrap your feet in a towel to make a warm feeling last a little longer.
6. Apply Lotion and Massage: Lotion is needed to moisturize your skin. Apply the lotion after soaking or waxing because this will help the lotion soak in better. Take the time to massage your feet as you apply the lotion. Your feet will thank you. Put on socks or wrap your feet in saran wrap after you apply the lotion. This will help the lotion absorb better.

Tips for Foot Care

1. Treat Athlete’s Foot: If you have itchy, red, peeling skin in between your toes or on the bottom of your feet, you may have athlete’s foot. Try an over the counter antifungal ointment, cream or powder.
2. Treat Fungus in the Toenails: If you start to see discoloration in your toenails, this may be a sign of fungus. Try using over the counter antifungals such as ointments, creams, lacquers or tea tree oil to prevent spreading (though results of research on whether tea tree oil is as effective as over the counter medications are mixed). Before applying a topical treatment, rough up the toenail with an emery board. This will allow the topical treatment to soak in better.
3. Stop the Sweating: Excessive sweating (perspiration) can be a breeding ground for fungus and odor. Try an over the counter antiperspirant (like you use on your underarms). Make sure it is an antiperspirant and not a deodorant. If odor is a problem, get a shoe insert that has charcoal as an ingredient. Charcoal helps absorb odors.
4. Choose Your Shoes Wisely: Sometimes the shoes you wear to make your feet look pretty end up doing the opposite. Certain shoes may cause blisters, corns or callouses. Shoes that are too tight can aggravate bunions, neuromas, and hammertoes. Even though your feet look the same, one is usually slightly larger than the other. Buy the shoe size that fits the larger foot.

What You Need for Pretty Foot Care

• Non-acetone polish remover
• Aromatherapy oil
• Toenail scrub brush
• Pumice stone
• Emery board
• Nail nipper
• Cuticle pusher
• Paraffin wax