How to Have Pretty Feet With At-Home Spa Care

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.

how to take care of your feet at home — Illustration by Brianna Gilmartin, Verywell

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

Remove Toenail PolishThis 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.
Soak Your FeetA 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.
Trim Calluses and CornsUse 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.

Trim ToenailsUse 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.
Paraffin Wax TreatmentThe 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 the warm feeling last a little longer.
Apply Lotion and MassageLotion 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

Treat Athlete’s FootIf 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. Ointments and creams seem to be more effective than powders because they are better absorbed by the skin.
Treat Fungus in the ToenailsIf 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. Before applying a topical treatment, rough up the toenail with an emery board. This will allow the topical treatment to soak in better.
Stop the SweatingExcessive 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.
Choose Your Shoes WiselySometimes 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 hammer toes. Even though your feet look the same, one is usually slightly larger than the other. Buy the shoe size that fits the larger foot.