Wearing sandals almost every day can eventually make your feet appear a bit dirty and rough. Though you can always head to your local pedicurist, there are several things you can do at home to keep your feet looking their best.
Every woman should own her own manicure set, a pumice stone, a large bowl or basin, foot cream, nail polish and remover. If you don’t own these things yet, it will be a worthwhile investment. For the manicure set, try to get one with a foot razor in it, or buy one separately. Having one will save you a lot of time when it comes to filing off dead skin and calluses.
Start by soaking your feet in warm-hot water for 15-20 minutes. Remove your feet and dry them with a hand towel. When done, set it under your foot in order to catch the dead skin and nail fragments. Start working on your heels with a foot razor. Make sure to avoid cutting yourself by not pushing down hard with the razor; just gently glide with the curve of your foot. The best way to know if it is safe to use the razor on a specific part of your foot is to poke it with a toothpick. If you can’t feel it, only a slight pressure, then the skin is likely dead and can be easily removed. Next take a pumice stone or foot file, though pumice stones tend to make quick work of the dead skin, and rub away until there are no rough patches. Then, using a cleaning and scraping instrument available in your manicure set, clean underneath your toenails before clipping. Keep in mind that cutting your toenails straight across works best, unless you have major issues with ingrown toenails. In that case, ask your doctor for the best way to maintain your nails.
After, soak your feet for a few more minutes before putting on your foot lotion. Peppermint will give your feet a nice clean feeling, but most foot lotions will suffice. Paint your toenails according to your taste, and you can also add a French tip with a bit of white polish. Remember, if you have the patience to go all out with jewels or hand painted designs, you should only seriously accessorize the large toe. Remember to always finish with a good top coat.
For added moisture, or for extra damaged feet, you can always try an overnight treatment. Apply a liberal amount of lotion before bed and cover your feet with plastic bags, adding socks over top will make the feeling less weird and will help to keep the bags on your feet. Do NOT use an elastic to keep the bags in place, or you will risk cutting off the circulation as you sleep. In the morning, remove the bags, rinse your feet and use a foot razor and pumice stone. Remember to be extra careful as the skin may come away very easily.
When it comes to buying sandals, make sure you buy something that is not too tight or that will overly cause damage to your feet. They may look pretty, but some shoes will make your feet hideous over time by causing too many blisters and cuts. Not to mention, you may have serious foot problems as you age. If you use leather sandals, make sure to wear them only every other day in order to let them dry out properly to avoid fungus. As often as you can, make sure to remove your shoes and let them aerate naturally, and while walking, always opt for a pair of comfortable sneakers and socks. Follow this weekly foot regimen and both you and your toes will feel a bit pampered.
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