Proper foot care has beauty and health benefits. Open-back, open-toe and summer sandals need pretty feet and toenails peeking out to complete your fashion statement. Sore, calloused feet and heels can be an agonizing source of chronic pain.
You don’t have to wait for your pedicure appointment to give your feet extra attention. To keep your toes in tiptop shape, follow this simple routine at home.
1. Massage before you shower. Before you bath or shower, spend a few minutes massaging your feet. Using warm natural oil, start with circular motions to massage your heels, soles and ankles. Then massage each toe separately. A daily foot massage enhances lubrication and circulation and draws toxins to the surface where they are released. It will strengthen and add flexibility to your feet and ankles.
2. During your bath or shower, wash your feet with a non-irritating cleanser and a foot brush. Be sure to work the brush or wash cloth between your toes and scrub you heels to get rid of dead skin.
Dry your feet well and apply she butter or coconut oil. Wear a pair of 100% cotton socks to bed to hold in the moisturizer.
3. Exfoliate one a week. You can make your own exfoliate by missing 1/4 of course (try steel cut) oatmeal, cornmeal, and Kosher salt with 2 tablespoons of Aloe gel and 2 -3 tablespoons of Shea butter or coconut oil. Apply to your foot, scrub gently and rinse with warm water. Dry your feet and apply Shea butter or coconut oil to moisturize.
4. Leave your high heels at home. Wear footwear that fits properly and doesn’t pinch. Replace shoes as they wear out. No matter how much you love your heels, minimize the time you wear them.
5. Walk barefoot. When you can, walk barefoot indoors to allow your feet to breathe. At work, use a foot roller to stimulate circulation to your feet.
6. Go soak you feet. A comforting foot soak can relax and relieve stress at the end of the day. Combine your foot soak with aromatherapy by mixing ¼ cup of sea salt, 1 tbs Epsom salt, 1 tsp baking soda, 2 drops of lemon essential oil (or lemon concentrate) and 2 drops of sandalwood essential oil. Add this to enough warm water to cover your feet. Relax for 15 minutes or so. Then dry your feet well and add moisturizer.
7. Freshen up with a natural powder. To keep your feet fresh and dry, especially in warm weather, dust them lightly with a natural powder before you slip into your shoes. You can buy a powder or create your own.
8. If your feet tend to perspire a lot or to help your feet stay fresh in warm weather, dust them lightly with the following natural powder: ½ cup cornstarch. ½ cup baking soda, 3 or 4 drops of your favorite essential oil or oils. Mix the ingredients in a seal plastic bag and apply. Brush off the excess.
Once your feet are smooth, soft and relaxed, you can add a pedicure for the finishing touch.
You don’t have to wait for your pedicure appointment to give your feet extra attention. To keep your toes in tiptop shape, follow this simple routine at home.
1. Massage before you shower. Before you bath or shower, spend a few minutes massaging your feet. Using warm natural oil, start with circular motions to massage your heels, soles and ankles. Then massage each toe separately. A daily foot massage enhances lubrication and circulation and draws toxins to the surface where they are released. It will strengthen and add flexibility to your feet and ankles.
2. During your bath or shower, wash your feet with a non-irritating cleanser and a foot brush. Be sure to work the brush or wash cloth between your toes and scrub you heels to get rid of dead skin.
Dry your feet well and apply she butter or coconut oil. Wear a pair of 100% cotton socks to bed to hold in the moisturizer.
3. Exfoliate one a week. You can make your own exfoliate by missing 1/4 of course (try steel cut) oatmeal, cornmeal, and Kosher salt with 2 tablespoons of Aloe gel and 2 -3 tablespoons of Shea butter or coconut oil. Apply to your foot, scrub gently and rinse with warm water. Dry your feet and apply Shea butter or coconut oil to moisturize.
4. Leave your high heels at home. Wear footwear that fits properly and doesn’t pinch. Replace shoes as they wear out. No matter how much you love your heels, minimize the time you wear them.
5. Walk barefoot. When you can, walk barefoot indoors to allow your feet to breathe. At work, use a foot roller to stimulate circulation to your feet.
6. Go soak you feet. A comforting foot soak can relax and relieve stress at the end of the day. Combine your foot soak with aromatherapy by mixing ¼ cup of sea salt, 1 tbs Epsom salt, 1 tsp baking soda, 2 drops of lemon essential oil (or lemon concentrate) and 2 drops of sandalwood essential oil. Add this to enough warm water to cover your feet. Relax for 15 minutes or so. Then dry your feet well and add moisturizer.
7. Freshen up with a natural powder. To keep your feet fresh and dry, especially in warm weather, dust them lightly with a natural powder before you slip into your shoes. You can buy a powder or create your own.
8. If your feet tend to perspire a lot or to help your feet stay fresh in warm weather, dust them lightly with the following natural powder: ½ cup cornstarch. ½ cup baking soda, 3 or 4 drops of your favorite essential oil or oils. Mix the ingredients in a seal plastic bag and apply. Brush off the excess.
Once your feet are smooth, soft and relaxed, you can add a pedicure for the finishing touch.
