During the first 50 years of life you travel an average of 120,000 kilometers, which is a lot of effort for the feet! The feet are among the parts of our body that support the greatest effort, so it is advisable to take care of them properly. There are many things you can do to give your feet some extra attention, including removing dead skin and calluses from the soles. Remember, though, that doing this using a razor or sharp-edged tool can be dangerous. To remove dry, dead skin from your feet, use a pumice stone or pedicure rasp instead.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Pamper Your Feet While You Are Home
Step 1. Take a foot bath with lemon juice
Taking a 10-minute foot bath with lemon juice is great for removing dry, dead skin from your foot. The acid in lemon juice helps to soften the skin and make it easier to remove. After the 10-minute foot bath, remove dry, dead skin with a pumice stone or pedicure rasp.
Pedicure razors are also available in pharmacies or supermarkets, but doctors advise against their use. In fact, in many US states their use is prohibited inside spas. The reason is that they can cause irritation and cuts that become easily infected, especially in an environment like a spa
Step 2. Make your own cracked heel cream
Put a spoonful of olive oil in a bottle with a lid. Add a few drops of lemon or lavender essential oil. Close the bottle tightly and shake until a thick and milky emulsion is obtained. Apply the emulsion on the feet, especially on the heels, to hydrate the skin. You can keep the bottle for later use; just remember to shake it before use.
Step 3. Grease your feet before going to sleep
Start with a bath or shower, focusing specifically on the feet, or just take a foot bath. Dry your feet well with a towel, not forgetting the area between one toe and the other. Apply a layer of vegetable oil all over your foot and then put on a pair of heavy socks. Keep your socks on when you go to sleep. Within a few days you should find your feet in much better condition.
Oil can stain the fabric, so choose a pair of socks you don't particularly care about. The socks, among other things, serve precisely to prevent the sheets from getting stained with oil
Step 4. Make a foot mask to keep on overnight
In a bowl, mix a tablespoon of petroleum jelly (or similar product) with the juice of one lemon. Take a bath or shower, focusing specifically on your feet, or take a foot bath. Dry your feet thoroughly with a towel. Apply everything the mixture on both feet and then put on a pair of thick wool socks. Go to sleep. Upon awakening, take off your socks and remove dead skin with a gentle scrub.
In this case, wool socks are used because they do not allow the liquid to ooze and stain the linen. Choose socks that you don't particularly care about, because they will get stained
Step 5. You can also try paraffin wax to moisturize your feet
First, melt the wax in a large bowl, placing it in the microwave or in a steamer, if you have one. Add an equal amount of mustard oil to the wax. Dip one foot into the basin and let the mixture cover it. Remove the foot from the basin and let the wax dry, then repeat the process with the other foot. Wrap your foot in cling film or a plastic bag. Repeat with the other foot. Leave on for about 15 minutes, then peel off the plastic and remove the wax.
Mustard oil is used to strengthen and moisturize the skin of the feet
Method 2 of 3: Do Your Own Pedicure
Step 1. Soak your feet
First of all you need to get a basin wide enough for your feet to stretch out comfortably and deep enough to allow the water to cover them completely. Pour a few drops of mild liquid soap into the bowl and fill it halfway with water. If you also want to do some aromatherapy while you relax, you can add a few drops of your favorite essential oil. Sit in a comfortable chair and let your feet soak for 10 minutes.
- You can use 1/2 cup of Epsom salts instead of liquid soap. Epsom salts are actually a mineral compound, magnesium sulfate. It is an excellent health product that is quickly absorbed through the skin. Epsom salts are particularly valuable precisely because they allow the absorption of this mineral. Among the benefits it brings to the body, there are the increase in the production of serotonin and energy levels, the reduction of inflammation, the elimination of bad odors and the improvement of venous circulation.
- You can also use 1/4 cup of white vinegar instead of liquid soap. Vinegar has virtues that are not limited to use in the kitchen and that few are aware of. Soaking your feet in water and vinegar helps to eliminate the bad smell and reduce the chances of contracting mycosis such as athlete's foot. Vinegar is also an acidic compound, which makes it easier to remove dry, dead skin after a foot bath.
Step 2. Remove dead skin and calluses
Scrub dead skin and calluses off the sole of your foot with a pumice stone or pedicure rasp. It may be necessary to flex the foot to reach all areas to be treated. Check for calluses or dead skin on the toes as well.
- Remember to moisten the pumice stone before using it.
- The pumice stone, the pedicure rasp and the nail file are the ideal tools to remove dry and dead skin from the foot, after having softened the epidermis with a foot bath. Even if pedicure razors are sold in pharmacies or grocery stores, doctors advise against their use. Unfortunately, using a razor can easily cause cuts and abrasions and, consequently, infections.
Step 3. Take care of your cuticles and nails
With a wooden manicure stick, push back the toenail cuticles. Then cut your nails, using a nail clipper or wire cutter. If you prefer to keep them a little longer, remember that they should not exceed the top edge of the finger. Also, cut them in a straight line across the entire width. Do not cut them rounded or down. This can cause the nail to become ingrown, causing pain. After cutting them, smooth the edges of the nails with a file.
Step 4. Hydrate your feet and ankles
With a massage apply a good moisturizer on the feet, without forgetting the fingers and nails. After applying the moisturizer, you can use a roller foot massager or a rolling pin to give the sole of the foot an additional massage. Feel free to use as much moisturizer as you like, but be careful not to walk until the cream is fully absorbed.
Step 5. Apply the nail polish
If you want to apply nail polish as well, start with a few drops of nail polish remover, which will remove any residual moisturizer. Then apply a clear base coat and let it dry before proceeding. Apply 1 or 2 layers of colored nail polish, allowing it to dry before applying the next layer. Finally, apply a layer of top coat. After applying all the layers, let it dry as long as possible before putting on your socks or shoes. Walking barefoot or in open sandals is ideal if you want to make sure your nail polish is completely dry.
Nail polish remover comes in two versions: with acetone and without. The version with acetone removes nail polish better, but is also more aggressive on the skin and nails. If you tend to have dry and brittle nails, or if you apply and remove nail polish very often, you may want to use the acetone-free version. This type of solvent is gentler on the skin and nails, but it may take a little longer than 'elbow grease' to remove the nail polish
Method 3 of 3: Take Care of Your Feet
Step 1. Choose the right shoes
One of the best things you can do for your feet is to buy and wear the right shoes. There are various things you can do to make sure you are buying the right shoes.
- Trial both the shoes. Probably one of your feet is bigger than the other. The right shoes must fit your biggest foot well.
- Go to shoe stores towards the end of the day, which is when your feet are at their most swollen. Trying on shoes at the end of the day is one way to avoid buying shoes that currently fit well, but when the foot swells during the day they become too tight.
- Don't trust the shoe size. Base your judgment on how you feel after wearing them.
- Look for shoes with a shape compatible with that of your feet. An unusual pair of shoes will most likely cause you problems.
- Don't assume your shoes will stretch after you wear them for some time.
- Make sure the forefoot fits comfortably across the fullest part of the shoe. Also check that the shoe is deep enough to ensure comfort for the toes.
- Make sure there is a space of 1-1.5 cm between the toe of the big toe and the inside of the shoe. You can determine this space more accurately by measuring the width of your big toe while standing.
Step 2. Keep your feet dry
Try to wear only soft cotton socks, especially if you are exercising. After engaging in strenuous physical activities that make your foot sweat, let your shoes dry completely before putting them on again. Don't wear the same socks two days in a row. If they get wet during the day, or if you happen to sweat, change them. Wash your feet every day, without forgetting the area between one toe and the other, to prevent diseases such as athlete's foot. Dry your feet thoroughly before putting your socks back on.
Even in the swimming pool, or in a public bathroom, it is always better to wear a pair of slippers or sandals
Step 3. Moisturize your feet every day
The best way to prevent dry feet and to prevent them from chapping is to apply a little moisturizer every day. Moisturizing your feet is especially important in winter when the air is cold and dry. After applying the cream, be careful not to try to walk barefoot on the parquet or on the tiles. In the end, putting on moisturizer right before bed is always the best and safest solution.
- While you are putting on the cream, take the opportunity to give yourself a foot massage. Foot massage not only feels good, it also helps circulation.
- Avoid showers or baths that are too hot, as they dry out the skin excessively.
- Use a foot moisturizer, as other types of foot cream can contain alcohol, which dries the skin.
Step 4. Try to prevent or eliminate corns
Paradoxically, most foot problems are not so much caused by walking as by wearing shoes. Calluses on the toes form when the toes rub against the inside of the shoe; it happens mainly because the shoes (or socks) are not the right size. High heels can also cause calluses, because their shape puts even more pressure on the forefoot, which in turn forces the toes to press more often against the inside of the shoe. You can try to prevent corns or treat them yourself, but if the situation gets worse, you should see a doctor.
- Take warm foot baths regularly, using a pumice stone or pedicure rasp to remove dead skin and calluses.
- Callus patches can help cushion the friction of the shoes on the toes. However, medicated plasters are not recommended.
- Switch to shoes that fit snugly and provide space for the toes. Minimize the use of high heels if possible.
Step 5. Keep your feet up
Doctors advise it, so keep your feet up as soon as possible! On the other hand, if you have been sitting for a long time, take a moment to get up and take a walk. If you have a habit of crossing your legs, change directions from time to time. All of these tips serve to improve circulation in the feet and legs.
