According to research, the average American can walk 120,700 km in the first 50 years of life. You can imagine how much pressure the legs are under. The feet are the hardest working part of the body. So, it would be nice if you take good care of your feet. We can do a number of things to give our feet extra care, including removing dead skin cells and calluses from the soles of the feet. However, please note that using a razor or other sharp object on the feet to scrape off dead skin cells or callus, can be dangerous. Instead of using a razor to remove dead skin cells from your feet, consider using a tool such as a pumice stone or foot file.
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Method 1 of 3: Pampering Your Feet at Home
Step 1. Soak your feet in lemon juice
Soaking your feet in lemon juice for 10 minutes is a good way to get rid of excess dry and dead skin cells from your feet. The acid content in lemon juice helps to make dead and dry skin easier to remove. After the feet have soaked for 10 minutes, use a pumice stone or foot file to scrape off the dead, dry skin.
There are many razors for the legs sold in drugstores or supermarkets, but doctors do not recommend their use. In fact, in many states of America the use of foot razors in spas is considered illegal. The reason for this prohibition is that razors can cause sore feet and these wounds can easily become infected, especially in a spa environment
Step 2. Make your own cream for cracked heels
Take a small bottle with a lid. Pour a spoonful of olive oil into the bottle. Add a few drops of lemon or lavender oil. Close the bottle tightly and shake it until the liquid in the bottle turns thick and cloudy. Apply cream to your feet, especially your heels, to help moisturize the skin. You can save the rest for later use, just make sure you shake it well before applying.
Step 3. Apply the oil on the feet before going to bed
Start by bathing and washing your feet, or simply washing your feet. Dry your feet with a towel, don't forget between your toes. Spread vegetable oil all over your feet, lightly, then put on socks. Go to bed with socks on. After a few days, the dry skin on your feet will feel better.
Oil can leave stains on sheets and socks. So, wear old socks that don't matter if they get oil stains. Socks also help prevent oil from staining the sheets
Step 4. Make your own foot mask to use overnight
Combine 1 tablespoon of Vaseline (or a similar product) and the juice of one lemon in a bowl. Stir the two ingredients until well blended. You can take a shower while washing your feet, or just wash your feet, then dry your feet with a towel. After that, apply the ENTIRE mask on the feet, and put on thick wool socks. Go sleep. The next morning, take off your socks and rub off the excess dead skin on your feet.
Wool socks were chosen because they did not allow the mask mixture to seep out and stain the sheets. Wear old socks so that it doesn't matter if you get oily stains from the mask
Step 5. Try paraffin wax to moisturize your feet
First, melt the wax in a large bowl in the microwave (or double boiler if you have one). Add an equal amount of mustard oil to the melted wax. Dip one foot into the basin and coat the foot with the wax mixture. Remove the foot from the basin and allow the wax to dry, then dip the foot in the same again. Wrap the feet in plastic food wrap, or put them in a plastic bag. Do the same procedure on the other leg. Leave it on for 15 minutes, then remove the plastic and wipe the wax off the feet.
Mustard oil helps strengthen and moisturize the skin of the feet
Method 2 of 3: Doing Your Own Pedicure
Step 1. Soak the feet
First of all, you'll need to find or buy a basin that's big enough for both feet to fit comfortably, and deep enough to cover the feet with water. Add a few drops of mild soap to the basin and pour half of the warm water. You can also add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to the water for an aromatherapy effect while you relax. Sit comfortably in a chair and soak your feet in the water for 10 minutes.
- Use cup of Epsom salt instead of soap. Epsom salt is a mineral consisting of magnesium and sulfate. Both ingredients have good health benefits, and can be absorbed quickly through the skin. That way, soaking the feet with Epsom salt is very good for providing magnesium and sulfate intake into the body. These two minerals have benefits such as: increasing serotonin production, increasing energy, reducing inflammation, eliminating foot odor, and improving blood circulation.
- Use cup of white vinegar instead of soap. Vinegar has more benefits than people currently know, and many of those benefits are unrelated to the kitchen. Soaking your feet in a vinegar mixture can help get rid of foot odor, and reduce the chances of developing foot fungus such as athlete's foot. The acid in the vinegar can help soften the skin, making it easier to scrape off dead, dry skin after you're done soaking your feet.
Step 2. Remove dead skin and callus
Use a pumice stone or foot file to scrub away dead skin and callus on the soles of your feet. You may have to bend your leg back to reach the entire heel. Don't forget to check your toes for callus and dead skin.
- Don't forget to wet the pumice stone before using it.
- Pumice stone, foot file, emery board, and so on can be good choices for removing dead, dry skin from feet after soaking. Foot razors are sold in drugstores and supermarkets, but doctors don't recommend them. Using a foot razor runs the risk of injuring the feet, which in turn leads to infection.
Step 3. Pay attention to the cuticles and nails
Use a manicure board to push the cuticles on each toenail. Then, use a large nail clipper, or special toenail clippers to trim the toenails. If you decide to leave your toenails slightly longer, make sure that they don't go past the tip of your big toe. Also, trim your nails with flat ends. Do not cut it with the tip curved inward or downward. Cutting in this way can cause ingrown toenails and the condition can be painful. File the tips of the nails with a file or manicure board after trimming.
Step 4. Apply moisturizer to feet and ankles
Use a good quality moisturizer to massage your feet, including your fingers and nails. Consider using a rolling pin or foot massager before or after applying moisturizer for further foot massage. Apply a generous amount of moisturizer to your feet during the massage, but be careful when you step out after the massage, especially if the cream hasn't fully absorbed into the skin.
Step 5. Apply polish to the nails
If you want to paint your toenails, start by applying a nail polish remover to remove excess moisture from your nails. Then apply a base coat on each nail and let it dry before applying the next coat. Apply 1-2 coats of colored nail polish, making sure the first coat is dry before applying the next. Finally, apply a top coat on each nail. After all coats of paint have been applied, allow the paint to dry completely before putting on socks or shoes. Or, don't use footwear for walking, or wear open-toed sandals before the nail polish is completely dry.
There are nail polish remover liquids sold in the market that contain acetone and without acetone. Liquids containing acetone work better at removing nail polish, but are also harsher on the skin and nails. If your nails tend to be dry and brittle, and/or you remove nail polish frequently, we recommend using a liquid nail polish remover that doesn't contain acetone. Acetone-free nail polish remover is gentler on skin and nails, but you may have to scrub "harder" to remove the polish
Method 3 of 3: Taking Care of 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. Here are a few things to consider to make sure you find the right shoe.
- Make sure BOTH feet are measured. It is possible that one of your feet is bigger than the other. You should look for shoes that can accommodate your larger foot.
- Buy shoes in the afternoon because at that time the feet have the largest size. Measuring your feet in the afternoon ensures that your shoes don't get cramped after all day use due to your enlarged foot size.
- Do not follow the size used by the manufacturer. Make your judgment based on the comfort of the shoes when worn.
- Look for shoes that are the same shape as your feet. Shoes with an odd shape are more likely to hurt your feet.
- Don't assume that the shoes will expand after being worn for a certain period of time.
- Make sure the foot pads are comfortable when occupying the widest part of the shoe. In addition, the shoe must also be deep enough so that it can accommodate all the fingers comfortably.
- Check to see if there is about 0.9 to 1.2 cm of space between the tip of the thumb and the shoe. You can measure it by the width of your finger while standing.
Step 2. Keep your feet dry
Try to only wear cotton socks inside your shoes, especially when doing physical activities. Make sure your feet are completely dry after you finish any physical activity that causes your feet to sweat excessively. Change socks frequently if they are damp or sweaty. Wash your feet every day, and don't forget to rub between your toes to prevent conditions like althlete's foot. Make sure your feet are completely dry before putting on socks.
There is nothing wrong with wearing flip-flops or other types of sandals when in public places such as swimming pools or public bathrooms
Step 3. Apply moisturizer to the feet every day
The best way to prevent dry and cracked feet is to apply a good quality moisturizer to your feet every day. Moisturizing your feet is especially important when the weather is cold and dry. Be careful not to apply moisturizer to your feet and walk around barefoot on tiled or wooden floors. Perhaps the easiest way to apply moisturizer is just before you go to bed, and probably the safest way to make it a habit.
- Do a foot massage while you apply moisturizer. Massaging your feet not only makes your feet feel comfortable, but it can also help improve blood circulation.
- Avoid bathing or soaking in very hot water as this can dry out the skin quickly.
- Use a moisturizer made specifically for feet because other types of moisturizer may contain alcohol, which can dry out the skin quickly.
Step 4. Try to avoid and remove corn (eyes)
There is an interesting fact, namely that most foot problems are not caused by walking, but are often caused by shoes. Corn is a callus that forms on the toe and occurs when the toe rubs against the inside of the shoe. The main cause is the wrong size of shoes (or socks). High heels can also cause corns because this type of shoe puts extra pressure on the toes and the front of the foot, which in turn causes the toes to often be pushed up in the shoe. You can prevent and treat corn at home, but if it gets worse, it's best to see a doctor.
- Soak your feet in warm water regularly, and use a pumice stone or a foot file to scrape dead skin and callus off your toes and soles.
- Use corn pads on your toes to help protect them when you wear shoes. Medicated corn pads are not recommended.
- Change shoes to the right size and provide enough room for the fingers. Reduce the use of high heels if possible.
Step 5. Lift your leg
Actually this is recommended by doctors. So, just do it. Whenever you get a chance, put your feet up! On the other hand, if you sit for long periods of time, take the time to stand up and walk. If you have a habit of crossing your legs while sitting, change the position of your legs often. All the tips above can be a powerful way to help improve circulation in the feet and soles of the feet.
