Did you participate in a “turkey trot” on Thanksgiving, hit the sales on Black Friday and/or visit local retail shops on Small Business Saturday? Then your feet probably need some TLC after all that running around.
While you could head to the nearest salon for a pedicure, if your schedule is too hectic to fit it in, or you’re pinching pennies in favor of holiday gift-giving, you can always pamper your feet in the comfort of your own home. Here are some tips to soothe your aching feet and make them more beautiful:
- Remove all traces of old nail polish on your toenails with a non-acetone polish remover. Never use nail polish removers that contain alcohol, acetone, or formaldehyde since these can cause your toenails and cuticles to dry out.
- Soak your feet in warm water infused with bath salts or 2 drops of lavender or peppermint essential oil for 15 to 20 minutes to help soften your skin. If your feet are dry and itchy, use a few drops of tea tree oil in the water instead.
Gently rub any calluses with a pumice stone to remove the dry, tough skin. Or, you can use an exfoliating foot scrub made from botanicals like crushed fruit pits or olive oil and raw sugar. Never cut your calluses, corns or bunions since this can lead to an infection. Visit a podiatrist if they’re really bothersome.- Trim your toenails straight across using nail clippers. Gently file the edges with an emery board. File in one direction only, so you don’t weaken the nails.
- Clean under the nails by using the pointed end of an orange stick. Then use the slanted end of the orange stick to gently push back the cuticles. Never cut your cuticles.
- Apply a liberal amount of a rich hydrating foot cream to your hands and massage the cream into your feet to relieve sore areas, boost circulation and soften rough patches. Move from the ankle to the foot. Make sure you apply lotion to the tops of your feet, along the sides, over your heels, in between your toes, and over each toenail. Moisturizers that contain shea butter, cocoa butter, or humectants like lactic acid will draw moisture into your skin to help prevent cracking and drying.
Buff your toenails if you want to them naturally shine. Or, if you want to polish your toenails, apply a thin layer of clear base-coat polish first, allowing it to dry. A base coat prevents dark-colored nail polishes from turning your toenails yellow. Next, apply 1 or 2 coats of your favorite color of nail polish, allowing it to dry. Finally, apply a clear top-coat polish to seal the color and add an extra shine. Allow your toes to dry for 15 minutes before putting on your shoes.- Remember to touch up your toenail polish often to keep your feet looking good.
- At least once a week before you go to bed, apply a thin layer of foot cream all over your feet and slip on a pair of cotton socks. The cream will moisturize your feet overnight for added softness.
So, now your feet are refreshed and pretty – just in time for all those holiday parties.
For Added Comfort, Wear ezWalker® Custom Performance Orthotics
If you suffer from any foot conditions or foot pain, consider slipping a pair of ezWalker® Custom Performance Orthotics into your shoes. These custom-made, biomechanically correct orthotics can help reduce or eliminate your foot pain while providing your feet with the support they need with every step you take.
These arch supports are ultra thin and ¾ length, so you can easily transfer them from your everyday shoes to your dressier party shoes – saving you money. Order your ezWalker® Custom Performance Orthotics today.
Because … when your feet feel good (and look pretty), you feel good (and look pretty) too!
