
Keeping your feet healthy should be part of your daily routine. Unfortunately many people do not look after their feet the way they should. If you are looking for what you need for a pedicure at home you’ve come to the right place! Since April is National Foot Health Awareness Month I have created the ultimate guide to doing your pedicure at home!
The importance of performing regular foot care should not be under estimated. There’s no other part of your body that reflects your body’s age so dramatically as your feet. Calluses, cracked skin and nail issues can give an indication of how your body is ageing, and our feet are often the first area to show signs of more serious problems such as diabetes, arthritis and vascular disease.
The 7 tips listed below will tell you what you need for a pedicure at home.
1. Exfoliate Dead Skin
Exfoliating the skin on your feet is important as it removes dead skin and minimises the likelihood of calluses forming. If corns and calluses build up and get too thick they can crack causing infection and pain.
The product I recommend to help remove dead skin from your feet is the PATCHOLOGY PoshPeel PediCure. This product is a pair of socks filled with chemical exfoliants that you leave on your feet for 60-90 minutes. The solution contains glycolic, salicylic, lactic and citric acids which remove any rough patches on your feet and dissolves dead skin cells. The skin on your feet is left brighter, soft and smooth.
To use the product you pour the essence into the socks and make sure it is evenly distributed inside before putting them on your feet. Then, seal the socks with the closure. Leave the socks on for 60-90 minutes and then remove them and rinse your feet. You will see that the dead skin will start to come off over the next 3-7 days.

2. Use Foot Treatments
Once you have removed all the dead skin from your feet the next step is to apply a foot treatment. Treatments ensure that the skin on your feet is well nourished and help to stop hard skin from forming in the first place.
PATCHOLOGY make a great foot mask that can be used as a treatment in your pedicure at home. Their Best Foot Forward Softening Foot Mask nourishes the condition of your feet and heels using the same technology as space blankets, locking in your natural body heat to allow the formula to better penetrate skin.
As with their exfoliant, the mask comes with socks. You apply the product to your feet and then wear the socks over the top for 10 minutes or more. It contains vitamins, fatty acids, shea butter and coconut oil and leaves your feet well moisturised and smooth.

3. Regularly Moisturise Your Feet
Removing dead skin and using foot masks and treatments is something you should do once or twice a month, but moisturising your feet is something you should do several times a week. Regularly moisturising your feet prevents cracked heels and hard thickened skin from developing.
The moisturiser I would recommend is the AMELIORATE Intensive Foot Treatment. This product improves the texture of the skin on your feet as well as making it more hydrated, elastic and moisturised. It contains shea butter, glycerine and jojoba oil to enhance the elasticity of your skin as well as Farnesol which has anti-microbial properties and acts as a deodorant. It also contains alpha hydroxy acids which provide some exfoliation.
To use the product massage it into your feet every day.

4. Invest in a Foot Massager
Regular foot massages lead to improved blood circulation. When the muscles around your feet are stimulated during a massage it reduces any stiffness or pain in your ankles and heels as well as alleviates any swelling due to fluid retention.
The HoMedic Shiatsu Foot Massager has 6 rotating nodes and a heat setting and would be excellent for your pedicure at home. Shiatsu massage is a traditional Japanese form of massage. It can also be used to reduce stress and promote overall health and well-being. I wrote about the HoMedic Shiatsu Foot Massager in my article 10 Habits of Women Who Age Slowly as a tool to help manage stress.

5. Use Nail and Cuticle Serum
The function of your cuticles is to protect new nails from bacteria as they are growing out from the nail root. The area around your cuticle is delicate and can easily get broken or dry which may lead to infection. It is importance therefore to make sure you care for your entire nail area keeping your cuticles clean and well moisturised.
The MARGARET DABBS LONDON Nourishing Nail & Cuticle Serum is both antibacterial and anti-inflammatory as well as being a skin softener. It contains Tea Tree which keeps your nails free from infection as well as Emu Oil which has been used by Aborigines for thousands of years due to its healing properties.
To use the product apply a thin layer to your nail and cuticle and massage into the nail and skin around it. The serum will absorb quickly. It leaves your cuticles softened and moisturised, and your nails will have a buffed appearance. I recommend doing this as a last step before going to bed.

Related: Best Cuticle Oils Available Online
6. Elevate Feet at the End of the Day
If, like me, you spend the whole day on your feet, it is important that you elevate your legs when you get home. It takes the pressure off your veins improving your blood circulation, as well as reducing any swelling in your legs or ankles. It can also lessen leg and back pain.
I recommend the Aidapt Contour Bed Leg Rest which has a removable washable cover and 2cm of memory foam allowing it to mould to the shape of your legs. It has been ergonomically designed to support swollen legs and feet, and stimulate circulation and will ease pressure on sciatic nerves and muscles.

7. Use a Nail Strengthener
Nail strengtheners are enhanced with protein to help encourage healthy nail growth. They make your nails harder and less likely to break or split. I recommend the Renunail Nail Strengthener. It is fortified with calcium gel and protects your nails from dehydration caused by washing. After four weeks of use your nails will be stronger and less likely to break.
To use the product apply 2 coats onto clean nails avoiding the cuticle. Then apply 1 coat daily for the next 5 days. On the 7th day remove with nail polish remover and repeat the process 3 times. Allow your nails to rest for 1-2 weeks before repeating the whole process.

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DISCLAIMER: All Olivia’s views are her own and this website is not intended to provide diagnosis, treatment or medical advice. Please consult with a doctor regarding any medical or health related diagnosis or treatment options. The foot products that Olivia writes about on this website are not approved to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.
Foot Care FAQs
What can I put in my pedicure water at home?
The Margaret Dabbs Hydrating Foot Soak is an excellent choice as it helps to rejuvenate your feet and leaves them rehydrated. It contains Emu Oil and Lemon Myrtle and is both antibacterial and anti-inflammatory.
How do you get dead skin off your feet?
You can either use a pumice stone or a chemical exfoliant to remove dead skin. I recommend the PATCHOLOGY PoshPeel PediCure which is excellent at dissolving dead skin and removing corns and calluses.
What do you soak your feet in for a pedicure?
A small basin filled with warm water is sufficient for your pedicure at home.
What is the best homemade foot soak?
A cup of Epsom salts in warm water is perfect for a homemade foot soak. Epsom salt has natural exfoliating properties to help soften your skin. It can also help with drawing out toxins.
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Alonyo
Tuesday 14th of April 2020
As we have a lot of time, a foot spa is something that I do on a weekly basis now. Using different products I don’t feel like that ones I use. Great post. I think I will be having a look at some the products which you have suggested.
Lina
Saturday 11th of April 2020
I am always neglecting my feet. This is a great resource for me. Thank you.