Pedicures For A Total Relaxation Experience

 

Though feet may not be the first thing to come to mind when thinking about how to de-stress, the fact remains that it's a great way to relax and rejuvenate both mind and body, and has the added benefit of getting feet sandal-ready for summer. Summer sun and the accompanying heat means capris, colorful dresses, open-toed shoes and, for better or worse, bare feet. The months of summer remind us moms more than ever of our feet, which are often neglected for much of the year. As moms, we tend to get so wrapped up in caring for everyone else that we forget to care for ourselves. But without proper attention we begin to show signs of fatigue, stress increases, and the occasional outbursts and mood swings start revealing themselves. That's why making time to care for ourselves is so important. Breaks to rejuvenate are essential in maintaining a mom's well-being. The hardest part about taking a break is that a mom's job is never done. There's always one more load of clothes to wash, one more meal to cook, another soccer practice to attend, another assignment to complete and a child hollering, "Momma!" But you know what? It’s break time! Pedicures aren't just about your feet; pedicures are a total relaxation experience. Whether you go to a salon or choose to do-it-yourself, a pedicure is a fantastic way to rejuvenate- and take a much needed break. You probably have a cute pair of sandals that you want to show off this summer. Your foot will look daintier and more feminine after a pedicure, and even the most conservative or fashion forward sandal will look dressier because of it. Pedicures aren't just about your feet. Think of them as a total relaxation experience. The perfect way of waking up exhausted feet, and putting a bounce in your step. Here's an inexpensive way at home to rejuvenate and pamper your feet and take advantage of your “me time”: summer is here!

Steps for Sandal-Perfect Feet

Remove. Strip old color with acetone polish remover on a cotton ball. (Note: Don’t use a tissue, it will fall apart and doesn’t absorb the remover well.)

Soak. Add Epson salt and your favorite scented oil to warm water and soak your feet for 10 minutes. Although the bath tub might be easier, salon professionals recommend using a large bowl instead (keep it for foot use only). That way it feels more glamorous and luxurious. Relax with a book or music while you soak. For a more deluxe option, invest in a foot bubbler. It will give you more of a spa experience at home.

Buff. Dry your feet with a clean towel. Then, exfoliate feet and heels with a callus stone or a biodegradable pumice pad, which can be purchased at any drug store. Rub in any direction you want, but don’t scrub too hard and never rub the top of your foot. Make sure to get your heel, the ball of your foot and your big toe. Thoroughly rinse the pad after each use, let it dry and keep it in a plastic bag. Have big calluses? Never use a razor to try to shave them away – you could go too far and cut your foot. Just use the stone a bit more vigorously in that area.

Exfoliate. Remove dry skin from legs and feet with a homemade mixture of olive oil and kosher salt or raw sugar. Or, purchase a scrub. Rub in an upward motion for two to three minutes. Then, rinse them in your foot bath. Foot bathing will soften skin, allowing exfoliation of dead skin to take place more easily. For a natural, acid-free treatment without scraping, diabetic-friendly CalleX® Ointment uses natural enzymes to exfoliate dry skin, soften the hard spots.

Trim. Cut nails with a toenail clipper then file them to your length of choice. Make sure not to go too short though, as nothing looks worse than a space between the polish and the top of your nail bed. Run your finger across the top of your toe. If your nail barely grazes your finger, you’ve got the right length. As for shape, squared nails are considered more modern than the traditional rounded tips. The American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) recommends trimming nails straight across.

Moisturize. Massage feet and legs with a rich cream such as a renewal night crème. They help to smooth and soften skin. Apply cuticle oil (olive oil works just as well) to nails to soften and revitalize rough areas.

Push. Use a cuticle or Popsicle stick to press cuticles back so they don’t get in the way of the polish. Some people prefer to cut their cuticles for aesthetic purposes, but it’s best not to do this at home. Unless you’re a professional, you’re going to end up with cuts all along the side of your nails. Just push them back and keep it easy.

Polish. Apply a base coat first. Then, apply two thin coats of polish. Finish with a top coat if you haven’t used one yet. Finger and toe nail polish do not have to match, but should be at least different shades of the same color. If you're opting for varying shades, go lighter on your hands and darker on feet. Sometimes, go easy on the nail polish! Since toenails need to breathe on occasion, take occasional breaks from the nail polish to keep toenails healthy-looking.

Quick Tip:

For a relaxing, cooling sensation that will soothe feet and make them tingle for at least an hour, combine a few drops of peppermint oil (Aveda Blue Oil Balancing Concentrate, $12.50) with a foot lotion or rich cream (Sally Hansen's JUST FEET Cracked Heel Repair Crème, $6.50) and massage into legs and feet. Or for an all-in-one option, try Miss Oops Pedicure In A Bottle, $18.