Pedicure: Foot care

Red nails, well-groomed feet and golden stilettos are a secret weapon of seduction, especially in spring and summer.
A flawless pedicure doesn’t require a trip to the salon after all-you can play at being your own personal nail stylist!

Horns

They are extremely painful and unsightly.
They appear when you wear uncomfortable shoes that are too narrow.
For small corns, soak your feet in a relaxing bath with a few tablespoons of scented salt, for example, with added sea minerals.

For larger wounds, apply a salicylic acid-based lotion.
Try a herbal bath, where an infusion of sage, oak bark and horsetail will provide relief.
But if nothing seems to cure your recurring corns, consult an orthopedist.

Skin rashes, flare-ups

Abrasions should be disinfected and dried thoroughly.
We recommend applying a drying ointment, such as zinc paste, overnight.
Quebec pharmacies also offer a wide range of patches to speed healing.
However, if you need express regeneration, we recommend herbal rinses.
A mint or elderberry bath will help injured, chapped feet.

Sweaty feet

Our feet have an excess of sweat glands “around 600 per square centimetre”.
Sweat is the body’s natural reaction to protect itself from overheating.
Unsuitable footwear, tights and synthetic socks are the main culprits behind excessive sweat gland activity.
Remember that feet can only breathe freely in natural, breathable materials.

To keep your feet fresh and well cared for, wash them with soap (which dries them out) or with antiperspirant products.
After each bath, use cosmetics with soothing and cleansing properties.
You can also use a lotion that absorbs perspiration.
Unpleasant odors and excessive perspiration can be relieved by bathing in an aqueous solution ofboric acid (5 g per 2 liters of water), available from chemists.

Tired, swollen feet

If you stand or sit in the same position for long periods, your feet will swell.
Every day, when you get home, rest them by lying down and raising your legs, if possible slightly above your torso.
This stimulates blood circulation and relieves the unpleasant sensation of heaviness.
Refreshing, soothing gels for tired feet are available from chemists.
You can also soothe your feet by rolling a bottle or a pimpled ball on the floor.

Also read: how to do a French manicure?

You can also treat your feet to a relaxing massage with aromatic oils.
Apply gentle pressure to painful areas to help tighten blood circulation.
Massage the sole of your foot in circular movements and lightly pinch each individual toe.
Finally, apply foot oil.
We recommend a relaxing bath with rosemary and chamomile flowers.

Remove excess dead skin

A hard, keratinized epidermis usually forms on the heels and under the toes.
Vitamin A andsalicylic acid soften the skin in these areas.
To combat cracked heels, soak feet in linseed decoction and take beta-carotene.

However, the easiest way is to use a pumice stone or ceramic rasp on a regular basis.
In summer, it’s considered mandatory for every one of us to exfoliate our feet.
They gently stimulate blood circulation and reduce excessive foot dryness.
In addition to exfoliating particles, they contain moisturizing substances, such as jojoba oil, which leaves the epidermis brilliantly smooth.

Moisturizing feet

After a fragrant bath and scrub, be sure to apply an intensive moisturizing cream to your feet.
It should not be too greasy on a daily basis, as this increases perspiration.
Treat yourself to a night treatment from time to time.
Apply a thick layer of skin cream and wear loose cotton socks.
Guaranteed, you won’t recognize your feet in the morning!

Cut nails

Use nail clippers to cut your nails in a straight line without rounding them.
Don’t cut the edges of your nails too far back, as this can lead to ingrown toenails.
Finally, use a polishing pad to give your nails a healthy shine.

Nail polish

Before applying polish, your nails should be thoroughly degreased and dried.
Next, apply a base coat or conditioner to the plates to protect them from discoloration.
Paint your nails with your favorite nail polish.
You only need 2 coats of enamel plus hardener and you can enjoy a flawless pedicure for up to 2-3 weeks.

Also read: how to take care of your nails?

Foot accessories

Jewelry on a well-groomed foot attracts attention and male glances.
Nails adorned with sequins or zircons and gold chains around the ankle are sexy (avoid if your calves are too massive).
But remember, it’s all about restraint!

Beauty salon treatments

If you’re very busy and don’t have time for a good pedicure at home, we recommend professional pedicure treatments at a reputable beauty salon.
You can also indulge in the recently fashionable SPA pedicure, enriched with moisturizing foot masks and relaxing massages.