Self Care with DIY Natural Pedicure
Let’s talk toes and happy, healthy feet. How about a DIY pedicure!
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Many rush out to get those little piggies a pedicure in the beginning of summer. I like to do a little self care at summer’s end as well, with a natural pedicure. It’s very easy to do and your feet will look and feel amazing! I promise.
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Of course, one of the main reasons I like to do my own pedicures is because there is less risk of getting an infection. I guess I didn’t mind getting my nails done when I was younger, but now as I am getting wiser, (get it? Wiser, not older. 😁) I think more about this fact. And heck, if you have a spouse that’ll join in the pedicure with you like mine does, it could be an incredible afternoon together.
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Okay, let’s get to it. I like to keep my pedicures somewhat basic. Here’s my routine. (I also do a similar routine for my fingernails.) I have to warn you; lots of Honey Hill Naturals products mentioned here. It’s not a shameless plug (okay, maybe a little bit). I really do use all the products I make in my daily life. It’s the way I live. (Consult your physician before doing any pedicures if you have diabetes or other circulation problems.)
Here we go...
💅🏻 Remove old nail polish with a non-toxic polish remover.
💅🏻 Wash feet and toes and give them a good soak. You can use a foot basin or sit on the edge of the tub if you have room. I like to wash with our HHN Honey Oatmeal soap. I like it because the oatmeal acts to gently exfoliate as well as adding softness and nutrients to my skin. Feel free to add Epsom salts to the water, or baking soda or my favorite...our HHN bath bombs. You can leave one foot in the water at a time for the next step if you wish, but dry your feet well.
💅🏻 Clip, file and take care of your cuticles. Remember to clip your nails straight across to avoid painful ingrown nails. Ouch! Clip any hangnails or rough skin. Don’t cut your nails too short. This can lead to pain when wearing shoes. Buff your nails when done to soften any rough edges on the nails.
💅🏻 Our nails absorb what we put on them. There was a study done on women that showed they had the same toxins in their urine when tested twenty minutes after painting their fingernails. That’s just something to be aware of. Inspect your feet, checking for any cuts or possible infections or nail discolorations. After cutting and trimming, your can soak your feet some more to clear away any debris. Dry well.
💅🏻 I like to use essential oils and carrier oils for this next step. Massaging your feet! This is when it’s really fun if you have a partner! This is the step you can smooth rough patches of skin. I haven’t needed to since using these oils. I use our Peppermint Creamy Salve which is made with organic coconut oil, organic bees wax and peppermint essential oil. I put together my own cuticle oil. (Not on the website.) It’s an easy recipe to put together. I make it with organic sweet almond and jojoba oils, and lavender, frankincense and lemongrass essential oils. It smells so nice! I use the cuticle oil first on my cuticles and toes. Massage this in while pushing back on the cuticles. Then, I use the creamy salve all over my feet and ankles, focusing on my heels and any rough spots. I haven’t had the need for pumice stones and such. My feet have been super smooth.
💅🏻 This is the point where we like to paint our toe nails, but wait! Not just yet. If you have the time, I leave this step for the next day. I leave the oils on my skin and nails to absorb in. Our nails really do need to breathe. This is the perfect time to further inspect feet and toes for any discolorations, sores or infections like nail fungus. (Tea Tree essential oil is my go to on this.)
💅🏻 When your nails have rested and they look so pretty all natural, apply one base coat, two color coats and a clear coat to top it all off.
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Having healthy, happy, good looking feet and toes supports a good quality of life. It helps to keep your feet clean, free of pain and infection-free, that’ll allow you to stay active on your feet. I find this act of self care to be quite relaxing. Besides, it’s not only attractive, it’s a lot of fun! Now you have plans for your next self care date!