This Little Piggy
If you thought getting a pedicure was for good-looking feet on the beach or for making a splash in those silver evening sandals, think again—your feet take a pounding every day—they deserve your regular attention and care. The American Podiatric Medical Association estimates that the average person takes more than 8,000 steps every day. The pressure is enormous, and that's no pun intended. Those 8,000 steps add up to some 127,000 pounds of pressure exerted on your feet on a daily basis. But help is here-there's no need to head over to your local day spa. With these fast and easy home spa treatments designed to give your tired tootsies a treat.
Smoother Feet
To smooth away those calluses, take one half pint of fresh strawberries and briefly mash with a potato masher. Add 1 cup brown sugar and 2 tablespoons of olive oil and stir until just mixed. The consistency should be gritty. Place two hand towels in the dryer to warm. Rub the paste onto the soles of your feet and then rinse well with warm water. Finish by wrapping your feet in the warmed towels. Leave your feet wrapped for around ten minutes. This treatment accomplishes two tasks: the acids contained in the strawberries will exfoliate any rough areas of skin, and the warm wrap seals in moisture.
Thirst Quencher
Just as you deep condition your hair once a month, it pays to give your feet a deep hydration treatment to restore moisture. Stir 2 tablespoons of honey and 1 tablespoon of lavender essential oil into 5 cups of milk, heated until warm. Pour into a basin large enough to contain your feet.
In a microwave-safe bowl, place 1 1/2 cups of semisweet chocolate morsels. Heat chocolate morsels in the microwave for 30 seconds, stir, then repeat as many times as needed until chocolate is melted and smooth. Stir 2 tablespoons of honey and 2 egg yolks, beaten with a fork, into the melted chocolate. The resulting mixture should be smooth and paste-like.
Chocolate Magic
Soak your feet in the milky mixture for 15 minutes and then apply the chocolate paste to your feet. Leave the paste on for 15 minutes. Rinse well with warm water. The lactic acid in the milk helps to exfoliate rough skin. The cocoa butter contained in the chocolate can then work its magic, replenishing moisture and soothing dry, cracked skin.
Tips And Tricks
Always trim your toenails straight across and don't cut them to the quick if you want to avoid ingrown toenails.
Soothe achy feet by applying a foot masque containing peppermint or ginger. These stimulate circulation to the area which can help to relieve pain.
Relieve heel pain by standing half on, half off of a step. Lower your heels, hold for a minute and then rise up so your feet are level with the step once again.
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