Spa-like Pedicures at Home

Don't have hours to spend at a salon? We hear you. Try the next best thing: spa-inspired pedicures you can do at home.

Positive Pampering

Sure, a pedicure can make you look superb below the ankles — but if you think it's just a self-indulgent treat, check out these facts from the American Podiatric Medical Association: The 8,000-plus steps you take each day exert up to 127,000 pounds of pressure on your poor tootsies — so they need any help they can get. These quick, do-it-yourself versions of two decadent new spa treatments will give your feet a well-deserved vacation.

To smooth out calluses: Mix 1/2 pint fresh crushed strawberries, 1 cup brown sugar, and 2 tablespoons olive oil into a grainy paste. Scrub it onto your soles with your hands, then rinse off and wrap your feet in warm towels for about ten minutes to seal in moisture. The acids in strawberries have exfoliating properties that will soften rough spots.


To deeply hydrate: Mix together 5 cups warm milk, 2 tablespoons honey, and 1 tablespoon lavender essential oil. In a separate bowl, melt 1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips in the microwave, then mix in 2 tablespoons honey and 2 egg yolks to create a smooth paste. Soak your feet for 15 minutes in the first mixture, then slather on the chocolate paste and leave on for another 15 minutes. Finally, rinse off with warm water. The milk and the cocoa butter in the chocolate will soothe and moisturize super dry skin.

1. To prevent ingrowns, trim toenails straight across and never cut them too short,
2. To freshen up sweaty soles when you can't deal with a messy foot powder, rub on a cream that also has odor-preventing properties.
3. To take the ouch out of sore feet, apply a foot mask containing ginger or peppermint, proven skin stimulators that will rev up your circulation.
4. To relieve heel pain, stand on the edge of a step, let heels drop, and hold for a minute.

from: Good Housekeeping / Posted by Mags