by Carol G

Created on: March 17, 2009

Taking a walk on a sandy beach is an easy way to get a jump on a pedicure. Unfortunately, the chance to get to a beach isn't always available. Keeping daily maintenance on your feet is still quite easy. Spread out as a part of everyday hygiene, your pedicure becomes a sort of ongoing maintenance.

Giving yourself a pedicure at home has definite advantages that guard against the mishaps of cuts or scrapes that can lead to infections:

First, you are the one administering the the pedicure and removal of unwanted skin. You won't risk infection since you are in your nice, clean home environment. You can be assured that you provide a truly clean place, which is prudent for administering a pedicure..

Second, when trimming, you will know if accidental cuts or scrapes are about happen, and when you are getting too close.

Basic pedicure tools you will need are:

1. pumice stone, or a hand held tool with an abrasive end.

2. your fingernails

For the leisurely pedicure, start at the end of a bath. Sitting on the edge of the tub, use a pumice stone tool on the rough spots of the heels, toes, and sides of both feet. If you're not a bather, use a foot pan, and soak your feet for 15 to twenty minutes. If you spend a lot of time on your feet, give them a treat and add Epsom salts as a part of the pedicure.

Bathing or showering at night before going to bed gives the opportunity to put socks on after lotioning. This amplifies the softening action of this ongoing pedicure method. The foot massage helps with a good night's sleep, too.

Preparation for the pedicure:

1. Having a good lotion on hand is the first step. Lotioning is a kind of preventive maintenance procedure. Use this lotion every day, preferably after a shower or bath.

2. Now is the time to easily maintain messy cuticles. With a fingernail while your feet are still moist, go across each cuticle removing excess skin.

3. With a wooden or plastic pedicure tool made for pushing cuticles back, give them a gentle nudge to get them in place. Never use anything metal for pushing back cuticles.

Your feet should be feeling very happy by now. The glow of health is the first accomplishment of your pedicure. Now it's time to blot them dry. If you're limited on time, blow dry your pedicured pinkies keeping the blow dryer on the cool setting.

Now, you are ready for shaping with a nail file, or emery board. Polish with clear nail polish or your favorite color. Or simply moisturize with a q-tip dipped in sunflower oil, and go on your way with your nice pedicure and happy feet.

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