A professional pedicure is a wonderful treat for your feet or present for a friend, but you can also do it yourself. It not only feels good; if you do it regularly (say every two weeks), it will improve your circulation and reduce the chances of developing problems.

 

1. Soak your feet
Remove any nail varnish and soak your feet in warm water for 5 to 10 minutes. Add a maximum of five drops of essential oil in enough water to completely cover your feet, and sit back and enjoy.

 

2. Exfoliate your skin
Using an exfoliating scrub or a handful of sea salt, massage your feet, concentrating on breaking down the areas of hard, rough skin usually found on the ball and heel of the foot. Two heaped teaspoonfuls of coarse sea salt stirred into a carton of natural yoghurt makes a wonderful, nourishing and protective exfoliating massage lotion. Rinse off with tepid water.

 

3. File the rough spots
Using a pumice stone, a foot file or a rough skin remover, firmly rub the rough areas of skin on the soles of your feet. If you have a build-up of rough skin, it may take several pedicures to remove all the layers. Don't try to remove hard skin which is obviously inflamed, bleeding or infected − seek professional help.

 

4. Care for your nails
Using toe-clippers, cut your toenails straight across (never cut toenails down at the corners as this can encourage ingrown nails). Clean under the nails. Gently push back the cuticles (the skin at the base of the nails). If the cuticles are hard, brittle and tender, use a cuticle removing lotion. To stimulate circulation and encourage the growth of strong, healthy, shiny nails, buff with a nail buffer.

 

5. Moisturise your skin
Using a rich moisturiser, massage toes, nails, feet and ankles with sweeping movements. Rubbing moisturiser into the nails can prevent cracks and splits.