Difference between revisions of "Get Perfect Feet for Summer"
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Especially at the end of a long, cold winter, our feet can look as though they've been hibernating. Exfoliation, moisture, and a professional-quality nail polishing can prepare feet for summer sandals, while increasing a confident sense of self-image and soothing tired or achy feet. | Especially at the end of a long, cold winter, our feet can look as though they've been hibernating. Exfoliation, moisture, and a professional-quality nail polishing can prepare feet for summer sandals, while increasing a confident sense of self-image and soothing tired or achy feet. | ||
| − | [[Category:Hand and Foot Care]] | + | [[Category: Hand and Foot Care]] |
== Steps == | == Steps == | ||
===Giving Yourself a Pedicure=== | ===Giving Yourself a Pedicure=== | ||
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#*For sensitive skin, use non-acetone polish remover. It may take a little longer to dissolve the polish, but it is gentler on skin and strips away less moisture. | #*For sensitive skin, use non-acetone polish remover. It may take a little longer to dissolve the polish, but it is gentler on skin and strips away less moisture. | ||
#Soak your feet. Take a bath or prepare a basin or warm water for foot soaking. | #Soak your feet. Take a bath or prepare a basin or warm water for foot soaking. | ||
| − | #*Add Epsom salts to the water. This can sooth achy feet but also eliminates foot odor as well.<ref>http://www.saltworks.us/salt_info/epsom-uses-benefits.asp</ref> | + | #*Add Epsom salts to the water. This can sooth achy feet but also eliminates foot odor as well.<ref name="rf1">http://www.saltworks.us/salt_info/epsom-uses-benefits.asp</ref> |
#Clean under the nail. You can do this using a nail brush in the bath, the nail cleaning tool attached to most clippers, or the pointed end of an orange stick. You want to clean gently, being careful not to bruise or puncture the nail bed at all. | #Clean under the nail. You can do this using a nail brush in the bath, the nail cleaning tool attached to most clippers, or the pointed end of an orange stick. You want to clean gently, being careful not to bruise or puncture the nail bed at all. | ||
#*Using an orange stick or the tool on your clippers, position the tip so that it rests against your nail bed on the left side of your nail. Using gentle pressure, follow the line of your nail bed and pull the tool sideways under your nail. This will pull any dirt or debris out from under the nail when you reach the other side. Repeat if needed until nail is free of debris. | #*Using an orange stick or the tool on your clippers, position the tip so that it rests against your nail bed on the left side of your nail. Using gentle pressure, follow the line of your nail bed and pull the tool sideways under your nail. This will pull any dirt or debris out from under the nail when you reach the other side. Repeat if needed until nail is free of debris. | ||
| − | #*If nails show discoloration from debris or staining from old polish, use a lemon wedge to brighten the nail and oxidize the stain.<ref>http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20360766_2,00.html</ref> | + | #*If nails show discoloration from debris or staining from old polish, use a lemon wedge to brighten the nail and oxidize the stain.<ref name="rf2">http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20360766_2,00.html</ref> |
| − | #Trim and file nails. Nails are easier to trim after soaking. Using toenail clippers, cut the nail straight across, being sure not to cut too close to the nail bed. <ref>http://www.sheknows.com/beauty-and-style/articles/826609/pamper-and-polish-get-your-feet-ready-for-sandal-season</ref>. | + | #Trim and file nails. Nails are easier to trim after soaking. Using toenail clippers, cut the nail straight across, being sure not to cut too close to the nail bed. <ref name="rf3">http://www.sheknows.com/beauty-and-style/articles/826609/pamper-and-polish-get-your-feet-ready-for-sandal-season</ref>. |
#*Use the filing surface of a buffing block to round sharp edges from trimming. This also helps prevent ingrown toenails. Be sure to file in only one direction. | #*Use the filing surface of a buffing block to round sharp edges from trimming. This also helps prevent ingrown toenails. Be sure to file in only one direction. | ||
#Exfoliate your feet. Clearing feet of dry, dead winter skin is the first step to summer sandal weather. | #Exfoliate your feet. Clearing feet of dry, dead winter skin is the first step to summer sandal weather. | ||
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#*Use an exfoliating scrub. You can get exfoliating scrubs from drug stores or boutiques that specialize in body products. Additionally, exfoliating scrubs can be made at home, using equal parts of an abrasive element (like salt or sugar), olive oil, and honey. Apply the scrub to the skin and rub in circular motions. | #*Use an exfoliating scrub. You can get exfoliating scrubs from drug stores or boutiques that specialize in body products. Additionally, exfoliating scrubs can be made at home, using equal parts of an abrasive element (like salt or sugar), olive oil, and honey. Apply the scrub to the skin and rub in circular motions. | ||
#*Trim dead skin from toes. Toes can collect thickened skin along the sides of the nail. This skin turns white after soaking. Using toe nail clippers, gently trim back white skin without cutting or trimming the cuticle at the base of the nail. | #*Trim dead skin from toes. Toes can collect thickened skin along the sides of the nail. This skin turns white after soaking. Using toe nail clippers, gently trim back white skin without cutting or trimming the cuticle at the base of the nail. | ||
| − | #[http://www.wikihow.com/Push-Back-Your-Cuticles Push back cuticles]. Cuticles often look like dry skin; however, it is important not to trim cuticles on your toenails, as this can lead to nail fungus or infection.<ref>http://www.webmd.com/beauty/nails/caring-for-your-cuticles</ref> Follow the steps below to push back cuticles on your toes: | + | #[http://www.wikihow.com/Push-Back-Your-Cuticles Push back cuticles]. Cuticles often look like dry skin; however, it is important not to trim cuticles on your toenails, as this can lead to nail fungus or infection.<ref name="rf4">http://www.webmd.com/beauty/nails/caring-for-your-cuticles</ref> Follow the steps below to push back cuticles on your toes: |
#*Moisturize cuticles. To prevent tearing and make pushing the cuticle easier, be sure to moisturize the cuticle with oil or a cuticle creme. | #*Moisturize cuticles. To prevent tearing and make pushing the cuticle easier, be sure to moisturize the cuticle with oil or a cuticle creme. | ||
#*Use an orange stick. The orange stick will have at least one angled tip. Using the angled end, gently push the cuticles toward the base of your nails. If the cuticles are resistant, soak them for longer to soften them up. | #*Use an orange stick. The orange stick will have at least one angled tip. Using the angled end, gently push the cuticles toward the base of your nails. If the cuticles are resistant, soak them for longer to soften them up. | ||
| − | #Apply a mask. In the same way that masks can exfoliate and moisturize the skin on our face, a foot mask can make winter feet look sandal-ready.<ref>http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20360766_6,00.html</ref> | + | #Apply a mask. In the same way that masks can exfoliate and moisturize the skin on our face, a foot mask can make winter feet look sandal-ready.<ref name="rf5">http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20360766_6,00.html</ref> |
#*Mix together 4 tablespoons of honey with a quarter cup of sour cream and a few drops of lemon juice. | #*Mix together 4 tablespoons of honey with a quarter cup of sour cream and a few drops of lemon juice. | ||
#*Sit on the edge of your bathtub or shower. Apply the mixture to your feet, focusing on the top of your feet and toes, along with ankles and heels. | #*Sit on the edge of your bathtub or shower. Apply the mixture to your feet, focusing on the top of your feet and toes, along with ankles and heels. | ||
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#*One way of preparing the nail surface is to take a cotton swab and apply a small amount of nail polish remover to the nail surface. Rub in lightly, then wash and dry the tips of your toes. The polish remover breaks down the oiliness of the moisturizer. | #*One way of preparing the nail surface is to take a cotton swab and apply a small amount of nail polish remover to the nail surface. Rub in lightly, then wash and dry the tips of your toes. The polish remover breaks down the oiliness of the moisturizer. | ||
#*[http://www.wikihow.com/Buff-Your-Nails Buff the nail surface]. Using a buffing block, start with the side for removing ridges (should be the second roughest in texture) and buff the surface of the nail, being sure to compensate for nail curvature. Repeat with the less rough sides of the block, in order from roughest to least rough. Once you've reach the polishing side, the surface of the nail should be shiny. | #*[http://www.wikihow.com/Buff-Your-Nails Buff the nail surface]. Using a buffing block, start with the side for removing ridges (should be the second roughest in texture) and buff the surface of the nail, being sure to compensate for nail curvature. Repeat with the less rough sides of the block, in order from roughest to least rough. Once you've reach the polishing side, the surface of the nail should be shiny. | ||
| − | #*Use a toe spacer. Toe spacers are made of rubbery foam and are shaped with grooves for each toe on your foot. By separating the toes when polishing, it is easier to add polish neatly and toes do not rub against each other, marring the polish. Be sure to leave the spacers in place until the polish is dry.<ref>http://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/how-to/a5101/things-about-painting-your-nails-you-might-not-know/</ref> | + | #*Use a toe spacer. Toe spacers are made of rubbery foam and are shaped with grooves for each toe on your foot. By separating the toes when polishing, it is easier to add polish neatly and toes do not rub against each other, marring the polish. Be sure to leave the spacers in place until the polish is dry.<ref name="rf6">http://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/how-to/a5101/things-about-painting-your-nails-you-might-not-know/</ref> |
#*Apply a base coat before polishing. Base coat is usually clear or milky. It strengthens nails and helps the polish adhere to the nail surface. Be sure to let the base coat dry completely before applying polish. | #*Apply a base coat before polishing. Base coat is usually clear or milky. It strengthens nails and helps the polish adhere to the nail surface. Be sure to let the base coat dry completely before applying polish. | ||
| − | #Apply nail polish. Using even, perpendicular strokes, apply a thin coat of nail polish to your nails.<ref | + | #Apply nail polish. Using even, perpendicular strokes, apply a thin coat of nail polish to your nails.<ref name="rf6" /> |
#*Experts say three strokes for each coat is enough-- left side, middle, and right side. | #*Experts say three strokes for each coat is enough-- left side, middle, and right side. | ||
#*Avoid drips. Be sure to wipe the brush and stem on the inside of the mouth of the nail polish bottle to remove excess polish. | #*Avoid drips. Be sure to wipe the brush and stem on the inside of the mouth of the nail polish bottle to remove excess polish. | ||
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===Protecting and Maintaining Feet=== | ===Protecting and Maintaining Feet=== | ||
| − | #Moisturize daily. Dry skin is less obvious when you have a daily moisturizing routine.<ref>http://www.realsimple.com/beauty-fashion/skincare/hands-feet/foot-cream</ref> | + | #Moisturize daily. Dry skin is less obvious when you have a daily moisturizing routine.<ref name="rf7">http://www.realsimple.com/beauty-fashion/skincare/hands-feet/foot-cream</ref> |
#*Look for a glycerin-based moisturizer for intensely dry feet. | #*Look for a glycerin-based moisturizer for intensely dry feet. | ||
#*Avoid walking around after moisturizing your feet. This can cause your feet to pick up dust or dirt and also cause you to slip on tile or wood floors. | #*Avoid walking around after moisturizing your feet. This can cause your feet to pick up dust or dirt and also cause you to slip on tile or wood floors. | ||
| − | #Wear flip flops. To avoid possible exposure to nail bed fungus or athlete's foot, never go barefoot in public showers, at public pools, or in locker rooms.<ref>http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=165082</ref> | + | #Wear flip flops. To avoid possible exposure to nail bed fungus or athlete's foot, never go barefoot in public showers, at public pools, or in locker rooms.<ref name="rf8">http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=165082</ref> |
#Disinfect clippers and pedicure tools. After using, wipe pedicure tools with a disinfectant cleanser and store in a clean, dry place. | #Disinfect clippers and pedicure tools. After using, wipe pedicure tools with a disinfectant cleanser and store in a clean, dry place. | ||
#*Consider purchasing a pedicure kit or case with zipper closure. This ensures that your pedicure supplies stay together and protected from contaminants. | #*Consider purchasing a pedicure kit or case with zipper closure. This ensures that your pedicure supplies stay together and protected from contaminants. | ||
