web analytics
Chic Pedi

Chic Pedi

Foot Products and Tools For Beautiful Feet

Martina McKeough

5 DIY Foot Scrubs To Use At Home

Whilst I am partial to an expensive shop bought foot scrub sometimes I like to create my own at home. Creating DIY foot scrubs to use at home isn’t hard to do and they are usually much cheaper than anything you buy in a store.

Using natural ingredients and oils also means less harmful chemicals which can only be a good thing.

This post may contain affiliate links which means that we get a commission if you choose to make a purchase through the link. This is at no cost to you. Please read our disclosure page for more information.

Make Your Own Foot Scrub

Here are five DIY foot scrubs you can easily make at home to pamper your feet:

Homemade Foot Scrub With Coconut Oil – Sugar and Coconut Oil Foot Scrub

My first suggestion is a really simple recipe which just requires:

Ingredients

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/4 cup coconut oil

A few drips of peppermint essential oil (this is optional but adds added zing and freshness)

Instructions

Just mix the sugar and the coconut oil into a bowl and then add a few drops of the peppermint essential oil. Make sure that you have mixed everything thoroughly and then massage the scrub into your feet focusing on any rough areas. Rinse the scrub off with warm water and pat your feet dry.

Why It Works

A sugar and coconut oil foot scrub is particularly beneficial for feet due to the unique properties of both ingredients. Here’s why this combination works so well:

Sugar is a natural exfoliant and the granules are an effective but gentle foot exfoliant that can help to slough off any dead skin cells.

Meanwhile the coconut oil is really rich in fatty acids which can help to moisturize and nourish the skin on your feet. This is especially helpful for dry cracked feet.

Coconut oil also has natural antibacterial and antifungal properties, which can help in preventing or soothing infections, including those that might cause foot odor. It is also anti-inflammatory which can help to soothe irritated skin.

I like to add peppermint oil for the scent or lavender essential oil if I’m using it at night as it helps with sleep.

 

 

Coffee Grounds and Olive Oil Scrub

Using every day items that you have in your kitchen is the easiest way to make DIY foot scrubs. One of the simplest is this coffee grounds and olive oil scrub which is partially recycled.

Ingredients

1/2 cup used coffee grounds

1/4 cup olive oil

1 tablespoon sea salt.

Instructions

Mix the coffee grounds, olive oil and sea salt in a bowl. Then apply the mixture to your feet which scrubbing in a circular motion to exfoliate any dead skin. Rinse off with warm water and make sure you dry your feet properly afterwards.

Why It Works

A coffee grounds and olive oil foot scrub is an excellent choice for foot care due to the specific benefits offered by each ingredient. Here’s why this combination is so effective:

Coffee grounds are coarse enough to provide effective exfoliation, removing dead skin cells and leaving your feet smooth. This is particularly helpful for rough, calloused areas like the heels and soles. Coffee is also rich in antioxidants which help to protect the feet and can improve skin health.

I also love the fact that the coffee is recycled from something that I have already used.

The olive oil is important because is gives deep hydration by penetrating the skin. This helps to keep your feet soft and stops any dryness and cracks.

Olive oil is also packed with vitamins such as vitamin E and healthy fats that nourish the skin and increase softness and elasticity.

The only downside is that recently in the UK the price of Olive oil has rocketed which means that this isn’t quite as cheap an exfoliator as it used to be.

 

DIY Foot Scrub For Calluses – Baking Soda and Lemon Scrub

This scrub is one of my favorites to create because it helps with calluses. I find that I need to keep on top of mine otherwise they have a tendency to come back so this helps between pedicures.

Ingredients

3 tablespoons baking soda

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

1 tablespoon warm water

1 teaspoon olive oil or sweet almond oil

Instructions

Mix all the ingredients well into a small bowl and make a paste.

Then soak your feet in warm water for 5-10 minutes to help soften the skin on your feet. Start applying the scrub to the callused areas and massage it into your feet.

Leave it on for five minutes and then rinse with warm water. After using the scrub apply a good foot moisturizer and then put on some socks to lock in the hydrating cream.

Why It Works

Baking soda is a gentle exfoliant which helps to soften skin so that is great for helping to remove dead skin cells.

The lemon juice is naturally acidic and that also helps to break down dead skin cells so the combination of the two really works well.

The oil you use helps to moisturize and nourish your skin so that the skin on your feet gets softer. Plus the scrub is great for foot odor control because the baking soda and lemon have deodorizing properties.

If you can use this one or twice each week.

 

 

Home Made Foot Mask For Cracked Heels – Oatmeal and Milk Foot Mask

Instead of eating these ingredients you can use them for a great foot mask that can help with cracked or dry heels.

Ingredients

1/4 cup finely ground oatmeal

1/4 cup whole milk or buttermilk

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 tablespoon honey

Instructions

Mix all the ingredients into a bowl and try and form a paste with the mixture.

Then soak your feet in warm water for 10 minutes and then apply the mixture to your feet focusing on any cracked areas. Massage the scrub into your skin for a few minutes and then leave it on for 15 minutes.

When you are ready rinse it off in warm warm and pat your feet dry. Use a rich moisturizer when you have finished to help increase softness and improve healing.

Why It Works?

Oatmeal is a soothing and gentle skin exfoliator which is why it is great for feet that are not in good shape.

Whilst milk contains lactic acid which helps to soften any rough skin.

Olive oil and honey are deeply moisturizing plus the honey can help with healing.

Use this mask 1-2 times a week. For severe cracks, consider wrapping your feet in plastic wrap after applying the mask to enhance the results.

Epsom Salt and Lavender Scrub

Finally last but not least let’s talk about one of my favorite DIY foot scrubs to use at home and that is an Epsom salt and lavender scrub.

Ingredients

1/2 cup Epsom salt

1/4 cup almond or jojoba oil

a few drops of lavender essential oil.

Instructions

Mix together the Epsom salt and oil in a bowl, then add a few drops of lavender essential oil for relaxation. Apply the scrub to your feet and gently massage it in to exfoliate your feet.

When you have finished rinse your feet with warm water and pat dry.

You can of course add a foot cream at the end to lock in moisture.

Why It works

This is the perfect foot scrub to use just before bed for a couple of reasons.

Firstly Epsom salt helps with magnesium absorption which can help to relax muscles and reduce inflammation. Whilst the lavender oil scent helps with relaxation as well. If you are using this at bedtime you can see why it is perfect for helping you to switch off before sleep.

The oils of course help with moisturizing your feet and jojoba in particular has anti-inflammatory properties which can soothe any tired or achy feet.

Using any of these DIY foot scrubs are not only easy to make but also effective in keeping your feet smooth and healthy. Pick one and experiment at home. Its amazing how easy they are to do once you get used to mixing the ingredients yourself.

Fall Pedicure Ideas – Autumn Toe Nail Designs to Dazzle

Fall is absolutely my favorite season. In the Northern Hemisphere the nights get darker, the days cooler and everything starts to feel a little more laid back and cosier. Of course will the advent of Autumn what we wear and how we style ourselves changes as well. To celebrate this change of pace and color I thought I had to look as some great fall pedicure ideas for anyone interested in switching from summer vibes to Autumn hues.

This post may contain affiliate links which means that we get a commission if you choose to make a purchase through the link. This is at no cost to you. Please read our disclosure page for more information.

Fall Toenail Colors

Fall pedicure colors are all about deep rust orange, chocolate browns, forest greens, burgundy and even mustard yellow. They are a total contrast to the bright colors of summer.

This nail polish kit is perfect to buy if you are looking to recreate a fall pedicure at home. The colors in the set are perfect for Autumn and will act as a great base if you want to add some additional nail art.

 

Autumnal Nail Art Stickers

Whilst you can obviously just stick with pain nail colors it is fun to add nail art if you are looking to create something a little special.

The good thing is that you don’t need to be a nail artist to do this now as there are plenty of stickers that you can use in your designs to take your look to the next level.

I love these Autumnal Nail Stickers that you can use to create a huge range of designs.

 

If you need inspiration on what to create at home or in the salon here are some of the best Fall pedicure ideas we’ve seen this year that are perfect for your next pedicure.

Fall Pedicure Colors Inspiration 

This first toenail color design is relatively easy to replicate at home and doesn’t even involve any intricate designs at all. Just by using different color varnishes on your toes you can create a look that is really autumnal and perfect for the cooler season.

 

Floral designs are always popular and this particular design is perfect for Fall. Don’t worry if you find floral designs difficult to do at home as nail art stickers can help you to replicate a similar look at home.

 

If there is one thing we associate with fall it is leaves which brings me to the next design that shows them off beautifully. The colors and the gel look nails really make this design pop.

 

For something completely different these toenail designs work by using reds and greys. There is something about these colors that makes me thing of cozy evening by the fire.

 

 

Of course Fall also means that Halloween is on its way and what could represent that more than pumpkins. Whilst these orange Halloween pumpkins look like they have been created by hand you can buy toenail art that will give you the same look.

 

This intricate orange, white and yellow design is something special and a little different. I love the touch of bling on just a couple of the toes.

 

More pumpkin designs but this time with gold glitter stripes. It’s amazing how a pumpkin design can look so different when you switch up the background and colors.

 

 

The next design is one of my favorites of the bunch. Whilst it doesn’t scream fall the colors blended together to form the tortoiseshell design give a great nod to Autumn. This is not an easy look to replicate at home so perhaps one to ask your nail technician about.

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Garrett Agler (@z_nail_rteest)

 

This is another floral and orange design that looks sophisticated and perfect for those chillier evenings. The pumpkin colored nail varnish elevates this Autumn look.

 

 

Leopard print toenails in fall colours are definitely worth doing if you want a slightly different look. These will definitely be a talking point.

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Mimi Nguyen (@glamourbymimi)

 

I love this shade of green as it is understated and modern. The white leaf design gives a nod to Autumn.

 

 

Whilst this matt green color is simple to do at home and looks a little different. I like the idea of using this color around Halloween as it has a witchy spooky vibe.

 

 

More autumnal orange tones with a black leaf make these toenails stand out. I like the half and half big toe color as it adds interest to the design.

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Rose Pearl (@rosepearlart)

 

The next design is just super fun and conjures up images of harvest festivals as well as Halloween. This is a great idea for someone who wants their Fall toenail designs to be more playful.

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by marsha bailey (@marsharbailey)

 

I am a sucker for anything cute and these little orange fox designs are just the best. Not the easiest to replicate but a real talking point if you can.

 

 

These deep brown glitter gel look nails are sophisticated, chic and simple to do at home. I love the color which isn’t often used in pedicures but seen here it looks great.

 

 

Finally last but not least I love this gold and green nail design. By mixing and matching mat and gloss looking finishes it elevates the look and makes it stand out.

 

Associated Articles

Toenail Designs For Spring

Toenail Designs for Summer

Toenail Designs For Valentines Day

*This site is owned and operated by Chicpedi.com. Chicpedi.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

10 Ways to Get Rid of Strawberry Legs

Let’s talk about strawberry legs and those unsightly dark spots that you might experience all over them. I’m going to show you 10 ways to get rid of your strawberry legs and how to try and stop them appearing in the first place.

If you have number heard the term strawberry legs before it is a term that people use to describe the dark spots that appear on your legs that look like the seeds on a strawberry. They are usually caused by anything from clogged pores and ingrown hairs to folliculitis. Whilst they are not harmful they don’t make your legs look as good as they could which is why so many people want to find ways to get rid of them.

Here are ten things that can make a difference.

This post may contain affiliate links which means that we get a commission if you choose to make a purchase through the link. This is at no cost to you. Please read our disclosure page for more information.

How To Get Rid of Strawberry Legs Naturally

If you are looking for a natural approach then start by looking at the razor that you are using to shave your legs with.

You need one that is sharp as a dull razor can cause irritation, cuts and the ingrown hairs that can be responsible for their appearance.

If you use a disposable razor replace it regularly and always remember to shave in the direction of your hair growth to stop irritating your legs.

The Schick Hydro Silk TrimStyle Razor for Women with Bikini Trimmer is one of my favorites because it has a dual purpose plus its easy to change the heads when they are starting to get dull.

Use a Moisturizing Shaving Cream

Dry shaving is another reason why you might end up with the strawberry legs problem. This is because it irritates your skin and causes your pores to become clogged.

Using a moisturizing shaving cream or gel creates a smoother barrier between the razor and your skin making shaving so much easier.

I like the Cremo French Lavender Moisturizing Shave Cream but I also sometimes use Gillette products to help.

 

Exfoliate Regularly – The Best Exfoliator For Strawberry Legs 

Shaving with a sharper razor can obviously help to improve strawberry legs but if you really want to take things up a notch consider exfoliating your legs as well.

Exfoliation is a great way to remove any dead skin cells that can clog your pores and trap hair follicles which causes these dark spots. A gentle scrub with a chemical exfoliant that contains salicylic acid or glycolic acid 2 or 3 times a week really helps.

My favorite is Paula’s Choice Weightless Body Treatment but there are plenty of other scrubs on the market you can use to see if they help make a difference.

 

 

Use an Epilatar For Strawberry Legs

Whilst I prefer shaving where possible using a different method of hair removal can make the difference for many people.

Waxing and epilating remove your leg hairs from the root which helps to reduce the risk of ingrown hairs and clogged pores.

When you wax or use an epilator you are going to get legs that are smoother and the effects last longer than shaving.

 

 

 

Products To Get Rid of Strawberry Legs – Try a Retinoid Cream

If you are still having issues after trying some of the above methods you next step is to try a retinoid cream. Retinoids help speed up cell turnover, which can prevent clogged pores and reduce the appearance of dark spots.

Apply a retinoid cream like Paula’s Choice Retinol Skin-Smoothing Body Treatment to your legs at night to see if that helps.

Just a word of caution. Retinoids can make your skin more sensitive to the sun so make sure you apply sunscreen during the day.

 

 

Use a Pore-Refining Cleanser

This is a tip that takes things one step further again and that is to use a pore-refining cleanser to try and help unclog those pores on your legs. A cleanser can help to reduce the appearance of those unsightly dark spots which are caused by trapped debris and oils.

Ideally find one which has ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide to help deep clean your pores.

Moisturize Every Singe Day

It can be easy to get lazy when it comes to our beauty regimes and that of course is when the problems begin.

It makes sense to moisturize your legs every single day because when your skin is hydrated it can help prevent any dryness or irritation which contributes to those strawberry legs.

I try and apply a thick hydrating cream to my legs every day after shaving and exfoliating in the shower. I personally like AmLactin Intensive Healing Body Lotion for Dry Skin. The bottle may not be pretty but the product does a great job on my legs.

 

Consider Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal targets hair follicles which helps to reduce hair growth and minimizes the risk of ingrown hairs and clogged pores.

I haven’t tried using this myself but many people swear that it works. If you are going to try this route make sure you consult with a dermatologist or licensed professional to see if laser hair removal is a suitable option for you.

Apply a Soothing Leg Mask

I am partial to a soothing leg mask and find that when I bother to apply one once a week it really does help to calm any irritated skin and reduces the appearance of dark spots on my legs.

Using masks that contain ingredients like aloe vera, oatmeal, or chamomile can all help. I love Margaret Dabbs leg masques which are easy to get in the UK. This Black Leg Masque also helps to cool swollen tired legs as well.

 

Final Tip – Stay Hydrated

Finally don’t forget that staying hydrated is something that you can do for free.

Drinking enough water can help you to maintain healthy skin and prevent dryness which can make strawberry legs worse.

Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your skin hydrated from the inside out.

By incorporating these tips into your skincare routine, you can reduce the appearance of strawberry legs and achieve smoother, clearer skin.

*This site is owned and operated by Chicpedi.com. Chicpedi.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

How to Use Hydrogen Peroxide For Nail Fungus

There are actually a huge number of natural remedies that you can use for nail fungus and I’ve already talked about a number of them in my posts including neem oil, tea tree oil and even coconut oil. However today I want to talk to you about how to use Hydrogen Peroxide for Nail Fungus and give you a step by step guide to trying it at home.

Whilst my previous guides have almost solely revolved around using oils it’s good to know that there are other alternatives that you can use as well.

This post may contain affiliate links which means that we get a commission if you choose to make a purchase through the link. This is at no cost to you. Please read our disclosure page for more information.

Why Hydrogen Peroxide Helps

There are a number of reasons why hydrogen peroxide can be helpful including:

  • Its Antifungal Properties: Hydrogen peroxide has strong antifungal properties. It works by breaking down fungal cell walls which helps kill the fungus responsible for the infection.
  • Oxidizing Agent: As a powerful oxidizing agent, hydrogen peroxide releases oxygen when it comes into contact with organic matter. This oxygenation can disrupt the environment where the fungus thrives, making it harder for the fungus to survive and multiply.
  • Disinfectant Qualities: Hydrogen peroxide is widely known for its disinfectant capabilities. It can help to sanitize the affected area, preventing secondary infections and promoting a cleaner environment for the healing process.
  • Penetration Ability: Hydrogen peroxide can penetrate the nail bed where the fungus often lives. This allows it to reach the root of the infection more effectively than some surface treatments.
  • Ease of Use: Hydrogen peroxide is easily used at home and isn’t hard to buy. I love natural remedies that make things simple as most people can’t be bothered with complicated regimes.

What Strength Hydrogen Peroxide For Nail Fungus?

For treating toenail fungus, a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution is the strength that you should typically use. This is because it is strong enough to effectively kill the fungus without damaging your skin and nails.

A 3%, hydrogen peroxide can effectively penetrate the nail and surrounding skin to reach the fungus, disrupting its cell walls and killing it. If you use higher concentrations then there is the possibility of skin irritation and burns. So choosing the 3% solution strikes the right balance between effectiveness and safety.

Plus the 3% solution is the one that is most widely available in pharmacies and supermarkets making it easier for you to buy to use at home.

 

Products Needed For Nail Fungus Treatments

  • Hydrogen peroxide (3% solution)
  • Warm water
  • A small bowl or basin
  • Cotton balls or swabs
  • Nail file or emery board
  • Towel

How To Use Hydrogen Peroxide For Nail Fungus – Step-by-Step Guide:

Start by cleaning and trimming your toe nails making them as short as possible. This helps the hydrogen peroxide to penetrate the areas of your nail with a problem more easily. You can also file the surface of the nail to remove any dead layers which also helps with penetration

The prepare the Hydrogen Peroxide solution. This is really easy to do by mixing equal parts of your 3% Hydrogen Peroxide with warm water in a basin or bowl.

How Long To Leave Hydrogen Peroxide on Nail Fungus?

When you have your solution ready soak your nails. Now you can either submerge your nails into the solutions for 15-20 minutes or you can use my preferred method which is soaking cotton balls in the solution and letting it sit directly on the problem nails for 10 minutes.

In both cases you should really do this twice a day to get the best results.

After soaking or using the cotton balls dry your feet with a towel and then air dry further before putting your shoes or socks back on.

As nail fungus can be contagious I like to disinfect my nail clippers and files to stop the possibility of reinfection. I also put on fresh socks or tights after I have soaked my feet.

Monitor Your Progress

As with many things in life consistency is really key as you need to repeat this process over a period of weeks and months to get real improvement.

You should also follow these simple tips to increase the effectiveness of the treatment.

  • Use Fresh Hydrogen Peroxide: Make sure the hydrogen peroxide solution you’re using is fresh. Hydrogen peroxide loses its effectiveness over time, especially once opened.
  • Avoid Moist Environments: Try to keep your feet dry and avoid wearing damp shoes or socks, as moisture promotes fungal growth.
  • Practice Good Foot Hygiene: Regularly wash and thoroughly dry your feet, and avoid walking barefoot in communal areas like locker rooms or pool.

By following these steps consistently, you should be able to manage and reduce nail fungus over time with hydrogen peroxide.

*This site is owned and operated by Chicpedi.com. Chicpedi.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

How To Stop Your Feet Swelling In Hot Weather

Do you suffer from the curse of swollen ankles and feet particularly in the summer months? I’ve had the problem on and off for years and now have a number of tricks that I use to limit the problem. Here’s how to stop your feet swelling in hot weather with some simple products I use and strategies to keep them their regular size.

This post may contain affiliate links which means that we get a commission if you choose to make a purchase through the link. This is at no cost to you. Please read our disclosure page for more information.

Why Do Feet Swell in Hot Weather?

There isn’t just one reason for feet swelling as it can be down to a multitude of factors but some of the most common include:

Vasodilation – When you body has to deal with high temperatures the blood vessels in your extremities tend to widen to release heat and cool the body.  This can lead to more blood pooling in the lower extremities, causing swelling.

Fluid Retention –Heat can cause the body to retain more fluid as a way to stay hydrated and maintain optimal temperature. This excess fluid often accumulates in the feet and ankles due to gravity.

Reduced Activity Levels – Hot weather stops you moving around so much so you sit around more in one position for too long. This lack of movement can reduce blood circulation in the legs and feet, causing fluid to pool and swelling to occur. I have this particularly when I am sat at my desk for too long.

Dehydration –  Dehydration can also contribute to swelling. When the body is dehydrated, it tends to retain more water to compensate for the lack of fluid intake, which can lead to swelling in the feet and ankles.

Swollen feet in hot weather can be uncomfortable and inconvenient so here is what I do when the hot weather strikes.

What To Drink To Reduce Swelling In Feet?

I always try to drink more water when it is hot to stay hydrated and so that I flush out any excess salt that can cause fluid retention.

I am a water lover but there are some herbal teas that can also help with water retention such as dandelion tea if you want to try something different.

Elevate Your Feet

I’ve got into the habit of elevating my feet when I can to help stop the fluid pooling in my ankles. I use a wedge foot elevation pillow and lie down for 15 minutes at a time to help the problem (it makes it easier that I work from home). I have a guide to some of the best leg elevation pillows if you want to read about some of the best that are currently on the market.

At night I use it on the sofa when I’m watching TV and I hardly notice I’m using it. It’s just a good habit to get into to rest your legs.

 

Hot Weather and Swollen Ankles Means You May Need Compression Socks 

Compression socks and tights aren’t my favorite item to wear but if I feel the swelling is too much I put them on.

These compression devices help to promote blood flow back towards the heart to prevent it pooling in your legs and feet. By improving circulation, compression socks and tights reduce the likelihood of fluid leaking out of blood vessels and accumulating in the surrounding tissues, which is a common cause of swelling.

They also help to prevent Venous Insufficiency. This is when the blood vessels tend to dilate and struggle to return blood to the heart. Compression socks and tights help counteract this by providing external support to the veins, making it easier for them to function correctly.

The only problem is that in hot weather they are often the last thing you want to wear so I tend to wear them only when I am at home where it is cooler on in an office.

 

 

Try to Stay Active

Regular exercise improves circulation and helps prevent swelling so where I can I make sure I get up from my desk once an hour at least to walk around.

Prolonged sitting or indeed standing in one position isn’t great so you need to be be able to move around more.

At lunch I spend a little longer on my feet or take a walk to stop the problem. You don’t need to do vigorous exercise just simple walking to get your body moving.

A Simple Heat Edema Treatment at Home is To Keep Cool

When it is hot outside then you need to try and stay cool to avoid the horrible swelling.

I work from the coolest room in my house but even that isn’e enough sometimes so there are a few other things I do.

I use ice slippers on really hot days to cool down by feet. There are great not just for the swelling but to help my tendonitis as well.

I also have a USB desk fan that I have on as I work which keeps me cool. If you have air conditioning that helps but sadly I live in a listed building in the UK so I can’t install it.

Oh and at the end of a long hot day I use a cool foot soak to help reduce swelling and give my feet some relief. I usually add a peppermint foot soak to the water for a little extra zing. Try and avoid hot showers and baths as the hot water can cause blood vessels to expand and lead to increased swelling.

You can also use essential oils. I have a list of essential oils that can help reduce swelling in your feet and legs that you can also use to help.

By incorporating these tips into your routine, you can help manage and prevent swollen feet in hot weather.

 

 

Feet Swelling Sitting At Desk – Massage Your Feet

Massaging your feet can also help to stimulate circulation and reduce any fluid build up the only problem not everyone can do this if they have a disability or aren’t flexible.

So you could consider investing in a circulation booster machine which can make all the difference. They are a little pricey so they aren’t for everyone but if you are suffering from swelling regularly then it might be worth biting the bullet and buying one.

If you can’t afford one think about learning some foot exercises that you can do to help instead.

 

 

Limit Your Salt Intake

I have to confess I am a salt fiend and love it on my food but it really isn’t good for you.

So in the summer I really try and reduce my sodium intake to prevent fluid retention. I also use Lo-salt instead of the real deal to help.

Use Anti-Inflammatory Creams or Gels 

Anti-inflammatory creams and gels have ingredients that can help to reduce swelling so they are worth a try in hot weather.

I actually have another secret weapon and that is Mamma Mio cooling legs gel. I tend to pop some on my feet and legs when I am getting ready in the morning and it really helps. You can obviously top it up during the day if you feel really hot.

If you can’t get that particular brand Antistax does something similar or see if you can find Margaret Dabbs Black Leg Masque which I have also used but is slightly more messy and difficult to use daily.

 

 

 

Wear Comfortable Shoes

This is obviously a foot blog so shoes have to be mentioned as well because the wrong footwear is going to cause you problems.

Make sure you wear shoes with good support and avoid anything too tight that will restrict your blood flow.

Shoes are so important for your foot health so spend time choosing the right ones for your feet.

Avoid Alcohol

Finally avoid alcohol where you can as it can cause dehydration and make the swelling worse.

Plus if the weather is hot and I’ve been drinking it can also give me leg cramps which are horrible. So where possible limit your intake and if you are drinking make sure you drink plenty of water as well.

By incorporating these tips into your routine, you can help manage and prevent swollen feet in hot weather.

*This site is owned and operated by Chicpedi.com. Chicpedi.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

 

10 Natural Remedies For Corns and Calluses

Corns and calluses on your feet are uncomfortable, unsightly and in some cases painful so clearly you want to find ways to get rid of them as easily and quickly as you can. I’m going to talk to you about 10 natural remedies for corns and calluses that you can use at home which can help you to soften them so they are easier to remove.

As I always say prevention is better than cure! So don’t just look at the remedies that I’m going to give you but read my advice about stopping them in the first place.

Corns and calluses are thickened areas of skin and they don’t appear for no reason. They develop because of repeated friction, pressure or irritation. I’ll talk about the reasons why this happens so you can start to stop them from appearing on your feet.

But first here are some ways you can remove them with household products.

This post may contain affiliate links which means that we get a commission if you choose to make a purchase through the link. This is at no cost to you. Please read our disclosure page for more information.

Natural Remedies For Calluses on Feet

 

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is a great product that I always have around the house. It can be used in foot soaks or in this case neat to help soften the hard skin associated with corns and calluses.

All you need to do is soak a cotton ball in the apple cider vinegar and secure it to the problem area on your feet with a bandage and leave it overnight.

The vinegar will help to soften the corn or callus. With a callus you can then exfoliate the spot to remove the skin or use a corn knife to gently remove the softened skin.

You may need to repeat this process a few times to remove the problem hard skin fully.

 

Use Baking Soda

Baking soda is a good natural remedy for calluses in particular when you use it in a foot soak.

Add three tablespoons of baking soda into a basin of warm water and soak your feet in it for 15-20 minutes. Then start to exfoliate your skin with a foot file or pumice stone.

Baking soda is a natural exfoliant, helping to remove dead skin cells.

Try Lemon Juice As a Natural Cure for Corns

Lemon juice is another common product that most people have in their cupboards. It’s great for cleaning and also works on helping to soften and dissolve thickened hard skin.

Just apply some to the problem skin and allow it to dry. The acidity in the lemon juice helps to break down the hardened skin.

Again this is something that you would need to do regularly in order to see results.

Applying Castor Oil

Castor oil is a great skin softener and also helps to moisturize it as well.

I saturate a cotton ball with the castor oil and then apply it to the corn or callus I want to remove with a band-aid or plaster. Leave it on overnight before removing the ball the next day and showering.

The softened skin should now be easier to exfoliate or shave away.

 

 

Garlic

My next tip isn’t for everyone but it does work.

Crush a clove of garlic and apply it to your corn or callus with a bandage and leave it overnight.

Garlic has antimicrobial benefits and softens the skin allowing you to remove the hard skin more easily.

Aloe Vera

A slightly easier solution and one that I prefer to smelly garlic is to use Aloe Vera gel and apply it to the corn or callus.

As with many of these remedies you need to cover them and leave them to work overnight to do their job.

Aloe Vera helps to hydrate and soften your skin which helps with removal by shaving or exfoliating.

 

 

Take an Epsom Salt Foot Bath As a Natural Treatment for Corns

I rave about Epsom Salt foot baths and have a whole post of their benefits that you can read.

Natural remedies for corns and calluses don’t have to be that difficult and soaking your feet in Epsom Salt and warm water for 20 minutes can really help to soften your skin.

When you skin is soft it is easier to remove with an exfoliating tool or a pumice stone.

 

 

Vitamin E Oil

I often use Vitamin E oil for moisturizing my dry skin so it makes sense that it can also be used for corns and calluses.

I like to massage it into the problem area and then cover it overnight. With oil I tend to wear socks on my feet in bed and leave them on overnight.

The next morning the oil will have sunk in and helped to moisturize the areas with any issues. I do this over a series of days and find that it makes it much easier for my calluses to be removed. Plus the Vitamin E oil promotes healing so it is a win win solution.

 

 

Using a Chamomile Tea Soak

Chamomile tea is something that I often have in the cupboard to help with sleep but it can also be used on your feet.

I tend to place a three or four chamomile tea bags into warm water and allow the tea to seep into the water. Mix the water with your hand and then soak your feet in the tea mixture for 20 minutes.

The tea will help to soften your skin and reduce inflammation as well.

 

 

Make An Aspirin Paste

Finally this is one of my favorite natural treatments for corns.

Crush a few asprin tablets and mix them with a little water to form a paste. Apply that paste to the corn and cover it with a band-aid and leave it on overnight.

The salicylic acid in the aspirin helps to soften and exfoliate any dead skin cells and reduce thickening so they can be removed. Corn plasters work on the same principle only they are more expensive.

Tips for Preventing Corns and Calluses

Whilst these natural remedies for corns and calluses work well as I mentioned earlier prevention is better than cure. Here are some simple things you can do to stop them appearing in the first place.

Wear Proper Footwear

Ill fitting shoes that don’t have adequate support are going to be partly responsible for corns and calluses. Really take the time to get shoes that fit properly so you don’t experience so many issues.

I always choose shoes now that give me good support as well as additional cushioning. You can find fashionable ones if you look and my go to brand are Vionic as they have a good choice of styles.

 

 

Wear Protective Pads in Your Shoes

Even when I wear the right shoes I often use extra cushioning to cushion my feet. Sometimes this will be a whole insole but in many cases it is just a half insole to wear in the front half of my shoes to prevent calluses.

 

 

Keep Up a Good Foot Hygiene Regime

Finally spend time looking after your feet as you would other parts of your body.

Give your feet regular foot soaks, keep your toenails trimmed and exfoliate to prevent a build up of dry skin. When you have dried your feet slather on a good foot moisturizer and your feet won’t ever get to the stage where they are dry and the skin has thickened.

By incorporating these natural remedies and preventive measures, you can effectively manage and reduce the occurrence of corns and calluses. However if your corns and calluses are severe or cause you any pain remember to consult with a healthcare professional.

 

*This site is owned and operated by Chicpedi.com. Chicpedi.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Chic Pedi