This article was co-authored by Mark Co, DPM. Dr. Mark Co is a Podiatrist who runs his own private practice in San Francisco, California. Dr. Co specializes in treatments for bunions, ingrown toenails, toenail fungus, warts, plantar fasciitis and other causes of foot pain. He also offers custom orthotics for the treatment and prevention of foot and ankle issues. Dr. Co completed a Master of Business Administration (MBA) at New York University and an MA in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at Johns Hopkins University. Dr. Co also completed his DPM at the California School of Podiatric Medicine and a residency and internship at the Kaiser Permanente Medical Center, Santa Clara, California. Dr. Co was awarded San Francisco's "Top 3 Podiatrists" in 2018, 2019, and 2020. Dr. Co is also a member of the CPMA (American Podiatric Medical Association).
wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. In this case, 90% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status.
This article has been viewed 134,150 times.
Soaking your feet during a pedicure can be a really relaxing and enjoyable experience. With some warm water, Epsom salt, scented oil and a couple of other tools, you will be on your way to feet relaxation heaven.
Steps
-
Fill a plastic tub with warm water. Make sure it is warm, for cold or hot water will not help make it more enjoyable or relaxing.
-
After that, add Epsom salt to the water. If you would like a more relaxing, spa-like pedicure experience, you can also add in your your favorite scented oil.[1]Advertisement
-
Now, place your feet in the water and soak for at least ten whole minutes. Try using a timer. Soaking your feet as long as possible will help you remove the dead skin easily later.[2]
-
After soaking, remove one foot (right or left, your preference) from the water and leave the other to soak.
-
Rub a pumice stone on the bottom of your foot (the one taken out from the water), concentrating on the roughest areas. Foot files also work well for removing dead skin. Try both to see what works best for you.[3]
-
Place the foot you just scrubbed back into the water and repeat the previous step on the opposite foot.
-
Remove your feet from the water and gently pat them dry.
Community Q&A
-
QuestionHow offten should I soak my feet?Bianca ApetroaeiCommunity AnswerYou can soak your feet as often as you'd like.
-
QuestionWill normal table salt suffice, or do I have to buy Epsom salt? Where do I get it?Community AnswerEpsom salt will be way better than table salt, I would not use table salt. Most drug stores or even grocery stores will have it.
-
QuestionAre there any disadvantages for soaking my feet in water too long?Community AnswerYes, your skin will become too gentle and can peel off very easily.
Tips
-
Make the most of your soaking time during your pedicure by reading your favorite magazine, listening to music or surfing the net. The longer your feet soak, the softer they will feel.Thanks
Warnings
- Please, never use a pumice stone on the tops of your feet. Focus on the heel and the big toe.Thanks
Things You'll Need
- Plastic basin
- Warm water
- Electric foot spa (optional)
- Epsom salt
- Towel
- Scented oil (optional)
- Pumice stone
- Foot file (optional)
References
About This Article
Reader Success Stories
-
"The novel coronavirus has closed all non-essential businesses, this includes the spa/nail salons. As the weather warms, I wanted to get my feet sandal ready. This was an awesome explanation."..." more