Foot Care 101: How to Keep Your Feet Looking Neat

Are you guilty of neglecting your feet? You walk around on them all day, and yet, you don’t take the time to keep them looking great. It might seem silly to care so much about your feet’s appearance and health, but it all pays off when you slip your feet into sandals!

You don’t need to head to a spa in order to start taking better care of your feet. Follow these tips, and you’ll never feel embarrassed to show off your feet.

1. Wash Your Feet in the Shower

You never wash your feet when you hop in the shower. Since the water runs over your feet, you don’t need to wash them, right? Wrong—just like every other part of your body, your feet need to see soap, water, and some scrubbing.

Whether you use a washcloth, loofah, or your own hand, always rub some body wash on your feet. Make sure to get in between your toes, and on the bottom of your feet too.

2. Soften Your Feet With Pumice

Pumice rocks are porous stones that form in volcanic areas. Their rough surface gently removes dead skin and calluses from your feet.

Before using pumice, make sure to soak your feet in warm water for about 15 minutes. You can then wet the pumice stone, and rub it over the calluses and dry portions of your feet. One use is enough to make your feet look and feel incredibly smooth. To keep your feet soft, use the pumice stone at least twice per week.

3. Moisturize Your Feet

After showering or exfoliating your feet, moisturize them right away. This way, the lotion will quickly absorb into your skin. You can usually use just about any lotion, but if your feet are really dry, you’ll want one that’s made for your feet. O’Keefe’s Healthy Feet Cream is a reliable lotion that can soothe your cracked, dry feet.

4. Try a Foot Mask

Want even more nourishment for your feet? Try a foot mask, like Aveeno’s Repairing Cica Foot Mask. Each pack contains a pair of moisturizing slippers. These masks are infused with prebiotic oat, as well as shea butter that can heal your dry skin.

Use a foot mask after washing your feet, and keep it on for about 10 minutes. Your feet will no longer feel rough and dry!

5. Take Care of Your Nails

When your feet are covered by socks and shoes all day, you might forget to clip your nails as often as you should. It’s crucial to clip your nails at least once a month (or when you notice your nails getting too long). This can help you avoid annoying hangnails. Just be careful not to clip your nails too short, as this can cause ingrown toenails.

If you’re concerned about your cuticles, make sure not to cut them off. Use a cuticle pusher to lower your cuticles and make your nails look more attractive. Cutting off your cuticles completely can lead to infection.

6. Consider a Home Foot Spa

To save money on pedicures, do your own instead—you can have a pedicure at your house with just one purchase of a foot spa! Soaking your feet in a warm, bubbling foot spa can do wonders for both your feet and mental health.

Not only does MaxKare’s Foot Spa heat water, vibrate, and create bubbles, but it also comes with four removable massagers for your feet.

7. Wear Gel Heel Socks

Gel heel socks are perfect for protecting your feet at night. These breathable socks come infused with gel that works to soften your heels. Wear these at least three times per week to get super smooth feet.

Don’t Neglect Your Feet!

If you follow any of these tips, your feet will thank you. Your feet may have dry, scaly, and cracked skin now, but they’ll quickly get healed once you establish a simple foot care routine.

Having dry hands is just as uncomfortable as having dry feet. To restore moisture to your hands, try out these nourishing hand masks for very dry skin.

Emma Roth

Emma is a staff writer at Modern Ratio. Not only is she an avid writer and tech geek, she's an expert in makeup, skincare, and fashion. She's based in Connecticut.