3 Pedicure Mistakes to Avoid (and 6 Other Tips)
Follow this bright advice from the experts, and swing into summer with happy feet!
Photo: Garry Wade/Getty Images
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Pedicure Do's
Do start by soaking your feet. "It softens the layers of dead skin, preparing them for exfoliation," says Jane Andersen, a podiatrist in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
Do smooth rough spots on the bottom and sides of feet and toes using a pumice stone—and make it a habit. "The key is to exfoliate twice a week after your bath or shower, rather than waiting for calluses to develop," says Andersen.
Do moisturize your feet with a cream or lotion containing lactic acid or urea. Both ingredients improve skin texture and hydration, making them ideal for eliminating calluses.
Do swipe a cotton pad soaked in rubbing alcohol over the surface of your nails to remove any oil or residue before applying the base coat, says Tracylee.
Do apply lacquer starting with the left pinkie toe, working over to the right pinkie toe if you're right-handed, says Tracylee. If you're left-handed, do the opposite. This will prevent your hand from gliding over wet polish.
Do extend the life of your pedicure by reapplying the topcoat once a week and cuticle oil every night. The topcoat protects the color's vibrancy and shine; the cuticle oil hydrates, preventing chips.
From the
August 2016 issue of
O, The Oprah Magazine
