If you’ve tried it all: exfoliating, moisturising, soaking – and your feet still aren’t smooth, it’s time to invest in a foot file. A foot file will remove the really tough skin that a regular foot treatment can’t budge. There are a variety of different files to choose from – from pumice stones to microplanes, so it’s important to find the one that’s right for your feet.
Microplanes are among the most effective types of files for removing really thick hardened skin, but they can also be the most intimidating. If their cheese-grater-like appearance makes you feel a little squeamish, you’re best off starting out with something a little less abrasive, like an emery board style file such as the Manicare Nickel Foot File. These files take a little longer to achieve results, but they work incredibly well and are particularly ideal if your skin isn’t too tough.
Here’s how to pedicure with a foot file:
1. Soak feet in warm water for twenty minutes to soften skin. If you have half a cup of milk handy, tip it into your foot bath – it’s great for softening extra dry, callused areas.
2. Starting with the coarse side of the file, gently move back and forth, starting from the ball of your foot and working your way up, concentrating mainly on hardened areas of skin.
3. Flip the file over to the finer side and repeat the process to buff out any rough areas.
4. Slather your feet in a rich, nourishing foot lotion that will be easily absorbed into freshly buffed areas, such as Vaseline Intensive Rescue Hydrating Foot Cream.
5. File and polish nails as usual.
Now you have super-smooth, perfectly polished feet ready to be shown off in your fave pair of strappy heels!
