From foot files to creams, here’s how to care for your feet at home

Metro journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission – learn more

Warmer weather is slowly but surely approaching, which means it will soon be time to make those all-important wardrobe swaps. Most importantly, we’ll have to say goodbye to boots and hello to sandals as the sun shows its face more. One dread that comes with this is that after being hidden away in your winter footwear, your feet might not be looking and feeling their best. 

The good news is that you don’t have to rush to book a pedi appointment to get flip flop ready. With a few simple steps, and the right products, you can indulge in a little self care moment and create the salon-feel in the comfort of your own home, and at a fraction of the price.

With the addition of a nifty foot file to remove dead skin, a great moisturiser to nourish, and additional extras such as cuticle oils, a pedicure kit, and if you want to be fancy a foot bath, you can sit back and relax as you give yourself a mini makeover ready for that holiday you’ve got planned, or if you’re wanting to wear those cute sandals hiding in your wardrobe.

Below is a simple at-home routine that will leave your feet feeling soft, refreshed and ready for the seasons ahead.

Step One: Foot Soak

Before jumping straight into scrubbing and nail maintenance, a good soak will help break down tough skin, and relax the muscles so you can have a little pamper before doing the following steps.

Simply soak your feet in warm soapy water for 10-15 minutes, and to elevate the experience you can add the likes of Epsom Salts, specific foot soak crystals, or a few drops of essential oils to give you a spa-like experience. Our personal favourite for this step is to invest in a trusty at-home foot spa.

Step 2: Remove Hard Skin and Calluses

As winter footwear is specifically designed to keep feet warm and protected against the elements, they aren’t often the most comfortable, meaning the hard skin is more likely to build on your heels and balls of your feet. 

After soaking, gently buff away rough areas using a foot file or eclectic callus remover. You can use these regularly to minimise the threat of cracks and future build up, and to keep them soft and smooth. Be aware as to not over-file as this can irritate the skin.

Step 3: Exfoliate with a Foot Scrub

Once the hard skin and calluses have been removed and buffed away, apply an exfoliating foot scrub that will banish the last remaining dead skin cells.

Foot scrubs often contain ingredients such as pumice, salt or sugar that work to fently buff away dead skin, without having to scrub with a tool. Whilst in the bath or shower, massage a small amount onto damp feet for a few minutes focusing on heels and soles, and then rinse thoroughly. 

Step 4: Trim and Shape Your Nails

Once you’ve given your feet the best clean, it’s time to tidy up your nails. Top tip: trim your nails straight across as this will prevent ingrown nails, and then use a nail file to shape them to your desired look. Follow this by pushing back your cuticles with a special tool as this creates cleaner, healthier nails, and prevents any hangnails from forming. The best and most straightforward way of doing this is with a manicure kit.

Step 5: Nourish Cuticles and Nails

This perfectly leads on to step five which is a step that many choose to either forget or ignore, and that’s applying a cuticle cream or oil. Using one of these will not only supply a boost of hydration to the nails and skin around them, but they help to strengthen them as well. Use a tiny amount on each nail before gently massaging in daily to keep them looking and feeling their best.

Step 6: Deep Moisturise Your Feet

The final step is locking in moisture. Foot creams and masks are designed to deeply hydrate dry skin and keep feet soft.

Foot masks are great as an overnight treatment or weekly pampering step, helping to restore moisture to dry heels and soles.

So, if you’re planning on giving yourself and your feet a pamper, then remember to moisturiser daily before bed, use a foot file once or twice a week, keep nails trimmed, and ultimately, opt for breathable footwear to prevent any dryness and irritation.

Follow Metro across our social channels, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

Share your views in the comments below

MORE: This Boots beauty box is worth £139 – and it costs just £35

MORE: Molly‑Mae Hague’s make‑up artist swears by this £32 K‑beauty cream for glass skin

MORE: Tired of painful shoes? These wide‑fit spring styles are comfortable and on trend