Homecare: Foot Filing
Foot filing is a simple, impactful homecare component. If your heels are feeling rough and catching your sheets, a few seconds with a good foot file makes a world of difference. Regular exfoliation of the soles of the feet, including calluses, helps keep feet smooth and soft.
How to:
Run a sandpaper style foot file over your dry feet, about 30 seconds per foot, to remove any excess skin. You don't need to file excessively, just a brief scrub. Use the rough side for any hardened areas, and gently use the smooth side across the entire sole. If you have any cracks, run the file parallel to them, rather than across, to avoid opening them further. Otherwise, file with the grain of your foot, following the lines of your prints. Always finish with a high quality foot moisturizer.
I recommend a sandpaper style file because I find they are both gentle and effective. My favorite on is the Swiss Foot File from Gehwol because it is very durable and gentle. It has a special antimicrobial coating to seal the grit. You can get this foot file from me when you are in the salon, but it is also available online. It is a good idea to file your feet weekly. If you have excessive callus, you could file twice weekly. If you miss a week, don’t try to catch up. Over-filing can lead to a host of issues, including sensitivity or pain, blisters, and excessive callus growth. You cannot judge how much you are filing by feel. This is why it is important to limit yourself to 30 seconds per foot.
After using your foot file, scrub it with a nail brush, soap, and water to clean any skin off of it. If you would like, you can also spray it with a surface disinfectant. If you decide to do this extra step, be sure to rinse it after the recommended time. Always dry and store your file in a dry location. This will keep it in good condition for a long time, up to five years!