Expert Tips: Healthy Home Spa Experience

Get your feet sandal ready with a fabulous pedicure. At home pedicures are a great option, but you have to be safe about it. You don’t want to risk cuts, infection and other problems.

Dr. Oliver Zong, a top podiatrist based in New York City, offers us these fabulous pedicure tips to help you keep your feet looking fantastic all summer long.

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Bacteria can flourish in dark, wet places, such as a bathroom medicine cabinet. Be sure to sanitize your nail clippers by soaking them in boiling water and wiping them down with rubbing alcohol every few weeks

Say NO to self-surgery! Anything that hurts, such as removing deep-set ingrown toenails, will cause more damage than good. If you have a painful nail, see a doctor right away

Check expiration dates for beauty products like scrubs, lotions, or soaks. Open containers that sit around for a long time unused can collect bacteria and easily infect cuts in your feet – including blisters

Use simple Epsom salt and warm water to relieve and revive tired feet. It often has similar properties as fancy spa soaks but can cost several dollars less at a drug store

Give your toes time to breath. Nails are their healthiest when they are exposed to air and water. When changing nail polish colors, check nails to make sure they are not discolored – this is a classic sign of toenail fungus and can go unnoticed if nails are always painted.