Most people have mean things to say about their feet. Our hard-working feet feel the brunt not just of our jibes, but the sidewalks we trod. Perhaps they develop a thick skin, like elephants, for both the pounding they take. In any case, callouses and cracked heels are a fact of life for most of us.
The beauty world has come up with plenty of abrasive devices to remove, or at least smooth down, unattractive, rough or thickened skin on our feet, from files, to scrubs, to chemical exfoliators. There are even “shavers” that you can use to literally cut the skin off your feet. Scrubs and files are safe, but it is nearly impossible to get skin completely, evenly smooth with them. Chemicals and sharp razors are are more invasive and should only be used in the hands of a pro. However, if they are used incorrectly, they can cause pain and infection. Furthermore some states have banned razors in salons and spas, so all you can get is a lackluster scraping with a soft file.
Recently, I discovered the Micro Pedi from Enjoi. This silvery, hand-held device with an file-like roller on the top looks like a mini, home pasta roller, but it is actually a battery-operated foot buffer . Micro-Pedi’s rollers spin at 30 times a second, easily buffing away rough, callused skin on feet, without ripping, bruising, or pain. Turn on the device, and roll it over the rough spots on your feet. The Micro-Pedi instantly, quickly, smoothly, pleasantly, and safely buffs off the dead, dry, rough, cracked skin leaving nothing but completely smooth skin behind. It is the ultimate in instant gratification. For those who worry about sensitive skin, no worries. There is a blue roller (extra coarse) and a pink roller (less coarse).
Two things to know about the Micro-Pedi (besides it is fantastic). The first is that the unit is powered by 2-AA batteries that aren’t included. Secondly, when you roll the Micro-Pedi over your skin, you will produce a soft shower of what looks to be white powder or flakes. This is the dead skin being sloughed off your feet. If you have a lot of rough skin, you will have a pile of flakes, so use the Micro Pedi over a piece of newspaper, or your trash skin. Don’t be over-zealous. While the Micro-Pedi appears completely safe, you are buffing off actual skin. It might be tempting to keep filing off all that skin at once, but if you overdo it, your feet will be sore. Do a little, moisturize, wait. Then, perhaps slough off a little more until you feel your skin is as flat and smooth as you always dreamed it could be.
Since it is still sandals season, you will want one now, and the good new is that the Emjoi Micro-Pedi can be purchased online for $39.99 (refill rollers $19.95). It will also be in retail stores (e.g. Sally Beauty) in September.