adding essential oils or bath salts to the tub: If the manufacturer’s instructions indicate that it won’t damage the tub to add bath salts or oils to your foot spa, these "extras" can help amplify your relaxing, pampering experience. There are a lot of options when it comes to adding ingredients like salts and oils to your foot bath. This isn’t required, obviously but can really boost your spa experience! If you have healthy feet and are just looking to use [a foot bath] to relax, it comes down to what you prefer and how much you want to spend,” says Dr. McEneaney. “There are really basic foot baths on the market that could do the job you need it to do, and then there are really sophisticated, expensive ones.” Ice (in non-electric foot baths). “Most people think the bath should be warm, but if you're having joint pain, a cold foot bath can be helpful,” says Dr. McEneaney.

Foot baths need to be big enough to place both feet inside, and water should be able to cover above the ankle,” says Dr. Weiser.Lastly, don’t forget to have a good moisturizer on hand after the bath. Dr. McEneaney says people think soaking their feet also moisturizes them, but in reality, it dries them out because you're essentially washing away the natural oils that your body produces to keep them hydrated. Follow up with a nourishing cream or lotion after your feet have been soaked and towel-dried.

Find a foot bath that allows you to regulate the water temperature—some let you control the water temperature, and some don't,” says Dr. McEneaney. “If you have muscle pain that's not acute, a warm bath will be good, [but] cold water will be better for joints.” Apply a foot cream and use a manual exfoliator to gently remove any skin buildup on the soles and sides of the feet. Depending on which foot spa you buy, it may come with a host of additional features such as bubble jets, vibration, timers and massage rollers.

The HoMedics Foot Spa - Folds away for every day. With over 100 ligaments in your feet to care of, you'll want to keep them in tip top condition. Finding time to visit a spa and really relax is something to plan in advance, rather than on a need to soak basis. Turn your spare time into your home spa time with the HoMedics Foldaway Luxury Foot Spa. Instead of taking up space in the bathroom or wedged beneath the bed, it folds flat to store away without a fuss. Keeping a foot spa at home is not only a good way to unwind without having to unwind your purse, it's also the perfect way to alleviate built up stress and anxiety and provides relief from common foot ailments. With that advice, we scoured the internet for crowd-favorite foot baths with features like vibration, massaging nodes, and temperature-controlled heating. We also tried to find a variety of foot baths for every budget, from simple-but-effective basins to luxurious, at-home spa machines. The new Foldaway Luxury Foot Spa, designed by the home spa experts at HoMedics, makes unwinding at home completely hassle free.

the manufacturer’s directions: Different machines have different features and suggestions for use. Make sure you pay attention to the instructions. Without getting too much in the weeds here, proponents of ionic foot baths claim that these treatments can remove toxins with the use of a low-voltage electrical current; the ionization charges atoms in the water that attract toxins in your body and pull them out through your feet. Essential oils. Certain scents, like peppermint, can be soothing and add to the relaxation benefits of the bath. Both doctors note that their recommendations only apply to people with healthy feet. You should not use a foot bath if you have open sores on your feet or if the source of your foot pain is undiagnosed. If you want a slightly more deluxe, spa-like experience, we recommend the HoMedics Shiatsu Bliss Footbath with Heat Boost. With deep, acupressure kneading and a heat boost feature, you can get a luxurious foot bath in your own home. How We Selected the Best Foot BathsEnter the foot spa. If you are unfamiliar, "a foot spa is an at-home foot care device that holds water and utilizes many mechanisms like temperature adjustments, massage options and more," explains Marcela Correa, owner and medical nail technician at MediPedi NYC Inc."They are typically used to soak and soothe feet, relieve pain or discomfort in toenails and soles of the feet and to prep feet for a deep cleansing or treatment." regularly: A dirty machine increases the likelihood of bacteria and fungi buildup, which puts your feet at risk. After draining your tub, wash it with soap and water and dry it thoroughly. (The Environmental Protection Agency has a great cleaning guide.) The space-saving, collapsible design means you won’t need to re-organise your house to make room for a full spa treatment. Instead, it pops up when you need it and folds flat when you’re finished. Foot spas are widely available so the good news is, whatever your budget you'll be able to find something suitable for your needs.

A foot spa is not only a great cosmetic must-have to keep at home for a bit of luxury, it's also worth investing in a good foot file for aftercare. Cosmetic or not, it's a good solution to consider if you suffer with aches and pains in your feet too. The easy pour spout makes this a simple task and tidying away even more so thanks to the collapsible design.Obviously, if you want even more coverage, you’ll have to keep the height of your foot bath in mind, too. Some are designed to be taller than others, allowing you to fill them more (and soak more of your leg) than shallow baths.