At this time of year, you’re probably ready for a bit of sunshine and summer fun. But after months of wearing thick socks and shoes your feet may not be summer-ready, and putting them on show can be a daunting thought.
It’s easy for your footcare regime to fall to one side over the winter, when your feet are mostly hidden under socks, boots and slippers. But now is the time for some summer preparation. If you don’t have any underlying health issues, conditioning your feet can be simple.
Here are five easy steps you can take at home to get your feet back into tip-top, summer-ready condition.
1. Soak
Giving your feet a 10-20 minute soak in warm water can be both relaxing and beneficial, softening any hard, dry skin that may have built up on your toes and heels over the winter. This practice will help boost circulation, hydrate skin and soothe the muscles in your feet and lower legs after long periods of walking or standing.
2. Exfoliate
Epsom Salt, a natural exfoliant comprising of magnesium and sulfates, can be added to your footbath for mild cases of dry skin or cracking. Use pumice stone to rub away any areas of hard skin; it can work miracles on stubborn patches of dry skin and cracked heels, which, according to a 2012 study sponsored by the Institute of Preventative Foot Health, around 20% of adults suffer from. Make sure not to over-do it though – this shouldn’t be painful. Like anything, be gentle and stop if any redness occurs.
3. Moisturise
The skin on our feet, naturally, has to be tougher than the rest of our bodies, so it’s only right that you should treat your feet to a specific foot cream. Often, foot creams contain ingredients such as urea, which are particularly good at targeting dry, cracked skin. If your feet need an extra surge of moisture, apply a thick layer of a good foot cream last thing before bed.
4. Toenail Care
Ingrown toenails and fungal nail infections can be unsightly and are a main cause for concern as sandal season approaches. After showering, make sure your toenails are thoroughly dried and, now it’s getting warmer, try to go barefoot at home to let them air naturally. Cutting your nails straight across and not too short will help prevent ingrown toenails too.
5. Sun Care
Finally, when the sun does make an appearance, make sure your SPF protection goes all the way to the ends of your toes – not forgetting the soles of your feet either. The skin on your feet is just as sensitive to sunburn as the rest of you, so make sure you’re covered!
While these ideas will help your feet to look summer ready, it’s always a good idea to visit a chiropodist to give your feet a thorough MOT and make sure they’re looking – and feeling – their very best for summer. Feet By Pody offers a range of chiropody and podiatry services at our London clinics. Call 0207 099 6657 or book an appointment online today to make sure your feet are ready for the summer.