Step out for summer with happy and healthier feet
As the weather warms up, and skin is bared to the sun and elements, we are all aware that sun cream and moisturisers are vital for over all protection.
But one area of our bodies that we neglect heavily, yet are totally reliant on, is our feet.
The following tips for getting feet in shape and sandal-ready for summer have been supplied by footwear experts.
Their advice is first to remove any hard skin that has built up during the winter, and moisturise feet daily to avoid cracked, painful heels.
Other tips include keeping nails short and filed straight across, and slathering on the sun cream when your feet are finally exposed to blazing sun.
For initial care give your feet a deep clean with a few drops of essential oil like tea tree oil, peppermint or lavender.
Make sure you take extra care around the space between your toes. Your feet will feel totally refreshed as well as look much better, when you’re finished.
Hard skin on feet builds up over the winter months, particularly after all the walking we’ve been doing during lockdown.
Try using a pumice stone or a foot file to get rid of the stubborn patches on the dry sole.
Repeat the foot self-care process every few weeks over the summer period to stop it from building up again.
It’s essential to keep toe nails clipped. Jagged, broken toenails are not a good look and can be painful or catch and rip.
Invest in a good pair of sharp nail clippers and keep toenails short and neat.
Use a nail file or emery board to smooth off any rough edges.
Some people are prone to cracked heels, while for others, they only appear in the summer when feet begin to dry out.
Make sure you moisturise your feet all year round.
Invest in a foot cream or a thick emollient-based cream.
Try sleeping in socks once
the cream has been applied, this will allow it to soak into the skin overnight and lock the moisture in.
To look after cuticles, apply a cuticle remover ever two to three weeks, push back the cuticle and trim gently with cuticle clippers to keep your nails looking perfect.
Once both feet and nails are healthy and looking good, a couple of coats of your favourite nail varnish always give feet a fresh vibe.
Pick out a pretty colour and set to work on an athome pedicure.
To get a professionallooking finish on every toe, start painting at the top of the nail and gently glide the brush down, getting as close to the cuticle line and nail bed as possible, without getting varnish on it.
Once you get your sandals, slides or heels on, remember to apply plenty of
sun cream to your feet.
Sunburn on the sensitive skin on feet is extremely painful and could lead to UV damage.
A spokesperson for footwear gurus PublicDesire.com said: “After a long year stuck in the house or wrapped up in socks when walking, our feet need a little TLC before we brave sandals and heels once again.
“It’s not just about making your feet look pretty, it’s also about them being in good health, to avoid any discomfort when out and about in strappy or high shoes, and when they’re eventually exposed to the sun.
“The public’s most popular pandemic pastime has been walking and exploring, so we are bound to have built up a bit of dry, rough skin.
“Moisturising feet daily is a great place to start to avoid painfully parched and cracked heels.”