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Hands up if you've missed showing off your gorgeous sandals that go so perfectly with your cute shorts.
Usually by now we will have worn every kind of polish under the sun to match our dresses or bikinis but level 3 lockdown has really put a damper on that.
But the silver lining is that we can use this time to get our feet in really good shape. And it's not as tricky as you think, nor do you need a salon for some serious repair.
Here's how to do it at home.
- Make a habit of moisturising your feet after your bath or shower. Regular moisturising helps prevent dryness and rough heels.
- Don’t wear the same pair of socks twice in a row – this is where bacteria thrive.
- To prevent ingrown toenails, trim your nails straight across – don’t follow the curve of your toes. Keep your toenails short, as you don’t want them tearing or snagging or even damaging your socks or shoes.
- Remember to wash between your toes too. Bacteria love hiding out there.
1. Exfoliate and file
Skin constantly renews itself by forming new cells in the deeper layers. The dead skin is shed as tiny flakes but sometimes you need to fast-forward this process with exfoliation or your skin will appear dry and dull.
Exfoliation gently removes the dry, dead skin cells to reveal the fresh, smooth skin underneath. Soak your feet in warm water to soften the skin.
Pat dry and exfoliate with a foot file – use the roughest side on the heel and the gentler side on the rest of the foot. Use a pedicure brush for the toes and nails.
2. Treat
We cleanse and exfoliate our face before applying a mask – and we should do the same for our feet.
The best time to apply a foot treatment is after exfoliation because your pores are open. Use the treatment according to the package instructions. Some masks are rinsed off while others are rubbed in.
3. Moisturise
These intensive moisturisers are specially formulated for the skin on the feet. Most contain menthol, which has a refreshing effect on the skin, and contain rich moisturisers such as shea butter and glycerine.
Foot creams are rich enough so you need to use only a little at a time and don’t have to reapply throughout the day.
4. Keep it fresh
Summer heat may cause sweaty feet. Some people simply perspire more, while others have to wear hot closed shoes at work because of dress codes. Exercise trainers are also a culprit when it comes to sweaty feet.
Perspiration itself is odourless – it’s the natural bacteria on the skin’s surface that thrive in moist conditions and cause unpleasant smells. Foot powder helps to absorb sweat and minimise odour.
When it comes to socks, specially formulated synthetic fibres are better than for example cotton in hot weather, as the synthetics dry quicker and are moisture-retardant.
