Your Essential Guide to Summer Foot Care
As Summer approaches, it's time to shed our winter boots and embrace the freedom of sandals and flip-flops. However, after months of being tucked away in socks and shoes, our feet may need a little extra TLC to look their best. Whether you're gearing up for a beach vacation or simply want to flaunt your favorite sandals with confidence, these five tips will help you achieve perfectly pedicured, sandal-ready feet in no time.
Embrace the Art of Soaking:
Regular foot soaking can contribute to overall foot health. It helps cleanse the feet of dirt, sweat, and bacteria, reducing the risk of infections and foot odor. Additionally, foot soaking can soften toenails and cuticles, making them easier to trim and maintain. It helps to soften and hydrate, stimulate blood flow and circulation or promote overall relaxation and reduce stress levels.
Above all, foot soaking offers a therapeutic and pampering experience that allows you to indulge in self-care and treat yourself to a moment of relaxation and rejuvenation. Whether enjoyed as part of a regular skincare routine or as a special treat after a long day, our Lavender + Peppermint Foot Soak provides a simple yet effective way to nurture your feet and promote overall well-being.
The Vital Benefits Exfoliation:
Foot exfoliation is a vital component of a comprehensive foot care routine, offering numerous benefits for the health and appearance of your feet. Dead skin buildup is a common culprit behind rough, dry feet and unsightly calluses. Exfoliating helps prevent the formation of calluses and corns, which are areas of thickened, hardened skin that develop in response to friction and pressure.
Exfoliating also helps to unclog pores and remove barriers that may prevent moisturizers and other skincare products from penetrating the skin effectively. By enhancing the absorption of moisturizers, foot exfoliation ensures that your feet receive maximum hydration, leaving them feeling soft, smooth, and nourished.
For the ultimate exfoliating experience we recommend our Pumice + Sea Clay Foot Scrub, a pumice stone, or foot file to gently buff away rough patches and calluses, paying extra attention to areas prone to dryness such as the heels and balls of the feet. To slough away dead skin cells and reveal softer, smoother skin underneath, aim to exfoliate your feet at least once or twice a week for best results.
Trim and Shape Your Nails:
Trimming and shaping your toenails is an essential step in achieving sandal-ready feet. Use a pair of sharp, clean toenail clippers to trim your nails straight across, avoiding rounded edges to prevent ingrown toenails. After trimming, gently file the edges of your nails to smooth out any roughness and create a neat, uniform shape. Be sure to clean under your nails regularly to remove dirt and debris, which can contribute to discoloration and fungal infections.
Moisturize, Nourish & Protect:
Well-moisturized feet are also less susceptible to various foot problems, including fungal infections and bacterial overgrowth. Dry, cracked skin can create openings for bacteria and fungi to enter, leading to conditions such as athlete's foot or toenail fungus.
Massage our Yarrow + Comfrey Foot Balm into your feet, focusing on dry areas, and don't forget to pay attention to your cuticles and nails as well. For an extra treat, slip on a pair of moisturizing socks before bed to lock in hydration overnight and wake up to baby-soft feet.
Maintain Your Results:
Once you've achieved sandal-worthy feet, it's important to maintain your results and protect your feet from further damage. Wear supportive sandals with cushioned soles and proper arch support to prevent excessive pressure and friction on your feet. Apply sunscreen to your feet and ankles when spending time outdoors to protect against sunburn and premature aging.
Continue to follow a regular foot care routine, including soaking, exfoliation, moisturization, and nail maintenance, to keep your feet looking and feeling their best year-round.
References:
- American Podiatric Medical Association. (2022). Foot Health. Retrieved from https://www.apma.org/your-foot-health
- Baran, R., & Maibach, H. I. (2002). Textbook of Cosmetic Dermatology. CRC Press.
- Blumenthal, R. (2017). Treatment of hyperkeratotic lesions and reduction of cornification. Google Patents.
- Cleveland Clinic. (2022). Foot Health. Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15600-foot-health
- Decker, B. D., & Baran, R. (2008). Handbook of Cosmetic Skin Care. CRC Press.
- Foot & Ankle Center of Washington. (2022). Foot and Ankle Health. Retrieved from https://www.footankle.com/
- Mayo Clinic. (2022). Foot Health. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/foot-health/basics/foot-pain
- NailCareHQ. (2022). How to Trim Toenails Correctly. Retrieved from https://nailcarehq.com/trim-toenails/
- Podiatry Today. (2022). Foot Health. Retrieved from https://www.podiatrytoday.com/
- Sachdeva, S. (2009). Essentials of Cosmetic Dermatology. Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers.