The ideal foot care routine

Right from manicured nails to glorious skin to perfectly shiny hair, we have a beauty routine in place. But in all this, hidden right under, our feet get the least attention and care. In fact, it should be the other way round. Our feet are our workhorses; we cannot move without them!
Not only bear the weight of our body these hard workers need TLC daily because they’re constantly on the move.

Literally speaking, your feet are always on their feet and that’s why they need special care in many ways than one. Neglecting your feet can result in fungal infections, corns, odour, cracked skin (especially in winter) and so on.

So what do you do now? Don’t panic. We’re here to help you with a step-by-step guide on how to take care of your roughed-up and run-down warriors. Now put your feet up, relax and indulge in some ‘sole’ time with these daily basic tips.

Clean your feet

Wash your feet with soap and water when you return from outside. The skin on your feet is most vulnerable to any bacterial infections, since most of us wear socks and shoes all day long, which causes our feet to sweat and smell hence becoming a breeding ground for bacteria.
Alternatively, it is exposed to dirt, sun and grime making it a fertile land for fungi and bacteria. Always remember to wipe your feet dry. Check between the toes to avoid infection.

Dry your feet

Where there’s dampness, bacteria thrive. Exactly why Athlete’s Foot is such a common infection. An Athlete’s Foot is a fungal infection that leads to itching, burning, and painful blisters. Drying the feet, especially between the toes, is important after every wash so avoid wearing socks or shoes immediately after.

Moisturize your feet

Go beyond your hands and face and apply foot lotion or cream to your feet every day. Do so at bedtime so that you don’t have to walk around with slippery feet. This will keep your feet soft and hydrated and prevent chapped skin which can become extremely hard and dry, especially on the heels. Moreover, it is painful and is not a pretty sight.

Exfoliate your feet

Remove the dead skin on your feet with exfoliation or pedicure once every month. At home, it can be done with pumice stones or a foot file. Follow it with rich hydrating foot cream or moisturizer. You can also try a DIY scrubber by mixing salt, sugar and Coconut Oil. Apply on your heels rub gently and watch your feet worries melt away.

Soak your feet

Soak your feet in warm water at least twice a month. Or indulge in a pedicure. This will soften the feet skin and keep them looking clean and neat. Dry thoroughly and follow with hydrating foot cream or Vitamin E cream.

Wear socks

Socks protect the feet against dust and sun damage. Wearing socks at bedtime increases blood flow to the feet and keeps them warm. This helps a person fall asleep faster. This tip is ideal when the climate is cold.

Wear comfortable shoes

Avoid wearing tight-fitting shoes as this could lead to sores or skin infections. Also, avoid wearing very high heels regularly as this damages the tissues and ligaments of your feet. Your shoes should be comfortable and not hurt your feet. Try to go easy on the flats as well as they don’t provide enough support for the arch of your feet.

Inspect your feet

Take a good look at your feet and check for sores, swelling, and infected toenails. If you’re facing the problem of ingrowth, get treated in a beauty clinic under expert supervision. Trim your toenails straight across. This will prevent the nail from growing inwards (ingrowth).

Filing and buffing

It is wise to file and buff your nails once a week. Buffing improves blood circulation underneath the nail bed and gives the nails a natural, healthy glow.

How to tackle:

1. Sweaty feet

Everyone’s feet sweat but, in some cases, active hormones make feet sweat a lot more. Excessive sweating is a symptom of hyperhidrosis where the feet sweat excessively. Here’s what you can do.

• Begin with good foot hygiene and always use a medicated or antibacterial soap.
• Make sure to clean your feet, especially between your toes.
• Dust with foot powder or antifungal powder on dry feet.
• Preferably wear socks made of moisture-wicking fabric. Moisture-wicking fabrics like polyester, cotton, and merino wool among others, help the sweat to evaporate and socks to dry faster.

2. Foot odour

Sweaty feet can lead to foot odour. This happens when sweat mixes with the bacteria in your shoes and socks to create a repulsive odour. Here are some helpful tips to combat the problem.

• Wash your feet daily in warm water with mild or medicated soap. Dry them thoroughly.
• Apply baby powder or non-medicated foot powder or even an antibacterial ointment.
• Wear shoes that let your feet breathe like canvas among others.
• Change your shoes every two days.
• Ask your dermatologist for a good, medicated solution for you to soak your feet in.

Please note:

If you are diabetic taking care of your feet is essential. If you see any cuts, sores or swelling see a doctor immediately.

These tips are very easy to follow. In fact, they should be part of your everyday regime without fail. Get rid of those crusty toes and cracked toes and say hello to gorgeous feet. Never, ever skimp on your feet care. Follow these tips and we assure you, you’ll always be ready to put your best foot forward.