Foot Care

Tips and Tricks: Pamper Your Feet

The return of sunny days is an opportunity to take care of your feet. Remember to pamper them: massage them, get rid of dead skin, and, above all, moisturize them every day. The few rays of sun that finally arrive make us want to wear light clothes and open shoes. After winter, we put away the boots and thick socks and free our feet that have suffered a lot. How to repair the damage and care for your feet now that the good days are back?

Feet Deserve Proper Care

Winter is not friendly to the feet: lack of hydration, cold, closed shoes damage them. When temperatures rise, we wear sneakers and open shoes, and that's when the damage becomes noticeable: dry skin and cracked heels. It's urgent to take action! Especially because taking care of your feet can become a real moment of pleasure. Here are some gestures to remember for foot care: massage them, get rid of dead skin, and, above all, moisturize them every day.

Essential Foot Hydration

The skin on the foot is particularly thick. In addition, its epidermis lacks sebaceous glands: that's why the foot is naturally dry. Therefore, it is very important to hydrate the feet properly and daily. There are many specific creams for foot hydration. Know that vegetable oils are also effective and sometimes more pleasant to apply. All vegetable oils have their specific virtues. To moisturize the feet, three oils are particularly indicated: sweet almond oil, castor oil, and olive oil.

Sweet almond oil hydrates the skin, although it has the property of removing calluses and warts. However, this oil is not recommended for children and pregnant women.
Olive oil and sweet almond oil will soften the skin pleasantly and effectively.
If the feet are really dry, vegetable butters, such as shea butter, can be effective.

Enjoy the moment when you moisturize your feet to give them a gentle massage: this gesture promotes relaxation and stimulates blood circulation. There's no need to be a professional; simple movements will be very beneficial. For example, start with circular movements, pressing fully with your thumbs, from the toes to the heels. Then, make upward movements from the ankles to the toes to stimulate blood circulation.

Make a Moisturizing Balm for the Feet

Mix four tablespoons of olive oil, one tablespoon of honey, and one tablespoon of lemon juice in a bowl. Apply by massaging the feet. Wrap a bandage around the foot and wear socks to allow the balm to act for at least an hour or even overnight. Rinse with warm water.

Foot Exfoliation

Exfoliation is essential to rid the feet of dead skin. For this, there are many recipes. Here is a very simple one.
Oat exfoliation: Oats are known for their moisturizing properties.

1 tablespoon oat bran;
½ teaspoon coarse salt;
1 tablespoon floral water of your choice.

Honey exfoliation: Honey is a beauty ingredient with multiple virtues, 100% natural.

3 tablespoons liquid honey;
2 tablespoons brown sugar;
1 whole egg.

Mix all the ingredients in a bowl. Apply in light circular massages and rinse with warm water. If your feet are particularly dry and rough, do not hesitate to remove calluses and corns with a pumice stone. This abrasive and exfoliating agent will remove all dead skin. Use the stone preferably after a bath or foot bath, so that the skin has had time to soften. Insist on the heels.

Preventive Foot Care

Now that, with massages, intense hydration, and exfoliation, your feet are beautiful, remember these few preventive treatments to have healthy feet all year round:

Dry your feet well after bathing or showering, especially between the toes: it will prevent fungi.
Summer and winter, wear well-fitted shoes: they should respect the anatomy of the foot and offer good support.
Podiatrists recommend cutting toenails with scissors, rather than nail clippers. The cut should be straight and not too short to reduce the risk of ingrown nails.
If you choose polish, don't forget to apply a base, especially if you use a dark polish: the polish paints the nail and can even make it yellow.
Don't forget to relax! Prepare a foot bath with a bowl of warm water, a handful of baking soda, and a few drops of your favorite essential oil.

Foot Gym

Nothing like a little exercise to get in shape! This also applies to the feet. With a few sessions of foot strengthening, you will work on your posture as a whole. Here are two easy exercises to do at home.
To do this, you only need a rubber ball and a soft tennis ball.

Place the rubber ball on the floor and roll it gently with your foot, from the base of the toes to the heel. This gentle massage will activate the soles of the feet and stimulate blood circulation.
Place your toes on the tennis ball. The other foot is brought to the same height. The heel remains firmly on the ground. Spread your toes and roll them.