Our feet go through a tough time every day with all the rush and pressure of modern life, long lines, and uncomfortable footwear which can quickly lead to discomfort and affect our overall health. That’s why we need to take extra care of our feet and toenails to keep them in tip-top condition.
We have put together the most useful foot care tips to make your feet and toenails look simply gorgeous.
After the long winter that was spent wearing boots and sneakers, now it is finally time to flaunt your pretty, strappy sandals and let your feet see some sun. However, we all know that strappy and open-toed sandals or flip-flips look prettier on well-groomed feet. And, when you spend hours thinking about getting the perfect dress and makeup to have the best summery, fresh look, then why not spend some time making your feet ready for the summer season as well?
After all, it is not as complicated as you might think. So, we bring to you the best tips to wear open-toed or strappy footwear with confidence and style.
Feet tend to get dirtier and sweatier than other parts of the body, so it’s important to have good sanitary habits. If you take showers in the morning and not at night, at least make feet-washing a part of your nightly routine when you get home. Aside from being a mark of good hygiene, doing this also stops you from carrying dirt into your bed.
Wash them with soap and warm water. This will cleanse your feet of sweat, dirt and bacteria that might be living there. Pay extra attention to the spaces in between the toes. Wipe your feet gently with a towel afterward.
Keep your toenails clean as well. If you walk around wearing sandals in the summer, you might find that your toenails get dirty. Take the time to clean them every time you bathe your feet.
One of the basic principles of hygiene is to keep your feet dry since moist conditions create a favorable environment for fungus to grow. You can do the following to keep your feet dry:
Choose shoes made from natural materials that will let your skin breathe.
Avoid wearing the same pair of shoes several days in a row.
Wipe your feet thoroughly with a towel after taking a shower
Cut straight across: "The nails shouldn't dig down on the sides," advises Mauser. ...
Use appropriate toenail clippers. ...
Leave nails a little long. ...
Cut nails when they're dry, not wet. ...
Make a few small cuts. ...
Try filing. ...
Don't cut cuticles.
Dealing with odor is a problem many people face, since feet produce more sweat than the rest of the body and tend to harbor bacteria that creates a smell. If your foot odor has gotten out of hand, there are measures you can take to make them smell better right away.
Try changing your socks more often. If your feet tend to sweat a lot throughout the day, bringing an extra pair of socks with you could really help to decrease the odor that builds up. Change your socks when they get damp with sweat.
Keep your shoes clean. Sometimes the odor is worse when sweat and bacteria build up in shoes. Then every time you put them on, the problem is perpetuated. Wearing socks with your shoes, cleaning them every so often and buying new shoes when it's time are all ways to reduce odor.
Try foot powder. There are many products designed to keep feet dry and odor-free. Try sprinkling foot powder, baby powder or talcum powder in your shoes before you put them on.
Epsom salt can also quell foot odor, help heal fungus or ingrown nails, and soothe dry skin. You'll find this healing salt at most drug stores and pharmacies. In a standard size tub, dissolve one cup of Epsom salt in warm water and soak your feet for 10 to 15 minutes.
Put lotion or foot cream on as a part of your routine. One way to achieve soft, moisturized feet is to rub on some lotion or petroleum jelly before bed, and slip on some socks. When you wake up in the morning, you'll find that your feet are very soft and are free from dryness! Just remember to never let the area between toes become over-moisturized, as this will cause fungus.
If you’re on your feet a lot and they tend to be sore, massage them before you start your pedicure. While this step isn't absolutely necessary, it's a nice way to pamper yourself a little. If you're already taking time to give yourself a pedicure, why not?
Knead the soles. Use your thumbs to press into the soles of your feet in a circular kneading pattern. This well help loosen the tight muscles there.[2]
Stretch the toes. One by one, gently pull your toes back and forth to stretch them out and ease tightness and soreness.
Swollen ankles and feet are usually a sign of fluid retention, but they could also be a sign of serious medical issues, like infections, blood clots, and other diseases. If you experience swelling in the feet and ankles, you should seek medical advice.
In the meantime, there are some things you can do at home to relieve the puffiness. Use leg wedges or pillows to elevate your feet, try support socks, and watch your salt intake, since salt can lead to more fluid retention. Go for a walk, as getting your muscles moving will decrease swelling. Similarly, if you’re caught sitting for long periods of time, be sure to move your ankles and feet around, and stand up when you can. You can also soak feet and ankles in a warm bath with Epsom salt, which releases magnesium, helping to reduce the swelling.
You probably neglected your feet in the winters, because they were covered at all times. But, now that it is time to show them off again, getting a pedicure every 15-20 days is a great idea. A professional pedicure takes care of issues like ingrown nails, dry heels or calluses (rough, thickened skin). You can also get a fancy nail artwork done to show-off your feet in sandals.
