There’s a lot of emphasis on getting your feet looking presentable for summer, and of course it makes sense because your feet will be on show in strappy summer shoes. However, our poor tootsies tend to be ignored during the winter, which is probably when they need TLC more than ever so we thought we’d take a look at the things you can do to take care of them a little better.
Soaking
Wearing flip flops, or even going barefoot, all summer can actually encourage the build-up of hard skin, which can be painful and uncomfortable when you them have to squeeze your feet into boots for the colder months. We recommend soaking your feet in Dermalogica Hydro-Active Mineral Salts which can also be used as a scrub to help soften areas of hardness, before using a pumice stone to reduce the calloused areas.
Moisturise
Once you’ve cleared away the dead, dry skin, you’ll want to keep the skin on your feet and lower legs hydrated and we recommend opting for something thick and rich to slather on, such as Dermalogica Ultra Rich Body Cream. It’s suitable for use over the whole body but is particularly effective on areas of extreme dryness, such as the feet. Use after a shower and just before bed and place a pair of cotton socks on after application for maximum absorption.
Circulation
When we were little, our Nans always told us that if we put our feet in front of the fire on a cold day, we’d end up with chilblains – as it turns out, she wasn’t wrong. Chilblains can be made exacerbated by going from extremes of cold to hot, but the main cause is poor circulation caused by the cold. On cooler days, use Decleor Circulagel Refreshing Leg Gel on the legs and feet to improve circulation and reduce the risk of chilblains.
Shoes and Boots
One of the main causes for foot pain, and corns or callouses, is poorly fitting footwear, so we recommend going to a shop for a proper fitting before investing in a new winter boot. Feet can change size and shape, even as an adult and sizes will also vary by brand, so make sure you choose a pair of boots which will, as well as being waterproof, keep your foot comfortable and cushioned.
Good Socks
Socks are just as important as well-fitting boots and investing in a few decent pair of socks can help you prevent a whole season of pain. Socks which are too loose, or made of a material which don’t wick away moisture, can cause blisters and rubbing, which will be really unpleasant. Opt for socks made of merino wool or bamboo which will help your feet to regulate their own temperature, will wick away moisture and also contain bacteria-killing elements that stop your feet from getting stinky!