With it finally being officially spring, it can't be long before we have sunny days, and warmer weather. It will be shorts and tee shirts, sunhats and sandals for all. Now would be a good time to start thinking about getting your feet ready for the world to see again after that long winter hibernation.
Professional pedicures are not only a great way to care for your feet but also a treat to experience. However, home care is also of great importance. Pedicures done on a regular basis not only leave your feet looking and feeling great but they help to maintain the health of your feet. Feet affect the way you walk, your posture and can impact your level of activity. After all who wants to get out and hike or run and play when you have sore feet.
Here are a few things to remember:
Always remember to dry your feet well after bathing or showering. Pay attention to between the toes. Moisture between the toes creates a perfect environment for fungus. Powder can be applied if your feet tend to perspire and foot spray may be used to help protect them from bacteria and viruses.
Always cut your toenails straight across, not round, as this can lead to ingrown toenails. It is also a good idea to cut them level with the top of the nail grooves on the side of your toes for the same reason.
When dealing with calluses, always remember that they developed for a reason. They are there to cushion your foot from pressure and friction, so it is important to make sure not to completely remove them, but to keep them smooth and prevent them from getting to thickened and cracking and peeling. Regular use of a foot file, particularly after a bath or shower will help keep them in check.
Cuticles can be an issue on your feet as well as your hands. They can grow onto the nail bed, making polish a problem to apply, but they can also serve a purpose. They help to hold the nail in place and protect the root of the nail from bacteria and foreign matter. They can be gently pushed back and lightly trimmed to keep them neat. Trimming is best done a professional as too much trimming can cause problems. Dead skin debris is an issue that can lead to odor, so be sure to keep under the free edge of your nails clear of "toe jam", as well as the nail grooves. Buildup of debris can cause pressure resulting in pain.
Exfoliate your feet and legs regularly. Exfoliation will allow moisturiser to better penetrate the skin.
Use a good lotion or cream on your feet. This not only moisturizes but also helps prevent friction when hiking, running or walking which can lead to calluses, corns. blisters and any number of other complaints. Open backed shoes that allow your feet to slap the back of your shoe when you walk, can lead to cracking on the heels. Creams can help prevent this also. It is most beneficial to moisturize while your skin is dewy wet and warm. This aids penetration of active ingredients and helps to seal in moisture.
Rosemary, Lavender, Pine, Eucalyptus , Thyme and Citronella are a few of the essential oils that are beneficial when caring for your feet. Rosemary helps to improve circulation, lavender is relaxing, pine stimulates, refreshes and deodorizes, Eucalyptus can help heal wounds and is a strong antiseptic and as is thyme and citronella.
Using a polish that is free of tolulene, formaldahyde and DBP are your best choice for health safety.
And always remember to"Age to Perfection".
