We live in a tropical country where it’s pretty much sandals weather all-year round. Despite that, our feet are usually the most overlooked parts of our body. Not to mention that our lifestyles often demand us to be on our feet for most of the day. Fortunately, they’re not as high maintenance as our face, nor do they require elaborate skincare routines. That said, it does still help to take good care of your feet to ensure mobility and good health. Here are some essential tips on how to do so:
1. Give your toes some L-O-V-E!
Your feet go through a lot of wear and tear on the daily. So it’s only right that you give them a little extra TLC every now and then. What better way to do so than with a much-deserved trip to the nail salon?
If you’re feeling creative, you can also DIY it out. What matters is you keep them spotless and shiny, but also beware of ingrown nails! If you need some inspiration for your next pedi session, this blog post from The Cuddl has you covered.
2. Moisturize, moisturize, and moisturize
Yes, moisturizer is for your feet too. If you’re wondering why they’re rough unlike the rest of your body, you’re probably scrimping on the lotion.
Slather up with lotion that contains moisturizing ingredients like shea butter, jojoba oil, aloe vera, and olive oil. These will deliver a generous dose of hydration to your soles and make them feel smoother and more nourished.
3. Choose your shoes well
Who says you have to compromise style for comfort? Gone are the days when we were limited to orthopedic shoes if you wanted a pair that can withstand the most grueling walking marathons.
Nowadays, there are many styles from the trendiest brands like Nike and Adidas that boast new technologies designed to make you feel like you’re walking on air. Usually, they set you back a few thousand Pesos, but it’s worth it! If that doesn’t sound up your alley, Travel + Leisure lists down some useful hacks to make almost any pair of shoes instantly more comfortable.
4. Be careful with your products
You know the golden rule of skincare, which is to always be cautious with new products. This applies to your feet as well. With so many trends everywhere (I’m looking at you, K-beauty!), it can be tempting to try everything. But no matter how popular a trend is, everyone’s skin is different.
The skin on your feet may not be as complicated as that on your face, but you should at least make sure you aren’t applying product on any cuts, wounds, or freshly exfoliated surfaces. Pretty Me also emphasizes looking at the ingredients list for anything you might be allergic to. Alcohol, for example, might go by other names like cetyl, stearyl, cetearyl, or lanolin alcohol, so it’s very important to double check a new product’s packaging before trying it out.
5. Keep them dry
When you step out of the shower, do you immediately put your shoes on? You shouldn’t, because that’s a recipe for Athlete’s foot.
Healthline defines it as a fungal skin infection that typically starts between the toes. If you experience some itchiness, painful blisters, or burning sensations, that might be it. The fungus thrives in damp environments, so drying your feet after every wash and before wearing socks is essential.
Never take your feet for granted. You’ll only have two in your lifetime so better take care of them than be sorry. To prevent foot problems in the future, check your feet regularly or have them checked by a foot expert.
