Get Beach-Worthy Feet This Summer
There really isn’t a season that gives your feet the spotlight more than summer. While bets are slim to none that people are actually studying your feet, open-toed shoes and appearances at pool parties definitely give them some showtime. Excessive sweating via boots isn’t an option—especially when there are about 400 new summer polish shades to try—so baring all and going barefoot must be done in confidence. By spending a few minutes here and there, which is the equivalent of giving yourself spa-like sessions in the comfort of your own home, you can go barefoot in confidence. Get started by implementing the tips below.
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Try a DIY Scrub
Just like you’d pamper your skin in the shower with a textured scrub, you can use the same technique to provide the skin on your feet with moisture, good-for-you nutrients, and exfoliation. You could always buy a tube of it (there’s plenty to choose from), but actually making a recipe for yourself might be of interest if you favor natural skin care or DIYs in general. This one below, by celebrity manicurist Skyy Hadley utilizes ingredients you’re likely to find stocked in your kitchen.
Brown sugar: 2 tbsp
Lemon juice: 1 tsp
Honey: 1 tbsp
Olive oil: 1 tbsp
Medium bowl filled with warm water
Directions: Your first step is to take a bowl and mix all of the ingredients together. This should make a paste. Next, dip your feet in the warm water for about 10 minutes. Do this until they are clean. Now, take the scrub you just mixed together and scrub it on your feet (they should still be submerged!) with your hands in circular motions. This will exfoliate the dead skin cells on your feet!
Soak
Sometimes it’s just a matter of letting your feet soak with nourishing ingredients, which will in term leave them squeaky clean for exfoliation. You can dip your feet in bath salt formulas or soaks with essential and botanical oils or calming substances like peppermint or oatmeal. You’ll work any dirt and debris out (gross, but true) while soothing any agitated skin. However, if you have eczema, be sure to properly moisturize with a super hydrating and fragrance-free lotion that won’t irritate after your soak so your skin doesn’t dry out.
Try a Pumice Stone
They get a bad rep for germs, but they can be solid tools for exfoliating given you keep them clean. You’ll want to soak your feet in soothing formula or just warm clean water to soften up the skin before using the pumise stone to slough away dead skin cells or any peeling skin. Be gentle, though. You don’t want to get down to bare skin and cause cracks. During sandals season, having open cracks on your feet could lead to an increased chance at infection and bacteria invasion. It actually doesn’t hurt for your feet to be slightly tough, providing protection from elements while walking barefoot through grass and sand.
After soaking and drying your feet, rub the pumice stone back and forth on areas that need exfoliation. After you’re finished, rinse your feet and wash and dry your pumice stone—something you can find at drugstores as well as easy-to-hold foot file alternatives.
Moisturize After Showering and Swimming
Your legs often get all the attention when it comes to lathering up with cream after a shower or a dip in the pool, but the skin on your feet shouldn’t be forgotten. In fact, this is the area that’s going to come in contact with rough and seemingly forever-damp surfaces like concrete on a pool deck. And with an increased mingling with water and sand paper-like surfaces means an increased chance at experiencing dry, peeling feet. Not exactly something that goes well with gladiator sandals. Work in your moisturizer to the tops, bottoms, and toes of your feet!
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Don’t Forget the SPF
Similar to your hands, you don’t want to forget to apply sun protection to your feet. The sun doesn’t stop shining there, even though it’s an area that may be overshadowed by say, your face. Burnt feet not only hurt, but can lead to dry red patches that will eventually peel and be an eyesore to your perfect pedicure. You can use any regular sunscreen on your feet—given your skin condition—but don’t forget to let it fully absorb before walking around to avoid any slippery situations.
A Base Coat Can’t Be Missed—Plus These Painting Tips
Nail polish chips—there’s no way around it. However, there’s a way to prevent it from happening as quickly. That starts with painting clean nails with a base coat before applying any pigmented polish. It gives the lacquer something to apply to, and even prevents yellowing—something even more annoying to deal with on your feet than your fingers.
Keep nails short to avoid any dirt and debris from working under the nail. Trim cuticles with sanitized clippers, being weary of ripping the skin into a tiny laceration. Use a cuticle oil to provide intense moisture to dry skin around the nails. If you do have yellowing nails, lay off the polish for a few days so that you can eliminate staining. According to manicurist Skyy Hadley, you can also use a lemon wedge and rub it directly onto the nail to brighten it.
