With the winter setting in, making way for the cold dry winds, one thing that cannot be ignored is skincare. This is the season when the moisture needs of our body are at an all time high. While we focus on moisturising our face and body, one aspect that we often neglect is foot care. Since our feet are mostly covered by footwear, and tend to dry during the winters, it is essential to pamper them once in a while.
The routine
Smoothen the skin surface: Use a pumice stone or a scrub on damp feet, especially the heels to rub off the dead skin cells. This smoothens out rough skin and edges. You can also use sugar scrubs, fruit scrubs and exfoliants.
Moisturise: After scrubbing, use balms or thick creams to massage the feet. Petroleum jelly and other emollients work wonders. Gentle massage eases tensions, smoothens out the skin further and improves blood circulation.
Fight fungus: Sweat and damp feet lead to fungus infections. There is a large variety of products to treat the issue — creams, lotions, sprays, powders, etc. Keeping the feet clean, washing them properly day and night helps keep the fungus away. Avoid wearing socks and shoes on damp feet.
The most enjoyable part of the salon pedicure is the massage. The lotions or oils used in the massage moisturise the newly exfoliated skin, and improves circulation in the calves and feet. It can reduce foot pain and can help maintain the health of foot muscles.
Foot odour: To tackle smelly feet, soak your feet in warm water for 10-15 minutes. Add a mild shampoo before dipping your feet to clean them properly. This will remove bad odour, infections, sweat and will relax one’s feet. One can also put some salt in soapy lukewarm water as it is a natural exfoliant. Clean with cold water and pat dry. After this, one should moisturise the feet properly and if required, wear socks as they help in absorbing the lotion better.
Foot care at home
Lemon juice: It has anti- fungal properties and it can be used to get rid of dead and dry skin cells. Add some lemon juice to warm water and soak your feet in this solution for a few minutes. Gently scrub the feet with a soft foot brush.
Paraffin wax: Make a paste of paraffin wax with coconut or mustard oil. As an alternative, use wax melted from a regular candle. Scrub your feet with an exfoliant and then apply this wax paste on your feet overnight. Cover your feet with a pair of socks while you sleep for better results. Follow this remedy for 10 days.
Make your own foot lotion: Mix rose water, lemon juice and pure glycerin. Apply it on your feet and wear socks. This can be done every night.
Toe Nail care: Cutting, clipping and cleaning of the nails prevent nails from growing inward and cause infection. The elimination of dirt and bacteria from your feet will also help prevent nail diseases.
Follow these easy steps to say good bye to dry feet for ever and make them as beautiful as the rest of you!
The author is beauty & makeup expert, Oriflame India
