How to Get Your Feet Ready for Summer
Constantly wearing socks and closed shoes can dry out your feet and cause a buildup of dead skin. If your feet are hard, cracked and flaky, here are five steps to get them ready for sandal season.
- Soak
Fill a washbasin or bathtub with warm water and soak your feet for 15 to 60 minutes. Add Epsom salt and your choice of essential oils to promote relaxation and soften the skin. If necessary, a few drops of tea tree oil will help treat nail fungus. After your soak, rub your feet with a soapy cloth and rinse with cool water.
- Exfoliate
This is the key step to remove the dead skin and calluses that tend to build up during winter. Gently scrub your feet in a circular motion using a wet pumice stone or foot brush. Alternatively, rub your feet with a granular foot scrub that you purchase or make at home. Combine equal parts oatmeal and milk to create a simple exfoliating paste.
- Moisturize
Once you’ve removed dead skin from your feet, apply a lotion or foot oil to promote healthy cell turnover. Ideally, you should moisturize your feet after every shower or incorporate it into your nighttime routine. Since the skin on your feet is thicker than elsewhere on your body, opt for a foot-specific cream. Avoid moisturizing between your toes, however, as this can promote bacteria growth.
- Trim
Wait to trim your toenails until they’re dry to avoid tearing and bending. Be sure to cut straight across to prevent ingrown nails. For a smooth finish, gently move a nail file in one direction across the top of each toenail. Use a cuticle stick to push back your cuticles, and scrub away any remaining dirt with a wet nail brush.
- Embellish
Once your feet are ready to show off, feel free to brighten them with colourful nail polish. Opt for playful summer tones like coral, teal or dusty rose. Use toe separators to make the process easier, and apply a top coat to help prevent chipping when you’re on the go.
Keep in mind that while these steps are sure to get your feet ready for summer, they should be part of a regular foot care routine throughout the year.
Visit a medical spa in the GTA
If you want to enjoy the benefits of getting a professional pedicure, visit a Canadian Beauty College medi-spa clinic. We also offer manicures, waxing and a range of skincare treatments to make sure you look your best this summer. If you’re interested in cosmetology, we offer non-vocational certificates in manicures, pedicures and gel nails. For more information, or to schedule an appointment at a medi-spa clinic in the Greater Toronto Area, contact us today.