Your feet take a beating throughout the year, but particularly in the summer. Not only do they have to contend with soaring temperatures, they also have to fend for themselves because they are left exposed to the elements almost throughout the season thanks to all the open footwear. That’s why foot care routine in the summer is not so much a routine as it is a number of practices to observe to prevent injuries, abrasion and other foot problems.
Feet Care Routine During Summer
File Away Dead Skin
Because we wear so much open footwear in the summer months, the skin on the heels and toes gets hardened. This can become pretty considerable if you don’t take care of it early on. The skin will harden so much that it will eventually crack and cause a lot of pain. So make it a habit to check your heels and toes for hardness every week and scrub away with a pumice stone. Soak your feet in hot water, baking soda and salt for a few minutes beforehand to make the process easier. If you don’t have the time for a soak, just go at your heels with a pumice stone after a bath.
Foot Nail Care
You’re feet are going to be open to the elements more. And then there’s all that barefoot walking that you’re going to do. Longer nails means you’re more likely to chip them on something so keep the nails on your feet trimmed.
Feet Care Routine Summer
You will also very likely be experimenting with tons of gorgeous bright nail polish. Have fun with it. Keep in mind though that the heat has a way of making the colour seep into your nails. You’ll notice a tint in them when you finally remove the nail polish. There’s an easy way around this so don’t despair. Just remember to always, always protect your nails with a base coat.
Don’t Forget the Sunscreen
Feet can burn too. Your soles are protected from the sun but not your toes and the top of your feet. You’ll notice that your feet get darker during the summer. So make sure you slather some sunscreen on your feet as well. If they’re getting too dark, try rubbing some lemon juice over them to lighten the skin tone.
Moisturise
Don’t want to waste your fancy, too-expensive moisturiser on your feet? You don’t even need to. Almond oil is a cheap and very effective moisturiser and the nourishing goodness is exactly what your poor feet need. Olive oil too works great, although it’s a little more expensive. So get generous and massage it in. Don’t forget to moisturise your nails while you’re at it.
Watch Out for those Flip-flops
You may love your flip flops, but they’re not doing your feet any favours. They offer zero support and your muscles and tendons have to work much harder to keep them on your feet. This leads to all sorts of aches and pains that you can never quite figure out. No need to discard your flip flops altogether. Just don’t wear them for prolonged periods of time. Basically, don’t make them your go-to footwear in the summer.
Other Footwear Tips
Summer Feet Care Routine
- Your feet need to breathe more in the summer than at any other time of the year. So if you have to wear shoes and socks for work, change your socks at least twice a day and try changing your shoes too.
- In fact, alternating footwear is a great practice for summer as it gives your feet a break from the same kinds of shoes and prevents related injuries.
- Don’t walk around in wet footwear. Wet feet, even in the summer, can breed infections. If your shoes do get wet, remove them as soon as you possibly can and dry your feet. Don’t wear the shoes again until they are completely dry.
Avoid Walking Barefoot
We know. It’s tempting to ditch your footwear and go barefoot on the sand at the beach, at the side of the pool, on the grass at the park, in the changing rooms at pools and beaches. You can’t help yourself sometimes and that’s OK, but don’t make it a habit. You could pick up an infection like ringworm or athlete’s foot.
Give ’em a Rest!
We’re not saying you should get lazy, but do put your feet up when you can and just relax. After all, your feet take the brunt of your weight day after day and they deserve a bit of a summer break as much as you do. So lie down on the day couch with an iced tea and a good book and send loving vibes their way.
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