During the summer months when we wear sandals and flip flops, we take care of our feet. But during the winter months, this is often forgotten. To prevent chapped, dry skin, it is important to take care of your feet during the winter. The following tips can help you with this.
1. Soak your feet in warm water for about 10 to 15 minutes. Make sure the water is not too hot as this will make the skin drier. Try adding vitamin E or aromatherapy to soothe your feet and help them relax. After your feet are soaked, use a pumice stone to smooth out dry or flaky areas.
2. Use a pumice stone or nail file to remove calluses. This is easiest when your feet are wet as the skin is softer. Calluses can cause cracks in your skin. If you take the time to remove it, your skin will remain soft.
3. Try a paraffin wax treatment on your feet. This type of treatment helps increase blood flow and open up your pores so moisturizer can absorb better.
4. Use a cuticle stick to gently push back the cuticles. You can apply cuticle cream to soften the cuticles and push them back more easily. Do not cut your cuticles as it is too easy to cut your toes and cause an infection.
5. Check for signs of mold. Discolored nails can indicate fungus. There are a number of products for this that you can put on and around your nails to help treat the fungus. Before applying the lotions or creams, use a nail file to “roughen” your toenail so that it can better absorb the treatment.
6. If your feet are itchy or peeling between your toes, it could be a sign of athlete's foot. Use products to treat your feet. Creams and ointments are often more effective than powders.
7. Perform simple exercises such as straightening your ankles by pointing your toes and then bringing them back to your face.
8. Make sure to wash between your toes during every shower or bath. Give your feet time to dry completely before putting on socks and shoes. Moisture can increase the risk of developing mold. Use a small amount of powder in your shoes to absorb extra moisture.
9. Don't forget your feet when applying the moisturizer. The skin on your feet can dry out during the winter months, especially if you wear thick socks that absorb moisture from the skin.
10. Do not walk barefoot on carpet, as the carpet can absorb the moisturizer and dry out the bottoms of your feet.
11. If your feet are sweating, you can also use an antiperspirant on your feet. You can just use the same one you use for your armpits. Just make sure it's an antiperspirant only and not a deodorant.
12. Make sure you wear well-fitting shoes. Shoes that are too tight or poorly fitted can cause corns, calluses or blisters. When buying shoes, make sure that you measure both feet, because often one foot is slightly larger than the other. Buy the larger size.
13. Remove your nail polish regularly and make sure that no residue is left behind. Examine your toes to make sure your toenails aren't discolored.
Taking good care of your feet all year round will keep them healthy and looking their best when sandal season kicks in again.
