Get your feet summer ready

As I sit to write this the rain is pounding the window, trees are being blown sideways, the heating is on and I have a steaming cup of tea in front of me, not exactly sandals weather but stick with me because now is the perfect time to start prepping your feet for sandals and flipflops…honest!

Our feet put up with a lot and having been tucked away in socks and slippers all winter they can be in need of some tlc to look their best on the beach.

WHAT IS A PEDICURE?

Booking in for a pedicure treatment is the easiest way to achieving healthy feet and painted toenails, the word pedicure is derived from the Latin word pedis which means foot and cura meaning care, but what is a pedicure service?

A pedicure service aims to improve and maintain the health of feet, nails and skin are checked and treated and a service typically includes a soak, exfoliation, relaxing massage, masque and toenail paint to leaving you and your feet feeling refreshed.

Whilst hard and callused skin is treated with a foot file and exfoliation products, add on services such as callus peel or microdermabrasion can be carried out for feet with a build-up of hard skin.

Callus peel uses chemical exfoliation whilst Microdermabrasion is mechanical exfoliation with crystals or a diamond head used by the therapist. However, it is worth noting if you have a significant build-up of callused skin or problem feet it is best to seek the services of a podiatrist. If you are suffering from dry skin or arthritis in the joints of your feet then a paraffin wax treatment can be beneficial, the wax is applied warm and the heating effect stimulates blood and lymphatic circulation, soothes nerve endings, softens the skin and provides comfort from arthritic conditions.

There are many treatments a beauty therapist can carry out as part of the pedicure service to improve the appearance of your feet and regular maintenance services will keep your feet in tip top condition ready for sunny days.

WHAT CAN I DO AT HOME?

To look after your feet in between pedicure services there are a number of things you can do at home, one of the simplest ways is to ensure you eat a healthy balanced diet, what we eat affects the appearance and functioning of our skin and nails. If you run, swim or exercise regularly ensure feet are washed and dried thoroughly after workouts. Ensure you wear clean socks or tights daily.

Apply a foot moisturiser daily especially after washing when the skin is soft. Foot sprays with peppermint or citrus oils can be useful to refresh feet during the day. Ensure footwear fits properly, incorrect footwear will aggravate problems such as bunions and increase hard skin formation, as can wearing high heels for long periods of time.

When filing your nails at home always file straight across in one direction to avoid ingrowing nails and weakening the nail. If painting your nails at home always use the base coat to protect the nail and remove polish after 10 – 14 days to avoid damage to the nails and unsightly nail growth. Regular foot exercises can help keep feet healthy too, by increasing blood flow, keeping joints mobile and muscles strong, these are simple exercises which can be carried out whilst sat at a desk or watching tv.

If you want to pamper your feet at home, I recommend using either Eve Taylor® foot soak with Spearmint, Teatree and Lavender or Epsom salts. You’ll need a bowl of warm water, a towel, a few pumps of the foot soak or ½ cup of Epsom salts. Swirl the water to disperse the soak or dissolve the salts and then bathe your feet for 10minutes. Your feet will feel reenergised, and the salts relieve tension and inflammation. Ensure you dry your feet thoroughly including in between toes.

To add a spa feel try lighting a candle, listening to spa music (Alexa, Spotify and YouTube have a great selection), diffuse your favourite essential oils or apply a face mask for whilst your feet soak. Do not soak feet that have cuts or abrasions and seek medical advice if you have Diabetes, circulation issues foot disorders or health issues.

Finally dust off your favourite sandals ready to showcase your beautiful summer ready feet.

For more tips and advice please follow me on social media @hayleykoonerbeauty