By Zinhlezonke Zikalala
Get your feet in tip-top shape for sandal season.
Dry, calloused feet? The good news: we’ve got the hacks so you don’t have to hide your already-unhappy feet in sweaty shoes all summer. These five tips will have them ready for the big reveal – fast!
Our feet pick up the most slack every day: think walking, standing, running, being squeezed into uncomfortable shoes… The list goes on. Worse: they’re often the most neglected body part too, primarily because they’re hidden away under socks and shoes. Result? Just look down… The fix: Walk yourself through these five simple steps to soft feet, starting today.
1. Wash
Thoroughly washing your feet is a daily necessity. No debate. Follow up with a moisturiser, like Freeman Foot Balm (R82.95 at Dis-Chem), to prevent odour, corns and infections.
2. Exfoliate
Exfoliate and scrub your feet often, using the a Tweezerman Step-Two-It foot file (R300 at Dis-Chem), to soften, remove dead skin cells and improve circulation. Focus on your heels and toes.
3. Use a foot mask
Got rough, dry heels? For baby-soft feet, use a foot mask while chillin’ on the couch. Put on a pair of Skin Republic Foot Peel Mask Booties (R110 at Dis-Chem), leave for an hour, then wash your feet thoroughly. Voila – dead skin will naturally peel off after seven days.
4. Clip your nails – the right way
Clip and file toenails regularly and squarely, but never go too short. If nails are too short, dirt and fungus can get caught between the skin and nail, leading to nasty infections. Also ensure that you clip in line with the ends of the toes so the growth doesn’t head into the surrounding soft tissue and cause an ouch.
5. Make your own foot cream
Epimax Plus Foot Cream (R35.95 at Clicks) will keep feet hydrated and smooth – but you can also try these DIY foot creams that work just as well…
Olive Oil and Lemon: Add a spoonful of olive oil and 2-3 drops of lemon or lavender oil to a small bottle. Shake until the liquid turns milky. You can reuse time and again – simply shake the mixture before each use.
Coconut Oil and Shea Butter Cream: Add ¾ cup of coconut oil and ½ cup shea butter to a small pot and put it on low heat to melt. Once melted, remove the pot from the stove and mix in 15 drops of lavender essential oil. Allow the cream to cool before you use it on your feet. Store any leftover cream in a glass jar for reuse.
Honey Heel Cream: Mix 1 cup warmed honey with 1-2 tablespoons whole milk, then add the juice of 1 orange (about 2-3 tablespoons of orange juice). You can use this cream right away, or store it in a glass jar in the fridge for later.
Just love to DIY it at home? Follow these three steps for the cheapest (easiest) at-home pedicure, plus here’s what you really need to know about the health of your feet.
