Will you dare to bare your feet this summer?
To bare or not to bare? That is the question. Every summer, when the warmer weather finally rolls around, we experience the same foot-related dilemma. Just how do you do justice to that pair of on-trend gladiator sandals or cute flipflops when your poor, neglected toes have spent the past six months hibernating beneath layers of woolly socks and clumpy Ugg boots?
Fortunately for your feet, the experts at footcare specialists Shuropody have prepared a few simple rules of thumb (or should that be toe?) which, if followed, will ensure your tootsies are on top form to be shown off this spring.
Rule One: Crack Down on Callouses
Attack hard skin by soaking your feet in warm, soapy water, then rigorously exfoliating with a specialist foot exfoliater to slough off those flaky dead skin cells – the team at Shuropody swears by Callus Crème by Clearzal. Pay extra attention to areas where the skin is particularly hard or dry and use a pumice stone or foot file if required.
Rule Two: Lock the Moisture In
Moisturising after you exfoliate is absolutely essential, but don’t just stop there. For super silky, oh-so-soft skin, slather on a foot-tastic cream like Clearzal’s Silk Smooth Foot Cream after you shower and before bedtime, then let it work its magic while you catch up on your beauty sleep. For extra deep rehydration, slip a pair of bedsocks on over the top.
Rule Three: Kiss Cracked Heels Goodbye
Sometimes your feet need a little more than just TLC to make a full recovery. If you suffer from painful, cracked skin, it’s worth investing in a specially formulated heel treatment such as Scholl’s Heel Repair Intensive Cream. Cracked heels can be caused by a wide range of factors, including standing up for long periods and wearing thin-soled shoes – so make sure you treat your feet to a break and some comfortable footwear too! A podiatrist can advise you on what treatment is best for you, so seek professional advice if your cracked heels are causing you discomfort.
Rule Four: Polish Things Off
Don’t let your feet fall at the final hurdle – a good pedicure and polish works wonders. If you can’t make it to your local salon or Shuropody branch, just follow these basics.
Always clip nails straight across – this stops ingrowing toenails. Then, smooth edges with a nail file and gently push back cuticles. Use a toe separator or cotton wool to avoid smudging and apply a basecoat, followed by two thin coats of colour, then a topcoat. Bright pink is going to be big this summer so pick a bold hue. Finally, blast your toes with cold air from the hairdryer and you’re good to go.
Rule Five: Remember to Treat Your Feet
To get your feet in superb condition, nothing beats a professional treatment. Lie back, relax and let the experts at Shuropody do the hard work for you. Each store has its own team of qualified podiatrists and chiropodists on site, who offer everything from reflexology and pedicures right through to medical treatment of serious foot ailments. Go on, your feet deserve it!
For more information about Shuropody’s range of treatments and to find stores in your area, visit shuropody.com.
