Feet - as corny as it sounds, they’re going to carry you everywhere you need to go in life.
Footcare feels like such a summer thing - it’s all about how you look in sandals, right? Wrong. As we transition from spring/summer to autumn, moving from open toed or airy shoes to thicker socks, tights, boots or trainers, can subject your feet to all manner of issues!
Footcare is an all year job; and keeping on top of it makes wearing those summer sandals so much easier.
So read our easy tips for keeping your feet sweet!
1. Give Your Feet Time To Breathe.
This is an easy one, and it is free - make sure you’re giving your feet plenty of air, and time to breathe.
In summer this is really easy; wearing sandals or flip-flops stops your feet staying in thick socks all day, or heavy boots. When it’s colder, it’s natural to want to wrap up; swapping from outdoor shoes to thick slippers as soon as you get in.
Unfortunately; this can lead to problems; stinky feet (and shoes!), sweating, dryness and itching, and potentially a build up of foot fungus.
To keep your feet feeling squeaky clean, make sure you’re giving them time outside of socks and shoes; do not sleep in socks; and if possible, swap to a cotton blend for socks, and tights as these fabrics are more breathable - not to mention, sustainable!
2. Give Your Feet Regular Massages
When you’re in the bath or shower don’t neglect to give your feet special attention. As above, if you’ve swapped your footwear to something heavier, your feet will build up more moisture throughout the day.
If you also wear tight footwear, high heels, or are often very active - your feet are probably feeling a lot of stress from this!
You don’t need to be particularly skilled, or spend a lot of time doing this; when you’re washing your feet, rub your thumbs over them (going upwards) to promote circulation. Take time around each toe, giving it a very gentle rub.
If you’re prone to headaches, paying special attention to your big toe will be especially helpful - in reflexology the big toe is directly connected to our head!
Choose a gentle, natural soap bar for your feet. A bar is easier - just make sure to keep the one you’re using for your feet separate to your other skin and body care products. It's fine to use this directly on your feet, and it will naturally help you to do a gentle foot massage as you cleanse.
If you’re prone to dryness or flaking, using a gentle exfoliating bar, like the Acala Grapefruit and Poppyseed will be especially helpful; the exfoliating seeds will help slough off any dead or flaky skin while also helping to gently stimulate your feet.
3. Use A Balm To Hydrate Dry Patches
If your feet are especially prone to dryness, the best thing to use is a Balm to help with nourishing and hydrating those dry, sore patches.
Cracked heels and flaky toes aren’t just unsightly, they are aggravating and downright painful at times! Make sure you treat these well; use a balm, like the Odylique Calendula Balm, or Odylique Ultra Rich Balm as part of your post shower routine, to help with this.
Make sure to let it fully sink in before you put on your socks!
4. A Pedicure Is A Mini Self Care Treat
Lastly, I’d always advise on a pedicure as an easy autumn treat. September always seems to bring with it the post-summer blues, so doing something to boost your mood is a great thing.
If your job demands you to stick to a uniform so you don’t always dress how you like, or you’re fairly hands-on so your manicure always chips early, doing a colourful pedicure will not only look good; it will brighten your mood.
The Benecos range of nail polishes have so many shades that you can go for subtle, dramatic, or bright without breaking the bank - so treat your feet (and yourself) to a mini make-over.
