HAPPY FEET!
There's a nip in the air now and we can already feel the impact of this weather on our skin, especially that of the feet. One can minimize the risk of foot-associated problems by taking proper cold-weather precautions. Listed below are 7 feet care practices that you should include in your schedule during the winter season-
WASH ‘EM UP
Cloaked in shoes and socks for a major part of the day or even exposed to dust and grime, the skin on one’s feet is susceptible to infections. Ensure dirt, grime, and sweat on your feet are cleansed properly, especially in-between the toes as they are a perfect breeding ground for bacterial and fungal infections if not cleaned properly. Make sure to wipe your feet clean post-wash.
FEEL THE HEEL
Your feet are often cramped in fancy, high-heeled footwear and tend to endure the most while carrying your weight around, especially with the changing weather. While most of us pay special attention to our hair, facial skin, and even hands, we usually neglect and do not prioritize our feet. Neglecting one’s feet can often result in painful consequences that include cracked skin, frostbite, corns, bacterial or fungal infections, and foul odour, among other foot issues.
Winter is that time of the year when your feet take a beating as they become dry and the heels crack eventually. Additional care is needed in winter to keep the feet healthy and ignoring the cracks will only worsen the situation.
MOISTURISE
The skin on the feet area can become extremely dry, scaly, and chapped during winter due to lack of moisture. The chapped area can become very dry, especially on the heels, and can become the perfect magnet for dirt and grime. Moisturising shouldn’t be limited to just your face, hands, or body. Dab in a generous amount of moisturizing lotion, cocoa butter, or petroleum jelly every day after washing and drying your feet.
REMOVE DEAD SKIN
Remove dirt and grime from dead skin by exfoliating once a month using a pumice stone or a loofah mildly. You can even prepare a scrub using sugar, olive oil, and a few drops of tea tree or mint oil. The sugar will exfoliate your feet off dead skin and olive oil will soften the skin and moisturize it in the process. Dry the area and follow it up with a hydrating moisturizer and leave it overnight.
PAMPER YOUR FEET
Make it a habit to soak your feet in a tub or bucket of lukewarm water especially in winters. Add rock salt or shower gel to cleanse your feet while they soak for at least 5 to 10 minutes. Make sure to use warm water and not hot water as extreme temperatures can dry the skin even more.
SOCK IT UP
Wearing thick and breathable socks adds up a layer of warmth and protects your feet from the cold winter. Socks protect the feet from dust and grime that can get stuck to the lotion applied on one’s feet.
WEAR THE RIGHT SHOES
Apart from wearing shoes that protect you from the cold weather, make sure that the shoes are comfortable for your feet too. Avoid wearing shoes that are too tight as they are uncomfortable and don’t leave space for the feet to breathe and decrease blood flow, further clogging the pores. Reduced circulation due to tight footwear can make your feet feel cold or even numb.
FOOTNOTE:
Our feet often bear the brunt of the winter chill. Cracked heels, irritated soles, or even itchy and swollen feet are major irritants. Taking care of your feet is of utmost importance not just during winter, but make sure to take good care of it all year long. Foot blisters and shoe bite shouldn't ruin your holiday fun during this beautiful winter season!
Stash a tube of SkinEasi® comfoot wherever you go. It forms an invisible protective barrier & reduces friction between the skin and the footwear to prevent shoe bites and toe-blisters for long hours, giving silky smooth protection to your skin all day long.
