This summer brought up something to my attention that I wish I realized a long time ago. One day as I was enjoying the sunny afternoon, I looked down to admire my new sandals and realized that my soles were not only dry but also very rough to the touch. It was definitely not cute. So I decided to finally stop neglecting my feet, put effort into their maintenance and share a few tips along the way for those of you with the same problem.
As you wait for your hair conditioner to set in while you're in the shower, exfoliate your feet to get rid of the dead skin cells! Use a body scrub along with foot scrubbers to really get rid of the dirt and polish off your soles to the best condition possible. You can do this daily for the best results.
Your body tends to become really dry right after you shower as the water evaporates from your skin, which is why it is crucial to apply hydrating lotion right after you step out. This will lock in the moisture and prevent your feet from looking ashy. Just make sure that the lotion absorbs well, so you are not slipping and sliding after.
On those days when you have a little extra time before bed, marinate your feet overnight! Apply a generous layer of Vaseline on your feet, cover them with socks and drift to sleep. Wash it all off the next morning and observe the difference! It's simple and really effective!
As you apply lotion or Vaseline, try to massage your feet to allow more circulation in that area. Exercise your toes by stretching them and rotate your feet clockwise and counterclockwise about 15 times on each side. This will stimulate circulation, help with dryness and the overall health of your feet.
Your feet spend the majority of the day trapped in shoes, which is why it's important to provide them with a comfortable environment with enough cushioning and space. Try to avoid wearing constricting shoes that develop blisters and calluses, as continuous blistering can lead to permanent hardening of the skin!
And once in a while, treat yourself to a pedicure! Professionals can really do wonders with your feet. They'll soak them in water, give them a good scrub, massage your soles and moisturize them. Their service is definitely worth the money.
Of course, none of this is going to help with the progress of your feet if you don't continuously stick to the routine. It's all about repetition! The more time you spend on the maintenance of your feet, the faster you'll be able to see results.
Ladies, no sandals are going to look good on feet that are dry and flaky, so don't neglect them!