The feet are an extremely important part of the body, as it is on them that all our weight rests, and for many hours a day. We are usually ourselves to blame if they are neglected or if we experience discomfort due to heavy and swollen feet. Foot care should be carried out systematically throughout the year, not just in the so-called "flip-flop season". It should be done systematically all year round, not just during the so-called "flip-flop season".
Due to the current situation in Poland and throughout the world, access to beauty salons, spas and podiatrists has been completely restricted. Therefore, we have to take care of our feet in the comfort of our own home. Fortunately, this care is not difficult and, above all, you really do not need expensive cosmetics to cope with it.
It is on the feet that we find the most sweat glands and the first step we need to remember is proper hygiene. For a pedicure at home, you can use whatever you have on hand, such as table salt, olive oil, coconut oil and much more....
The pedicure starts with a bath, soaking the feet, preferably in bath salts, which are readily available on the market. However, if we do not have access to this product, we can easily do it ourselves.
MAKING BATH SALTS
3 tablespoons of salt
1 tbsp olive oil
2-3 drops of essential oil of your choice ( we can skip this step)
or 2 teaspoons of bath lotion or shampoo
mix everything together.
Pour lukewarm water into a bowl and pour in the bath salt thus made in the amount according to our preference.
Soak feet for 15 to 20 minutes.
The second way is to soak the feet in water containing 3-5 teaspoons of baking soda, which has an antibacterial effect, effectively eliminates foot odour and - most importantly - softens the cuticle, allowing it to be easily removed.
The next step is to shorten the nail plate. We need to cut/saw straight across the nail plate, making sure not to round the sides - this will help avoid ingrown nails.
Once the nail plate has been prepared, it is time to remove the excessive cuticle. We can use a 240 grit file, which is available on the market, to work on the heel and areas where the cuticle is too thick.
You can also use a body scrub, which everyone usually keeps in their cupboard. In the absence of a scrub, we can prepare one ourselves at home from products we have in our kitchen.
MAKING A FOOT SCRUB
½ cup coconut oil
3 tbsp coarse salt / cane sugar
Mix everything together, then apply to the feet and massage in a circular motion. This is how we rub the epidermis. Continue for 5 minutes on both the left and right foot. Wash off the scrub, dry your feet thoroughly, paying attention to the interdigital spaces.
We also recommend the application foot masks. However, when choosing cosmetics, we must pay attention to their ingredients and the effect we want to achieve with the treatment. Avoid applying creams/masks to the interdigital spaces between the toes, as this is where there is a high risk of bacteria and foot fungus developing.
The main active ingredients found in these formulations are:
* urea to moisturise, soften to prevent keratosis,
* glycerine - binds water has a protective effect,
* manuka extract - prevents ringworm,
* peppermint - refreshes,
* Bisabolol ( a natural ingredient in Roman chamomile extract ) - soothes and prevents irritation.
It is important to avoid exfoliating socks, as they also exfoliate the skin on the dorsal side of the foot, which is where it is most delicate and sensitive. In addition, too much exfoliation can lead to worsening of the condition of the feet and even more skin build-up.
Wearing appropriate, comfortable footwear is also recommended. We usually pay attention to the aesthetic value rather than the practical. Therefore, before making a purchase, it is a good idea to check that there is a suitable shoe height and profiling. It is not worth buying shoes that taper heavily just at the toes, as this accelerates bony deformities of the foot.
Beautiful and well-groomed feet will certainly be our calling card in the coming summer, so it is worth having a basic knowledge of home care and footwear selection.
Katarzyna Bojanowska - Cosmetics and podiatry specialist