Hands and Feet are often the most neglected body parts when it comes to a body care routine. The soles of the feet are rich in nerve endings and even a simple foot massage every day can keep them in great shape and health. Foot care does not have to be an ordeal. Simple things can ensure that your feet look and feel great. You no longer have to live with rough heels, aching soles or corns.
30 Days of Beauty, Day 13: Caring For Your Hands and Feet
Actress and Model Emma J takes good care of her hands and feet
Foot Care Tips
It is important to follow both comprehensive preventive and curative maintenance schedules for one’s feet as well! Below are some feet for keeping your feet in top shape.
• Washing feet should be done carefully and deliberately. More often than not, we assume that feet simply get washed when we bathe every day. But it is important to wash feet specifically and dry them off thoroughly as well, especially between the toes.
• Change socks everyday – whether you have worn them for a short time or for the whole day. A fresh pair of socks is a great way to keep your feet healthy.
• In terms of footwear – choose the material and the fit extremely carefully. Leather shoes may look suave but if you ignore the fit and comfort then you may end up placing undue stress on your feet. .
• It is good to see a foot care specialist if there are persistent problems, like corns, fungal infections and warts.
• Foot massages are great not just for relaxation but also for taking care of your feet everyday. You can either go in for a foot massage every now and then or do a foot care routine at home. Soak your feet in warm water for some time. Use a scrubber to scrub away the dead skin, especially from the heels. Dry thoroughly. Sprinkle some foot powder and then put your feet up and relax for some time. If you sit in a chair which allows you to cock your legs then place your left ankle on your right knee and gently press your knuckle into the soles of your feet. Do the same for your right foot as well. Apply moisturizing lotion or oils and enjoy the feel of clean, healthy feet! You can add your favorite essential oil to the warm water for that extra boost to your foot care routine.
• It is extremely important to choose the right footwear for your exercise routine as well. Well-cushioned and the right shoes for the sport or physical activity of your choice is crucial.
• Do foot exercises through the day. This is even more important if you have a desk job. Even as you are sitting at your table, you can rotate your ankles, flex your toes in and out and even wiggle your toes inside your shoes.
• If you have the opportunity, kick off your shoes in the office too. Removing footwear occasionally allows the feet to breathe even better! Giving yourself a tiny foot rub in the office is also a good idea if you can find the time and space to do so.
The key to good foot care really is hygiene and comfort. While your feet may be enclosed in a pair of shoes and are not visible to the world, having great looking feet will make you feel good about yourself.
Beauty Blogger Tips
Jennifer Sesta from Raging Rouge notes the importance of hand care, stating:
“My #1 anti-aging tip: Never forget the hands! The products I use on my face and neck are now also used on the tops of my hands and fingers, and it's the ultimate anti-aging trick! Start off with a physical/chemical peel, then slather on an awesome moisturizer and slip on some moisturizing gloves for the night. The hands look younger and more healthy in no time!”
Emma J from The Journey of an NY Actress (photo above) also pays close attention to her hands and feet:
“Living in Manhattan means a lot of walking, as a result my feet need extra pampering. I start by having a pedicure and manicure about every 10 days. I make sure to moisturize my feet daily and I use a body scrub throughout the year. I also love to get my feet massaged, I find it helps the circulation as well as the other endless benefits of massage. As an actress and model I am expected to be well groomed and nothing shouts unpolished more then poorly kept hands and feet. I use cuticle balm while on the go, which really helps.
I use Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream by Burt's Bees. It is especially good for traveling and the tiny tin gets through airport security (and I'm always on the lookout for products that I can take on the plane).”
Ever wonder what the key product might be for hands and feet? Stephanie Louise Telford of Stephanie Louise- All Things Beautiful has this to say about a product easy obtained at any local store:
“Use Vaseline around the skin of your nail prior to painting. The Vaseline will "repel" the polish which means less clean up if you are a bit messy. This also works great for nail art.
Also apply Vaseline to the areas prone to damage from new shoes. This helps to prevent chafing from rigid backs of new heels or moving sandal straps that can often dig into skin or blister.”
Tomorrow: Day 14, Get a Manicure!
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