We really put our footsies through their paces every day. We are constantly running up and down, and not in the most foot-friendly attire most of the time. Our feet need some TLC and here are a few tips on how to keep your feet and nails in tip top condition:

We all trim our toenails regularly and it’s quite simple… If it’s too long, you cut them. Hmm… maybe not as simple as we think. If you have ever suffered from ingrown toenails, you will know better than anyone how important it is to trim your nails in the correct way. Always cut straight across. If you cut your toenails in a rounded shape, they may grow into the skin. The same thing can happen if you cut them to short.

If your toenails have ridges, you can gentle buff them, but please don’t be too hard on your nails! Remember, they are there to protect your toes. A gentle buff is all you need to get them nice and smooth and ready for some pretty polish.

Don’t forget about your cuticles! It’s best to push them back after your feet have had a nice soak or after you’ve applied cuticle oil. Work gently and don’t use sharp objects to push them back. The dressed tip of an orange stick will do the job.  

If you love applying polish to your toenails, always apply a base coat. This will prevent dark polish from staining your nails and it will help your pedi to last longer.

Please note that if your toenails are a colour that does not seem natural to you or if they curve in a way that they shouldn’t, please see a doctor ASAP. These may indicate underlying health problems.

My heels tend to take a bit of a beating during summer and can become very dry; not very pretty when I want to rock those sexy new strappy sandals. I have found that the following works best for me: I buff my heels with a dry pumice stone. Preferably outside when nobody’s watching 😉 I seem to get my heels smoother by buffing them dry, than with soap and water. You may prefer to buff your heels after a long soak. You can also choose between a pumice stone and a foot file; you have to figure out what works best for you and what’s more comfortable. Don’t over-buff though! You do not want to damage the healthy skin or cause an infection. If your heels are very cracked and sore, I would advise you to see a professional.

If there are areas on your feet where the dead skin has become very thick, you can shave away the dead skin using a corn and callus cutter, but be very careful. Once again, you do not want to damage the healthy skin underneath. I would advise that you try to soften the skin first and then rather buff than cut. You don’t want to cause more harm than good.

Your feet will also love an all over scrubbing. I find that an exfoliating glove works best. Gentle massaging your whole foot with a wet glove and lovely scented soap will leave then squeaky clean and soft.

Now moisturise, moisturise, moisturise! All your hard work to keep your feet looking perfect will go to waste if you don’t moisturise. A great way to deeply nourish your feet after they have been buffed and scrubbed is with a foot/heel balm. I like to apply a thick layer of balm in the evening and then put on a pair of socks; then the balm can really do its magic.

The best thing for dry and tired feet is a good old rub down. A massage is not just beneficial for the skin, but it is great for circulation, and for the soul.

Remember to put your feet up now and then. They deserve it!

Article by: Charlene van der Westhuizen http://www.beautybulletin.com/blog-directory/our-bloggers/pretty-please-charlie