Sandal season is officially here! If you're feeling self-conscious about putting your feet out on display in summery flip-flops, don't fret. Follow these advice to get them in tip-top shape, so you can bare your toes with confidence.
Exfoliate dead skin
Treat and prevent unsightly heel cracks, calluses and scaly skin with regular exfoliation to slough off the top layer of dead skin. Every day in the shower, exfoliate your heels with a pumice stone using light to medium pressure. (Soak your foot in warm water for 5 minutes first until skin softens, so it's easier to exfoliate.) For tops of feet that are more sensitive, rub in a sugar scrub -- mix 1/2 cup sugar with 2 tablespoons of lotion -- and massage, then rinse off.
Clean and care for your toe nails
Many of us are guilty of ignoring the grimy build-up under our toe nails, but slacking on the hygiene can lead to nail fungus, nail discoloration and thickening. To clean, scrub under your nails with a soapy nail brush. After cleaning, massage cuticle oil into the nail plate -- it keeps your toenails strong and fights brittleness.
Moisturize generously
For super-soft and smooth feet, a heavy-duty moisturizer is in order. Before you go to bed, massage your feet with a thick moisturizing cream or petroleum jelly, then wear cotton socks overnight to allow for better absorption.
Get a pedicure
You may not have time for a pro pedi, but taking three minutes to treat your toes will keep them -- and your feet -- looking pretty for weeks.
- Trim and file. Clip toenails straight across, then file the corners at a slight 45-degree angle to prevent ingrowns.
- Smooth the nail surface. Brush a ridge-filling basecoat on to even out the nail bed and make sure polish -- whether a color or clear -- goes on smoothly and evenly.
- Polish. If you're pressed for time, pick a clear or light-pink or beige shade, which is less likely to show uneven edges. Then, paint each nail in only four brush strokes: One down the center, one to cover each side, and a swipe across the tip.
