It’s even more important during the colder months to ensure our feet are not neglected just because they’re out of sight in boots, socks, stockings and closed toe shoes. Feet tucked away in warm moist conditions can end up dry, cracked, itchy and infections can easily set in if left untreated. A basic daily foot care regime will keep your feet healthy, free from fungal infections and other conditions.

Check out my tips below to keep your feet healthy and looking good during the colder months and beyond:

Wash feet regularly
Keep your feet clean and wash them every day not forgetting to gently wash between the toes using warm water and a mild soap. Allow to soak for no longer than 10 minutes. Avoid subjecting your feet to high temperatures when you come in from the cold. Instead slowly immerse your feet into warm water.

Proper drying is a must
Carefully, dry your feet making sure you dry the whole foot thoroughly including between the toes. This helps to prevent bacterial and fungal infections which love moist and warm conditions.

Moisturise!
Always use a moisturiser on your feet after a bath or shower, paying particular attention to any dry areas. Body Butter – pure indulgence in a pot is the ultimate treatment for dry, flaky and rough skin. Milk proteins provide an added benefit of gently soothing and nourishing tired, dry skin. The luxurious thick creamy texture makes this preparation the perfect foot cream as it is created primarily from Cold Pressed Virgin Coconut Oil offering nutritional and antioxidant benefits to your skin. Infused with essential oils from exotic flora to nourish, deeply moisturise, soothe and calm. Fragrance include Frangipani, Citrus and Melon. Try adding a couple of drops of essential oils to your moisturiser or to your bathwater:

• Tea-tree oil’s anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties will help treat any nasty fungal
• Peppermint has a cooling effect on hot, aching feet infections
• Rosemary oil is good for circulation and warming cold feet.

Weekly maintenance
Once a week remove dead dry skin from your feet using a pumice stone or foot file. Be sure to do this while the skin is dry so the skin does not become tender.

Try a foot scrub once a week to stimulate circulation and to leave your feet soft and smooth.

Regularly trim toenails to keep them in good condition and to stop them thickening. Shortly after a shower or a bath gently push the cuticles back and use a toenail clipper to trim nails. Trim straight across and never down the sides of the nails to avoid ingrown toenails or potential infections. Follow the natural line of the nail and smooth off any sharp corners with a nail file.

Don’t toast your toes!
An absolute no no. Be aware that exposing feet to extremes of temperature can lead to the formation of chilblains. Avoid toasting toes in front of an open fire or on a hot water bottle as they may become red, itchy and painful. Reduce the risk of chilblains by keeping your feet warm and avoiding the use of direct heat. Your feet should warm up slowly so that your circulation can respond to the change in temperature.

Foot wear care
To keep your feet fresh wear a clean pair of socks or hosiery every day. Wear one pair of well-fitting natural cotton or wool socks that keep your feet dry and warm. Avoid synthetic blend foot wear as this can cause your feet to sweat and smell. Don’t wear the same pair of shoes every day as your feet sweat in shoes. Changing shoes every day will let them dry out properly between wears. Use a foot spray or try thermal and breathable linings in shoes and boots to help to control foot smells.

Year-round footcare
As with your hair and skin your nails will become dry and weak if your diet is lacking the right nutrients. Eating well and taking supplements is most important for nail health. Bestow Beauty Oil, the wonder food for nails, hair and skin because it contains high levels of Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) which are Omega – 3 and Omega – 6. These are not only vital for good health but also for the beauty and vitality of your skin. EFAs help make hair and nails visibly stronger and healthier, promoting faster growth.

I hope these tips help you to walk out with beautiful, healthy feet.  Finally, paint your toenails in a cheerful, playful colour to brighten up your day!