From cracked heels to flip-flop-induced injuries, summer is an absolute minefield for the feet. Make sure your toenails are in tip-top condition and your paws are pavement-proof with our 10 step, expert guide to summer-ready feet.
STEP 1: Exfoliate
Exfoliating your feet at least once a week will keep them looking and feeling smoother for summer. Dry skin is the main cause of cracked heels, calluses and other discomforts, so try using a foot file or a pumice stone to banish dryness.
Top Tip: Look for this special ingredient in your products: “Glycolic acid is a natural exfoliator, found naturally in sugar cane and grape,” says Dave Wain, Carnation Footcare Podiatrist. “It is a favourite among beauty experts not only for its exfoliating affects but also its incredible anti-ageing benefits.”
And treat your feet to a scrub twice-weekly: “Use the foot file twice a week on dry skin, remember to be careful not to over-file, and always follow on by applying a moisturiser for the best possible results,” says Margaret Dabbs, pioneer of the legendary medical pedicure.
Try: Cowshed 's On The Hoof Foot Scrub, £22
STEP 2: Go easy on the foot soak
It might feel soothing, but unless you’re having a professional treatment, avoid over-soaking your feet, which could dry out your skin further. Apply your scrub directly to dry skin and massage in, removing with a hot moist towel before moisturising.
“It is extremely important when you have calluses, hard or dry skin that the feet are foot filed before bathing the feet,” Margaret Dabbs tells us. “Water not only masks the area to be treated, but if you are also prone to cracks opening, the skin is weakened by bathing them and the cracks are much more likely to open.”
Try: Margaret Dabbs ' 3-Step Kit, £67
STEP 3: Moisturise
“Daily moisturising will help to improve the condition of the skin, including cracks, calluses, blisters and broken skin and discoloured, damaged nails,” says Dabbs. Apply a moisturiser to your feet whenever you get out of the bath or shower to retain the moisture and stop feet becoming dry. Just remember to put your slippers on so you don’t slip over…
Try: Elemis Treat Your Feet Foot Cream, £20
STEP 4: Cure cracked heels
After two seasons of hiding your feet away, you’ll probably want to treat cracked heels before strappy sandals summon. “For most people they are a nuisance and can look cosmetically unattractive, but if left unattended, can develop into a more serious problem,” Wain tells us. “The condition can be easily remedied with Carnation’s Cracked Heel Cream, which rehydrates and rejuvenates feet.”
You could also consider keeping your heels better protected in supportive footwear. “The use of a shock-absorbing heel pad and avoidance of open-backed shoes will also help,” Wain advises.
Try: Clarisonic Pedi Sonic Transformation System, £175
STEP 5: Banish bunions (or ease the pain…)
Bunions, (inflamed fluid sacs that form on the side of the foot near the big toe) can be caused by wearing pinched, pointed shoes, but they’re often hereditary, too.
You can invest in bunion pads or gel protectors to ease discomfort, but to see longer-term results you may need surgery or laser therapy. Margaret Dabbs offers bespoke orthotics to make the feet more comfortable. “If you can maintain the flexibility of the joint you can slow the joint deterioration and the wear and tear changes,” says Dabbs. “Unfortunately, osteoarthritic or wear-and-tear changes cannot be reversed. We use lower laser therapy to help ease the inflammation and pain of the joint and acupuncture to keep the bone and joint mobilised.”
In the meantime, stick to a heel height of one-and-a-half inches. Dabbs also suggests the topical application of emu oil to reduce joint inflammation.
Try: Carnation Bunion Gel Protectors, £6.59
STEP 6: Eat your way to pretty feet
Avoid eating foods that are too high in salt and sugar, which can cause your feet to swell. If you’ve got a long flight ahead of you, drink plenty of water (with lemon if available) to reduce bloating and ensure you can step straight off the plane and onto the beach with flip-flop-ready feet.
Try: Sagaform Fruit Infuser Water Bottle, £12
STEP 7: Trim your toenails
“Cut your toenails either straight across or in a gentle curve that follows the curve of the end of your toe. Do not cut down the sides of your nail,” says Carnation Footcare Podiatrist Dave Wain, who explains that doing so could make feet more susceptible to fungal infections.
“It’s important that your nail beds and cuticles stay hydrated as this will keep them looking healthy and will in turn promote strong nails,” says Margaret Dabbs. “Try and have some paint-free days – it is good to give the nails a rest from nail polish.” Dabbs recommends using her Nourishing Nail & Cuticle Serum, and filing nails with a crystal nail file to keep them in tip-top condition.
Try: Margaret Dabbs Crystal Nail File, £12
STEP 8: Keep blisters at bay
Always try and break in any new or strappy sandals for a couple of hours at a time in the weeks leading up to your holiday or any occasion you expect to wear them all day to prevent blisters. But if you do get caught out, keep your blisters clean and dry and cover with Compeed until healed.
Try: Compeed Blister Pads, £4.39
STEP 9: Don’t forget your SPF
Your toenails are made of protein and are as vulnerable to sunburn as your skin. Cuticles protect new nail growth as well as sealing in moisture – and if you don’t look after them they can become dry, which is bad for nail growth and strength. Remember to reapply when you take off your sandals or flip-flops when hitting the beach.
Try: Ultrasun Super Sensitive Sun Lotion, £46
STEP 10: And remember… Treat your feet with the special care they need
Your feet need special attention. Margaret Dabbs advises treating yourself to a professional pedicure up to three months before your summer holiday, and following this up with regular at-home care. “Always ensure the moisturiser is formulated for feet and avoid body products,” she says. “These will simply not work, as the skin of the feet is 12 times thicker than the rest of the body.”
Try: Aveda Foot Relief, £7
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