Although summer is still a couple of months away, it’s never too early to start thinking about treating your feet. While we tend to think of our feet as something to show off only in the warmer months, the truth is healthy feet are happy feet. As the base of our bodies, our feet are vital to our wellness. Much like the roots of a plant, we should treat our feet as important parts of our overall health. Read on to discover easy tips to care for your feet and ensure they are healthy feet!
Why Does Foot Health Matter?
Simply because we don’t see our feet in the mirror every day, as we do with our faces, doesn’t mean we should ignore them and how they feel or look. Our feet influence our overall health and, if they are experiencing any troubles, can lead to larger health issues. Natural foot skincare and general foot care can help you prevent common foot problems such as calluses, corns, bunions, ingrown toenails or, in extreme cases, ulcers. Beyond superficial appearances, foot problems can be symptoms of deeper issues such as bad posture, poor footwear choices, fungal infections or even diabetes.
Daily Tips For Caring For Feet
There are simple ways to check for healthy feet, even on busy days. If you do sport, especially in public places such as swimming pools or gyms, these tips are doubly important! Here are some tips from NHS Inform to help keep your feet in good condition:
- Regularly check your feet for redness, swelling, sores or bruising. Once you are familiar with your feet, you’ll know what’s normal and what’s not.
- Keep your feet clean and dry. This is especially crucial between your toes!
- Moisturise your feet, if you notice dry or cracking skin. Not only does it improve texture, but it also creates a protective barrier that will help keep bacteria out.
- Exfoliate dry or hard skin with a foot file or pumice stone. This will improve the feel of your feet and may reduce discomfort.
Long-Term Tips For Healthy Feet
Checking your feet regularly will allow you to monitor their current situation and pick up on any troubling symptoms. Tiredness, back pain, and muscle aches may indicate poor foot care, but regular treatments can remedy that. Here are some tips for long-term care for healthy feet:
Healthy Foot Soaks
Taking a bath is common for self-care, but it works well for foot care, too! If you are constantly on your feet, you may suffer from pressure, swelling or irritation in the area. Give your feet a break by soothing them with a gentle foot soak. You can use lukewarm water and Epsom salts for swollen feet with minor irritations, as well as cleansing infections associated with ingrown toenails. However, if the infection from an ingrown toenail persists, you should see a doctor or foot specialist immediately.
Foot Peels and Masks
Exfoliating works wonders for our faces and bodies, so why not our feet, too? If you have an AHA or pineapple serum, have no fear of using it on your feet to remove hard, dry skin on your soles or toes. A natural peel such as this can work as a replacement for pumice stone, although you should dilute it in lotion for extra hydration. After you remove old, dead skin, it’s a great idea to follow up with a hydrating foot mask for ultra healthy feet. Once you apply your mask, which can simply be super hydrating cream, put on some socks to allow for full absorption.
Health Boosting Foot Massages
By now, you may know that we are huge supporters of massage and all the natural benefits it can bring. Massage has been shown to reduce cortisol production, meaning it can help combat stress and anxiety. Another study showed that a foot massage before bed improved the quality of sleep for participants. Last but not least, foot massage has been directly linked to reducing pain with massages as short as five minutes! Whether it’s before bed or first thing in the morning, giving yourself a foot massage is key for healthy feet and overall wellbeing.
The Takeaway
Health starts from the feet up, so remember to care for your entire body and ensure you’ve got healthy feet. If you are searching for peels, masks or soaks to make at home, explore our eBooks and follow WapoBeauty on Instagram. The launch sale for the New Organic Skincare eBook has been extended, so take advantage of this special price now! As always, you can find comprehensive skincare lessons in our Complete Facial Skincare Online Course for Beginners and discover how to make professional, safe, and stable natural beauty products. We invite you to enrol in the course where you will learn how to make a luxurious Hyaluronic acid serum, cleanser, cream, face mask, moisturiser, gel, lotion, serum, toner, mist, exfoliant, elixir, ointment and fresh cosmetics.
About Our Blogger
Ashuni Pérez is an American writer based in Valencia, Spain. She has a passion for natural beauty and the environment. Ashuni loves to cycle and drink smoothies in the sun. Follow her on Instagram at @ashuuuuni.