You most likely have your daily facial skincare regimen down to a science. But how much thought have you given to skincare for your feet? Likely not much, especially during the colder months of the year when your tootsies are tucked inside bulky shoes or boots.
The skin on your feet, however, is different from skin on other areas of your body. It requires special attention and proper foot care to keep it free of fungus, well-hydrated, soft and smooth. Unlike the skin on your face and hands, the skin on your feet is typically covered most of the day, housed in socks and shoes. Your feet also have a lot of pressure on them due to activities like walking (sometimes in high heels!), running or other forms of exercise.
How to create a healthy foot care routine
For starters, it’s important to not only set aside time to give hardworking feet a good rubdown but also to care for them (using appropriate topical treatments) as part of a healthy foot hygiene routine.
“Skin on our feet that is consistently kept in a dark and wet environment needs at least minimal hygiene and foot care to stay healthy,” says
Dr. Dana Canuso, a podiatric surgeon.
If you slack on foot care habits, signs of neglect will appear over time, which can pose challenges and risks to your health and wellbeing, long-term.
“Some common signs of neglect include dry or scaly skin, long or thick toenails, red or blotchy skin, presence of skin sores, build-up of skin in-between the toes and a foul odor,” Canuso says.
If you notice any of these signs, now is the time to start a foot care regimen as well as seek help from a healthcare professional, depending on the type and severity of symptoms.
6 foot care steps recommended by a podiatrist
According to Canuso, these important steps are the basis of a five-star foot care regimen.
1. Prevent foot and nail fungus
Neglecting your feet can lead to various manifestations of fungus. Fungus can lead to dry skin around the heels, red and dry skin around the toes, unexplained blisters and the development of an unpleasant odor.
Toenail fungus, in particular, is the result of longstanding
foot fungus that has been neglected and untreated over time. The most simple and effective approach to preventing toenail fungus is to address foot fungus at the first sign and promptly implement a proper foot care routine with consistent daily habits and use of
high-quality foot care products.
Preventing foot and nail fungus doesn't have to be time-consuming. In fact, it's as simple as applying an
anti-fungal foot serum to your feet once a day, preferably in the morning, before you put on socks and shoes.
"This routine can safeguard your feet from fungus throughout the day and also address any undetected or unrecognized fungal issues you may have," Canuso says.
2. Keep your feet dry
An effective
foot care regimen involves maintaining dry, clean and pain-free feet. This reduces the chances of odor and helps prevent fungal outbreaks and rough skin buildup.
Failing to replace damp or soiled socks with fresh, dry and clean ones not only results in unpleasant odors but can also contribute to the accumulation of fungus or skin irritation. Insufficient foot care and hygiene increases the likelihood of developing uncomfortable skin conditions, potentially leading to more significant and complex health issues in the future.
"Leaving sweaty feet in socks and shoes for extended periods without proper changes or cleaning provides a conducive environment for fungus to thrive, leading to dry, scaly skin and redness, eventually resulting in fungal toenails," Canuso notes.
To proactively prevent fungal growth, it's crucial to change socks frequently, avoiding wearing the same pair two days in a row, especially if they're damp. On laundry day, wash bathmats and towels with bleach to maintain foot hygiene and prevent bacterial buildup on these soft surfaces. Additionally, since your feet spend most of the day inside shoes, it's extremely important to rotate footwear daily and ensure that shoes are dry before wearing them, especially after workouts when gym shoes may be saturated with sweat.
3. Give your feet a rest
"Pain is an unfortunate consequence of inadequate foot care, especially if you suffer from plantar flascilitis, a condition often triggered by overuse, tension buildup and insufficient rest," says Canuso.
Give your feet a little R&R by taking a proactive approach with regularly scheduled foot massages or gently
massaging your feet at home after a long day. If you're unable to massage your feet, consider a soothing foot bath with
Epsom salts, magnesium or
essential oils as an alternative.
4. Wear proper shoes
The shoes you wear daily can make a significant difference in the health of your feet. Wearing the right shoes can reduce the likelihood of developing conditions like plantar fasciitis.
"Select shoes that offer the appropriate arch support, provide ample toe space for comfort, and are the correct size for your feet," Canuso advises.
If you're uncertain about which shoes are best suited for you, don't hesitate to seek assistance when purchasing footwear or consult a podiatrist or orthopedist for guidance.
"Look for shoes that offer ankle support and steer clear of poor habits, such as wearing flat shoes or flip-flops for extended periods, or even sneakers lacking cushioning or support, as these can contribute to foot pain in the long run," adds Canuso.
5. Trim your toenails
Proper foot care involves maintaining good nail health through regular clipping, cleaning and filing. This not only enhances the appearance and health of your feet but also provides better protection against foot pain or injury. Well-trimmed toenails are less likely to get snagged on sock material, bend, break or cause bleeding and bruising.
If you regularly get pedicures, it's easier to keep your nails short and your skin smooth and soft. However, if you don't have frequent pedicures, you should trim, clip, and file your nails using a filing block, exfoliate dead skin with a foot scrub and apply a foot moisturizer, such as cream or lotion, after showering.
6. Moisturize your feet daily
The last step in a foot care regimen is to use foot care products daily such as
creams,
lotions,
scrubs and
balms to prevent dry, rough skin on your toes and feet. These products help boost hydration and retain moisture, resulting in softer, smoother skin. Apply products in or after a shower, especially if you have been on your feet all day, have worked out or have noticeable rough patches on your feet.
Prioritizing foot care not only promotes comfort but also contributes to your overall well-being and quality of life. By following a foot care routine that includes proper hygiene, selecting suitable footwear and regularly using foot care products, you can keep your feet in tip-top shape and keep ‘em kicking for years to come.
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