With summer, the feet are exposed by leaving closed shoes. Cracked or dry heels, horns, horns, calluses … several plantar sores sometimes darken the picture. Fortunately, many beauty and health treatments exist to have feet on top. To make the right choices and adopt the ad hoc gestures, we test our plantar knowledge with our question / answer.
Why do feet need us?
Poor in sebaceous glands, this area of the body is naturally drier (although it tends to sweat easily). The foot has a very active life. Rubbing against shoes, repeated blows on the ground or in the ball when playing football are part of his daily life. This is why the plant is drier than the top of the foot. It also carries the whole body weight all day long. To defend themselves, the skin of the foot creates a barrier by thickening, especially at the heels and toes. In summer, the phenomenon is accentuated, because the epidermis is not protected by socks and is very quickly damaged. Pedicure treatments, such as pumice stones and balms, soften thick skin in order to regain soft feet. This foot treatment requires only a short time: a few minutes are enough to appreciate the result and relieve painful parts. It's motivating and it can make you want, why not, to continue all year long to always wear smooth and soft feet.
Do you need to hydrate your feet every day?
If we're really looking to see a reduction in calluses, yes. We use its moisturizer from the heel to the toes, not forgetting the nails.
Once a week, we offer a complete pedicure treatment with foot bath in a basin or a home spa. On the program: a scrub to eliminate dry areas and we finish with a hydrating massage with a cream. For an effective repair, we target very nourishing balm-type care, with more fat. Good news, you don't have to pay the price to get quality care. The formula must above all contain very nutritious agents such as shea butter, allantoin or even hyaluronic acid. And unlike facial skin, water does not dry out the feet. So for fans of foot baths, treat yourself without moderation and enjoy the relaxing benefits of cold or lukewarm water. Heat, on the other hand, tends to dehydrate the hydrolipidic film. You can add a relaxing essential oil like lavender to enhance relaxation or offer an emollient action against calluses.
Comforting Foot Cream, 50ml for € 18 on Oolution.
Is foot care good for the legs?
In spas, masseurs generally go up to the ankles. This treatment boosts the blood circulation. Swollen feet and heavy legs often have the same origin: poor venous return. The ingredients of the products for the feet are a little oily for the skin of the calves. The trick is to start with your hands full of cream on the dry feet, then gradually work your way up to the ankle and the calves once there is less material left on them. Then continue the treatment with the rest of the care on the legs. And if you have a refreshing menthol gel, you can use it without hesitation, because it also relieves heavy legs. Finally, the freshness of the foot bath does not stop at the ankle, the legs also benefit.
Refreshing Legs & Feet Gel, 200ml, € 6, Evoluderm.
Between oil, cream or gel, which is the best formula?
Oil is more difficult to penetrate and often leaves a greasy film. Beware of the fall! Book it during a TV session where you are sure not to move from the sofa for a long time. On the other hand, on a daily basis, it may be wise to enrich your classic cream with the drop of organic vegetable oil of your choice, for example. The emulsion will promote penetration of the formula. The gel has the advantage of being very refreshing, but it is less emollient than a conventional treatment. It is therefore not sufficient for a nutritive action. In this case, the cream is more suitable. To take advantage of its active ingredients for as long as possible, it is recommended to apply it before going to bed and to put on a pair of socks. Many brands such as Scholl also offer a foot mask soaked in cream to put on before going to bed or while enjoying a movie on the sofa.
Relaxing Feet Mask, € 4.99, Scholl available on scholl.com.
Do certain shoes damage the feet more?
For sure. All those that rub on the skin increase corns, calluses or calluses. They often leave marks when they are removed. Flip-flops or mules are more comfortable, but slap on the heels and thicken this area of the skin over time. The height of the heels is just as important. The tall models work especially on the forefoot and can create hallux valgus or calluses. The dish reduces the natural curvature and accentuates the presence of pain on the heels or in the calves. The ideal height is 3 to 4cm in height. If we want to continue putting on our darling pair, we balance by redoubling care.
What is the best method with the horn?
Regular hydration with proper care is the most effective formula. The product softens the horn, it also forms a protective film against friction. This is the best formula to see a reduction in this callosity. Certain skincare products contain a keratolitic active ingredient such as urea. The latter makes a mini natural scrub to remove dead cells. Now what is the horn? In fact, it is a natural skin backup system. It produces excess keratin (a protein found in keratin) to form a thick barrier. The more we try to remove the horn with a pumice stone, the more the skin makes it. It’s the vicious circle. That’s why there’s no point in beating up on this horn. This skin surplus can be grated, but not more than once a month. Peggy Sage, one of the professional spa brands, offers a complete pedicure kit to restore beauty to her toes. Regarding corns or calluses, they appear after wearing tight shoes and rubbing seams at the level of the little toe. To make them disappear, we make an appointment with a podiatrist every year or more, if necessary. Because according to the opinions of professionals, even if there are treatment offers in pharmacies, only a foot expert can make corns or calluses disappear without fear. He will perform a complete pedicure treatment, as well as a beautiful restoration of your feet. As a bonus, he often distills valuable tips for home maintenance. And the price is generally not very high (around 30 €).
My anti-callus routine, € 39.90, Peggy Sage.
Why does foot massage feel good?
Our toes are crossed by 7200 nerve endings. They react to the different pressures exerted by the fingers during the massage. When our nervous system is stimulated, it releases endorphins in an instant. These hormones have analgesic power. They relieve pain and provide relaxation throughout the body. Besides, reflexology is a health tool used in China for treatment. In addition, the massage stimulates blood circulation in slow motion, which refreshes and lightens the legs. For the massage, we massage each part like the Achilles heel, the whole plant following the natural curvature and ending with the toes while alternating touch and pressure. To get in condition, you can start with a foot bath in lukewarm water. Softer skin will be more receptive to care.
And the nails, should we take care of them?
We tend to forget this insensitive part of the foot, yet it also requires care and attention. Especially in summer, the nails undergo the friction of sand, stone on the pebbles, shoes and to keep them smooth, they require protection. The varnish or rather the base forms a kind of effective shield. They protect the nail from the varnish pigments (which could cause it to turn yellow) and scratches. If the nail is yellow or soft, there are treatment varnishes to cure this. When you hydrate your feet with a cream, you don't forget your toes and nails. As for the hands, this makes it possible to smooth and nourish them, but also to naturally push back the cuticles. And for the installation of varnish in an institute, we take the opportunity to create a plantar spa. We will have: beautiful feet on arrival and relaxation guaranteed.
Top Coat 2 In 1 Good Nature, 5ml, € 6.80, Innoxa.