Stop Dry Cracked Heels from Ruining Your Summer Pedicure
Hey, Summer Lovelies. Don’t let dry cracked heels ruin your pretty pedicured toes. When you hit the beach or want to show off that summer coral polish in your flip-flops or sandals make sure your heels don’t “crack” your style. Here are some tips to keep your feet looking and feeling great for the rest of the season.
Footwear
Summer fashions, activities, and heat can all leave our feet feeling and looking less than soft and healthy. Wearing flip-flops and strappy sandals will help you stay cool but it can also trigger those crusty layers of dead skin on your heels. According to an Essence Magazine article, wearing footwear that exposes the heel increases the risk of suffering from dry, cracked and/or calloused heels. In the article, Podiatrist Joan Oloff suggests using a keratolytic moisturizer, particularly in the summer months. According to Oloff “These type of lotions or creams directly address the layers of dry skin, or epidermis, that develop, by breaking down those thick patches and smoothing out the area.”
Taking a break from your strappy summer shoes can also help prevent problems with your feet throughout the season. Breaking out your ankle socks and sneakers every couple of day will not only give your feet some arch support but also protection from exposing your heels to the drying climate. Switching up your shoes can help relieve pain from the flimsy sandals and flip-flops and also keep those painful cracked heels at bay.
Au Naturale
With summer soon to be in full swing, most of us can’t wait to be barefoot at the beach or poolside. We all love to feel the sand between our toes but this can dry out our feet and cause many other foot ailments. The American Podiatric Medical Association(APMA) says to “Limit walking barefoot as it exposes feet to sunburn, as well as plantar warts, athlete’s foot, ringworm, and other infections”. They suggest always wearing swim shoes or flip-flops at the beach, poolside, locker rooms, and bathrooms. Going au naturale for someone with cracked heels can put you at risk for being exposed to sunburns, bacteria, and infections.
Heat
The APMA says that it is important to always apply sunscreen to your feet. Anyone who has ever had one knows that sunburns are very drying and itchy. Make sure to apply and reapply sunscreen to the tops and sides of your feet and heels. The sun also makes the terrain whether it be asphalt, cement or pavement very hot and walking around barefoot can burn the bottom of your foot. Protect your feet from the heat and be sure to drink plenty of fluid to keep yourself and your skin well hydrated.
We all love those summer vacations and carefree days at the beach being kind to our feet can ensure that we enjoy ourselves without the pain or embarrassment of dry cracked heels. After a long day of playing in the sun revitalize and rejuvenate your feet by washing, exfoliating and moisturizing those tired tootsies. There is no better way to revive your feet than with a spa pedicure. Sit back, relax and let us wash, scrub, massage and moisturize your feet for you. Contact us to schedule your appointment. Your barking dogs will thank you.