How to look after your feet

Possibly the least cared for part of our bodies – and not surprisingly the furthest away from us, our feet need more TLC than we possibly give them.

Here’s some tips on how to look after our tootsies, and keep them in tip top condition.

Wash your feet often

Keep your feet clean by washing them every day in warm soapy water, but don’t soak them, as this might destroy your skin’s natural oils.

Dry your feet well

Dry your feet thoroughly after washing them, especially between the toes which is where fungal infections such as athlete’s foot can develop.

Moisturise and file

If your skin is dry, apply moisturising cream all over the foot, except for between the toes. Gently remove hard skin and calluses with a pumice stone or foot file – don’t overdo it though or skin will grow back harder than ever.

Cut toenails carefully

Trim your toenails regularly using proper nail clippers. Cut straight across, never at an angle or down the edges. This can cause ingrown toenails.

Shoe shop in the afternoon

Shop for shoes in the afternoon. Your feet swell as the day goes on and if shoes fit in the afternoon when your feet are at their largest, you can be assured they will always be comfortable.

Footwear tips for work

If you have to wear heels at work, wear comfortable shoes to and from the office and only wear your smart shoes once you’re in the office. Also, try to vary the heel height, between low, medium and high.

Limit time wearing high heels

Be shoe savvy. Wear high heels and pointed shoes for special occasions only, and always wear the right shoes for the job (so no sandals for mountain climbing).

Change your socks often to avoid foot odour

Change your socks daily to keep your feet fresh.

Read how dirty socks can cause smelly feet.

Watch out for foot bugs in communal changing areas

Wear flip-flops to avoid catching athlete’s foot and verrucas when you use public areas such as gym showers, swimming pools or hotel bathrooms.

Take care with flip flops

You can’t wear flip-flops all the time. They don’t provide support for your feet and can give you arch and heel pain if you wear them too much.

Foot pain advice for over-60s

If you’re over 60, foot care becomes even more important. Age takes its toll: your skin thins, your joints begin to stiffen and your feet become more vulnerable to the cold.

Not only that, but as podiatrist Emma Supple says: “Physically, it gets more difficult for us to get to our feet, and failing eyesight doesn’t help.”

Emma says: “Go to see a professional for a foot MOT every six months and never put up with foot pain as if it is normal. Your feet shouldn’t hurt.”

Treat your feet to Thalgo Cold Cream Marine Deeply Nourishing Foot Cream which is for everyone wanting to nourish and replenish dry feet.

A creamy lotion with repairing Cold Cream Marine which intensely nourishes and protects dry feet.

Action: Hydration Hand & Foot Beauty

Needs: Moisturise the Body

For maximum effectiveness, use an exfoliating scrub to remove dead skin before applying the Deeply Nourishing Foot Cream.

As often as necessary, massage all over the feet, focusing on dry, rough or cracked areas. The end result is the feeling soothed and softened, the skin regains its comfort and suppleness.