10 Top Toe Tips
by Margaret Dabbs
- Make sure you remove dry skin regularly so that moisturising products can penetrate properly
- Use a foot file or pumice stone on dry feet once a week. Never do this on wet or damp skin, or in the shower, as your skin is likely to crack
- Avoid soaking your feet for longer than five minutes, this can cause skin to weaken and split, or worsen any damage you already have. Avoid water that is too hot or too cold
- Cut nails straight across to avoid ingrown nails. If you can, have a professional pedicure once a month and simply maintain your toenails in between with a glass nail file
- Don’t wear the same shoes every day; they need time to dry out to prevent fungal infections
- Always wear flip flops in public showers to avoid picking up verrucas and other infections
- Treat athlete’s foot and other conditions immediately
- Moisturise your feet daily with a quality foot oil
- A few varnish-free days a month will help stop your nails from drying out
- Always use a nail oil to hydrate your cuticles and stop nails from flaking and splitting
Published on Friday 01 June 2007