Welcome to the season of sunny days and barefoot adventures – summer! As we enthusiastically dive into our beach escapades, poolside lounges, and outdoor journeys, one aspect often tends to get overlooked – our foot health. As the climate shifts from the soft chill of spring to the balmy embrace of summer, our summer foot care routine needs an adjustment, too. We often take our feet for granted, even though this pair carries us through every step of our lives, and summer provides unique challenges and stresses that need talking.
Summer comes with more exposure to sun. Thus, our feet are prone to various issues, like dryness with sunburn and bacterial contagions. A noticeable increase in hard skin buildup with blisters and other structural foot issues appear as we swap boot covered winter feet for sandals.
Fear not! Particular attention and care can go a long way in preventing potential foot snags. These essential foot care tips keep your feet feeling healthy and ready to stride through this summer spell.
Fundamental Foot Care – The Importance of Hydration
Feet often bear the brunt of increased heat and sun exposure in summer. It causes the skin to dry out rapidly. However, the dehydrated skin can lead to uncomfortable dryness and even painful blows in the heel. Hence, hydration emerges as a fundamental foot care component.
Hydrating your feet maintains their health and prevents skin problems. Moisturizing your feet can combat dryness. It soothes your feet after a long day and keep them soft. Moisturizing often gets associated with wintertime skincare. However, it is equally essential during summer to replenish the moisture lost due to sweating and heat.
Look for suitable foot cream products enriched with hydrating ingredients. Shea butter with jojoba oil and aloe vera can provide intense humidity. Lactic acid or urea products can aid in softening callouses and sticky skin.
Attention: Do not apply foot creams between your toes. This area can be prone to fungal infections due to excess wetness.
An excellent hydrating routine could differ between flaunting sandal feet or hiding dry and cracked heels.
Summer Care Sunscreen Isn’t Just for Your Face
We often forgot feet when slather on sunscreen to protect our skin from the damaging ultraviolet rays. Sunburn on your feet can be painful and harmful. The extended exposure to UV rays can lead to premature skin aging and increase skin cancer risk. Applying sunscreen to your feet is a crucial part of your summer foot care.
You need a broad spectrum sunscreen offering protection against both UVA and UVB rays for summer care sun protection. However, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher degree.
There are a few key points to remember for foot specific sunscreen application:
- Must apply sunscreen on the tops and soles of your feet. Don’t forget the little area between your toenails.
- Also reapply every two hours. Immediately after excessive sweating or swimming.
- Use water resistant sunscreens. They are beneficial to spend a lot of time in the marine.
Let’s ensure this summer we give our feet the sun protection they need. However, always remember to slip with slop and slap. Now, slip on your shoes then slop on some sunscreen and slap on a cap!
Foot Infection Care – Let Your Feet Breathe Freely
Warmth and humidity are the two factors that can significantly compel people for foot infection care. Our feet sweat more as temperatures rise It creates a moist environment ideal for fungal infections. Focus on footwear that allows your feet to breathe, pass air circulation and minimize moisture buildup.
Wearing the Right Foot gear
Buy shoes made of natural materials like leather or canvas. They offer better airflow compared to synthetic stuffs. However, sandals and open-toed shoes are also excellent for summer. They allow your feet to breathe easily. Those requiring closed shoes should consider models with mesh areas to facilitate air circulation to your feet.
Change Socks Regularly
Socks are a barrier between your shoes and your feet. They absorb sweat and reduce abrasion. Changing your socks at least once a day or more is advisable if you are particularly active during summer. Use socks made from natural fibres, such as cotton or bamboo. They are more breathable and efficient at moisture absorption than synthetic resources. Many socks are specifically designed to wick moisture away from the skin. They are perfect for hotter days.
Combining breathable footwear and changing your socks can reduce your risk of developing uncomfortable and potentially severe fungal infections.
Keeping your feet dry and ventilated is a priority for staying cool in summer.
Try to Pamper Your Feet
Our feet often end up being the least pampered part of our body in the hustle of day-to-day life during the warmer summer months. Regular indulgence in foot soaks and scrubs can provide a therapeutic experience. It promotes foot health by sloughing off dead skin and preventing buildup that could lead to issues like calluses and slushes.
Foot Soaks and Scrubs Benefits
Foot soak can soften the skin on your feet. It makes easier to remove dead skin and lumps. Moreover, it can also provide a relaxing practice to soothe aches and reduce swelling after a long walking day. Epsom salts, essential oils, or a bit of your favorite body wash can enhance the softening effect and add a spa-like quality to your feet.
Use a soak with a gentle scrub can further aid in exfoliating dead skin cells. It promotes your skin a smoother and healthier effect and improves circulation in your feet. Yet, giving them a fresh and revitalized sensation.
Easy DIY Foot Care Home Treatments
Soothing Foot Soak
Mix a half cup of Epsom salt in a warm water basin. Then add a few drops of lavender essential oil for its calming and antibacterial goods. Now, soak your feet for 15-20 minutes and then pat dry them.
Sugar Scrub
Add a half cup of white or brown sugar with a quarter cup of olive or coconut oil. Pour a few drops of peppermint essential oil for a refreshing scent and cooling. Softly rub this mixture in circular motions over your feet. Focus on hard skin areas. Thoroughly wash off and dry your feet.
Moisturizing Foot Mask
For deep hydration, apply your favorite moisturizer, aloe vera gel, or mashed avocado layer. Then, wrap your feet in plastic wrap and cover them with socks for 20-30 minutes. It allows the moisturizer to penetrate the skin. Now, remove the wraps and gently massage any remaining product into your feet skin.
Appropriate Hygiene Practices
Hygiene is the foundation of healthy feet. In hot summer months we are more active, sweat more, and expose our feet to various surroundings. Clean and dry feet prevent unwanted odors, bacterial infections or fungal. Make your habit to daily clean your feet thoroughly with warm water and soap. However, spending a little extra time washing areas that may usually be overlooked is good. For example, between the toes and under the toenails. Bacteria and fungus are likely to thrive in these places. It leads to conditions like athlete’s foot or toenail mold. Use a separate towel for your feet to avoid cross-contamination with other parts of body.
Try to Mind Your Step
Activities in summer often involve different terrains and temperatures. Such as scorching pool decks & rocky hiking tracks. Proper footwear can protect your feet from many elements. However, it prevents immediate injuries like burns and scratches and supports your feet’s structure against long-term injury.
Shield Against Hot Exteriors
Scorching surfaces like sand, pavement, or decking can quickly lead to burns on the soles of your feet. Here are some endorsements for planning a day at the beach or a poolside outing:
- Must Wear flip-flops or sandals on hot surfaces to shield your soles from the high temperature.
- Water shoes can offer additional protection and guard against sharp objects or rough surfaces for small children or individuals with sensitive skin.
- Use a thick towel or mat to step on when no footwear is worn. It can provide temporary protection from the heated floor.
Use Footwear with Good Arch Support
Shoes with good arch support are crucial for a summer hike or long walks. It ensures a healthy foot posture reduce injuries. Follow these tips for good arch support:
- Buy hiking boots or sports shoes with arch support. They will offer cushioning and support your foot’s natural arch.
- Sidestep flat sandals, flip-flops, or other shoes without any arch support for long walks or hikes. They offer minimal shock absorption and potential foot fatigue or discomfort.
- Use insole for additional arch assistance. It can often be inserted into your shoes for extra protection and ease.
Learn More: What is Foot Mobilisation Therapy?
Final Words
Strong feet are essential for a fun-filled and comfortable travelling. They are the pillars that support us through all our adventurous quests. Our feet face many challenges during the warmer months. However, just a few simple changes to your foot care regime can prevent discomfort. Don’t forget to extend a little love and care to your feet as you embrace the sun, the sea, and the sand this season. They are your steadfast companions in every summer journey. So, let us step into the season with foot care at the forefront. Transform this summer into a comfortable and worry-free journey!
