The sun is out. That means that it’s time to dip the sandals out, but it’s just a case of stripping the socks and hoping for the best. Let’s admit it, your feet probably need some TLC after months of being couped up. Battered, gnarly, and possibly a little unkempt. Sound familiar?    

Fear not! Your best foot care routine is here to get your feet sunshine-ready...  

WASH THEM DAILY AND DRY THEM PROPERLY  

We’re taking it back to basics here, but it’s an important step. The feet are some of the busiest and most-used parts of your body. They get sweaty and dirty easily and regularly. Shower with body wash after being on them all day, or after working out. Dry between the toes. If you don’t, you’re asking for a fungal infection. Although athlete’s foot is pretty common, it’s best to avoid it. Itchy, red, dry, flaking skin is not a great look!  

GET A PEDICURE  

If you want all the hard work done for you, make a professional pedicure part of your self-care routine. Once considered a female activity, now lots of men are in on the action too. Why should women have all the fun?  

It’s not only a quick-fire way to sort out your gnarly nails and battered soles, but it’s also the perfect opportunity to relax and unwind.  

Traditionally a pedicure will contain a relaxing soak, a scrub and exfoliate, rough-skin removal, a foot massage, moisturizer, cuticle removal, and toenail trim and file. You could also opt for deluxe moisturizing treatments and heated booties to really treat your feet!  

GET THE PROFESSIONALS IN  

Are you worried your feet aren’t in good shape to attend a salon? Perhaps it’s time to turn to the experts. A podiatrist is a foot care specialist that can give your feet the once over. We don’t think twice about visiting the dentist for a check-up, so why should our feet be any different?   

Podiatrists can give your feet a health check to tackle things like fungal infections, unsightly discolored or ingrown toenails, and corns and calluses.  

EXFOLIATE & SCRUB  

Scrub away hard and rough skin with an emery board or buffer. Some hard skin is there for protection. It’s important not to scrub for too long or too hard. Be soft and gentle, so as not to scrub too hard and cause soreness.  

SMOOTHLY DOES IT  

While there’s nothing wrong with hairy toes, if the hair is looking scary, remove it with wax. While it’s tempted to get the razor to it, if you do, it will grow back stubbly and coarser. Wax removes hair at the root which makes it last longer and will create a toe-tally (sorry) smooth finish. Plus, the hairs that grow back will be sparser and softer.   

If you’re nervous to do it yourself, head for a professional wax. It could keep you fuzz-free for 2 weeks or so.  

GO TOE-TO-TOE  

Trust us when we say, toenails are the first thing people will notice when they look at your feet in sandals, so it’s best to keep them neat and tidy.  

To trim them, use a nail clipper specifically designed for toes (they’re wider than fingernail clippers, and you don’t want to transfer bacteria between hands and feet).  

Cut the nails straight across, avoiding trimming the sides as this can cause unsightly and painful ingrown toenails. If your toenail edges are rough, file with a nail file when your feet are dry. They’re more vulnerable when wet and you could cause damage like peeling and brittleness.  

To enhance toe health further, clip your cuticles, or get it done professionally as part of a pedicure. Add cuticle oil to soften cuticles and keep them hydrated and healthy.  

BECOME WELL-HEELED  

You might not be able to see your heels in the mirror, but they’ll be noticeable in your sandals.  

Take care of them with regular exfoliation. A body exfoliator or scrub will buff away rough, dead skin and reveal a smooth, soft finish.  

You can now get battery-powered rough-skin removers too. Be sure to follow up your scrub with a moisturizing foot cream to hydrate skin, keeping it soft and supple. It also prevents cracks. For an extra boost of hydration, lather on in a thick layer and sleep in cotton socks overnight to help the product absorb.   

CHOOSE YOUR SANDALS  

Flip-flops poolside are fine, but wearing them day in and day out could affect the health of your feet because they provide no support. Choose a sandal that gives you some support if you’re doing a lot of walking.  

POLISH UP!  

Celebrity favorites Chris Hemsworth, Harry Styles, and Cristiano Ronaldo have all been spotted sporting nail varnish lately. If that's your thing, choose understated and moody black or gothic red, or to neaten things up but keep it understated and minimal, choose a nude polish to really finesse your foot care routine.  

Good for the soles, and the soul, as it turns out!