How To Have Soft, Attractive Feet And Toenails
Feet that are well cared for add a special touch to a woman’s overall appearance. Take time to nurture yours.
Although we want to look our best most of the time, we don’t always give feet priority status. Covering them with shoes and socks or slippers, feet seemed to be low man on the totem pole when it comes to beauty treatments and cosmetic appeal.
But to cultivate overall beauty and health, be sure to give your feet their fair share of attention.
1. Start by trimming toenails. Don’t let your nails grow to the point where they snag hosiery and socks. Keep them trimmed straight across with short side angles. You may need to use a nail clipper and perhaps file the rough edges for a smooth finish. Check for hangnails and split nails and take care of these while you’re at it. Depending on how fast your nails grow, you may want to schedule a trim every week or so, or get a professional pedicure when having your hair done at the salon.
2. Check your feet for calluses. These usually can be filed off or soaked away in warm water, using a loofah. Calluses are most apt to appear on the roughest parts of the foot, which are areas that receive the most wear or contact with ground surfaces, either from going barefoot or doing a lot of walking or running. Heels, pads, and the small toe are common sites for calluses, which is really nothing more than dead or dry skin. While you’re at it, look for blisters, corns, or plantar’s warts and treat these with the correct applications or over-the-counter treatments.
3. Paint your toenails. If you don’t like color, use a clear coat of polish to keep your nails from splitting or cracking. Or use a shade that matches your fingernails and lipstick. A double coat helps to prevent chipping or wearing of paint. You can change the color to match any outfit or style, especially in the summer or in warm climates where people are more apt to go barefoot and show off beautiful feet.
4. Treat fungus. If your toenails are chipped, pitted, or yellow, you may have a toenail fungus. This can be treated in a variety of ways. Some advocate covering the toe with a petroleum jelly and covering with a bandage wrap for a few days. Your doctor can prescribe an anti-fungal cream, which can take several months to work. In extreme cases the nail can be removed. Look for athlete’s foot while you’re at it, as well as any other signs of fungal growth or skin disorders, and treat these promptly.
5. Bathe and moisturize your feet daily. Frequent showers or baths help to keep your feet looking, feeling, and smelling good. Wash them with soap and water, rinse thoroughly, and dry carefully with a towel to remove excess moisture. If you are diabetic, it’s a good idea to inspect your feet for any sores or irritations to make sure they heal properly. Also look for moles that might signal melanoma, or skin cancer, and have them checked by a dermatologist.
Decorate your feet with toe rings or pretty shoes to enhance your fashion image. Feet not only take you places, they help you look good when you get there.
