Winter can be a difficult time for foot care and health. Whether you are susceptible to dry skin, have diabetes, or anything in between, it is essential to take the necessary steps to keep your feet looking and feeling their best during the colder months.
Photo by Lucrezia Carnelos on Unsplash
How To Care for Your Feet During Winter
Moisturise
Arguably, the most important thing you need to do on a regular basis is moisturising, which is one of those things that can solve most issues you will face this Winter. It doesn’t matter if you wear Crocs and socks, boots, or go barefoot; you need to moisturise.
One of the best tricks you can do to give your feet the ultimate moisture treatment is to apply moisturiser before bed, apply a layer of Vaseline or petroleum jelly, and slip on a pair of socks. This will lock the moisturiser in and leave your feet feeling incredible the next day.
Exfoliate
If you have a build-up of dry skin or want to get healthy layers of skin to the surface, you need to exfoliate. Much like exfoliating your face, this process can lessen and eliminate dry skin in a matter of days.
A simple home remedy is to fill a foot bath or tub with warm water and add Epsom salts. Once the skin has softened, use a foot file or pumice stone to remove the excess.
Foot Masks
If your moisturising routine isn’t doing the job, foot masks are another useful tool when combating dry skin. They are jam-packed with moisturiser, and regular use can completely change even the most dehydrated feet.
Cuticle & Nail Care
Don’t forget to take care of your cuticles and nails, too. Your cuticle skin can dry out incredibly quickly, and many people tend to forget about their nails for long periods due to simply not seeing their feet for most of Winter.
Moisturise your toes as well, and do your regular nail care routine, such as cutting and shaping your nails. Since you will be wearing socks and shoes for most of Winter, your nails can become damaged and ingrown if they become too long because they have nowhere to go.
Photo by Michał Parzuchowski on Unsplash
Shoes
You also need to pay attention to your shoes during the Winter, as there are a few issues that can arise if you don’t take protective steps.
Fit
To protect your nails, ensure your shoes are slightly bigger than normal. You are going to be wearing thick socks on a regular basis, and your feet and nails need room to move and breathe.
Breathability
Breathability is tricky in Winter, especially if you live somewhere that gets very cold. You want your feet to be warm, but you also need to allow them to breathe to prevent the possibility of fungal infection.
While it is tempting to completely shield your feet from the cold, not wearing shoes and wearing breathable socks as much as you can will make a world of difference.
Keep Them Dry
Once again, to avoid the spread of a fungal infection, always make sure that your feet are as dry as possible. Sweat build-up is common during the Winter and can easily lead to fungal infection if not dealt with quickly.
Natural Fibre Socks
Natural fibre socks may not feel as warm as synthetic socks, but they are superior when it comes to breathability and will still do the job of keeping your feet warm if you wear the right shoes. Wool socks or hypoallergenic organic cotton socks are an excellent choice for those with sensitive skin or allergies. Made from sustainably sourced cotton, these socks offer the perfect blend of comfort and eco-friendliness. Their breathable nature ensures your feet stay dry and odor-free throughout the day, making them a reliable option for any occasion.
Dry Your Shoes & Clean Socks
Finally, if you live somewhere that gets a lot of rain or snow during the Winter, always ensure to keep your shoes dry and to change your socks every day. Leaving your shoes in the cupboard isn’t enough either; if it has been a particularly wet or snowy day, place them next to the fire or heater for as long as possible.
Go Barefoot
While this may be difficult for some, going barefoot is a great way to give your feet the air they need when it is cold. While you should ensure that your house is warm or heated to prevent them from drying out, going barefoot can balance moisture and dryness.
Warm, Not Hot, Showers
Many studies have shown how your skin will react badly to hot showers compared to warm showers. The hot water strips away moisture at a rapid rate, and this can make your dry feet problem even worse.
Keep Your Feet Clean
Another essential tip is always to ensure that your feet are clean. Once again, they spend so much time in socks and shoes that dirt and bacteria are bound to build up. This is another common reason for getting a fungal infection in many people.
Instead, you don’t have to do anything special or different; clean your feet while bathing, and also clean them if your shoes and socks have become wet. Then, slip on a clean pair of socks, and you are good to go.
These are a few of the quick and simple tips and tricks you can use to keep your feet looking their best, as well as remaining healthy and happy no matter how cold it gets.
What’s your go-to winter foot care tip, or do you have a unique method not mentioned here? Share your winter foot care routines and ideas in the comments below.
*Disclosure: Collaborative Post
Thanks for stopping by,
Love you all ❤️
Franca 💋
Donna Niman says
Great advice! My feet need some tlc
Rebecca Sutton says
My feet must be the most neglected part of my body, this has given me a nudge to take better care of them.
Sheila Reeves says
No great advice, as you.ve covered most things here! Now I just need to take that advice!
Michelle Lewis-Robertson says
Great reminder to care for my feet
al71 says
great advice feet are so inportant!
Michelle Ferguson says
Some good tips here as my feet go through a lot walking my crazy labs
Priscilla Stubbs says
Great advice on this post, feet are covered up for most of the time, so we tend to forget they need care
Andrea Dimmick says
I realy love having a pedicure, this would be great for inbeteen treatments
LoobyLee says
I’m on my feet all day, every day so, essential that they are taken care of
Tracey Blaine says
My feet need pampering this is a great read
Sheena Batey says
Feet are something we forget to look after and they do so much for us
Claire Driver says
Keep the dry skin away and keep hydrated
Ellen Stafford says
Great tips! I need to look after my feet a bit better to be honest!
Nicky Benton says
I struggle with fluid retention so looking after my feet is important. Love a warm soak with aromatherapy oils
julia Linsley says
A timely read I wear boots all autumn and winter so my feet do get dry and suffer I’m going to try these tips !
Laura Mcdaid says
Lovely products xxx
Roxanne W says
Feet are always so neglected. I like to moisturise and then wear socks before bed