Dear Mary,

How can I better care for my feet? I have read about detoxification and exfoliation, but there doesn't seem to be too much out there on just basic foot care. Any thoughts?

- Patricia


Dear Patricia,

Warmer weather is here! It's the time for family vacations to the beach, warm evenings spent in quiet conversations, holiday barbeques—and bare feet! So, if you're looking for ways to take better care of or improve the look of your feet, listen up!

Keep Them Clean
Having healthy feet begins with having clean feet. Wash your feet daily with soap and warm water. If necessary, remove dry or tough skin with a pumice stone or skin file. After washing and thoroughly drying (especially between the toes) your feet, apply moisturizing cream to help them to stay soft and supple.

Always change your socks or hosiery daily and wear flip-flops in public places (particularly gyms and showers) to help prevent athlete's foot and other problems. If you are prone to sweaty or smelly feet, try to change your shoes daily as well. Wear shoes that allow air circulation (such as sandals, flip-flops, or other open-toed shoes), or remove your shoes in your home and other places where you don't need to wear them. Foot powders and sprays can also help to prevent sweating and odor.

Manage Those Nails
Keep your toenails neatly clipped. Not only does this look much better, but it prevents unnecessary problems, such as cuts from overlong toenails. When trimming your toenails, cut straight across the nail and clip carefully around the corners so as not to cause ingrown toenails.

Dress Them Up
During the summer is the perfect time to paint your toenails or wear ankle or toe jewelry. Don't overdo it (you generally don't want to wear ankle and toe jewelry at the same time), but feel free to spice up your look with a matching (or complementing) toenail polish or with classy (or chunky) jewelry. You're fashionable feet will be sure to impress!

A Weekly Indulgence
No matter how often you can fit it into your hectic schedule, your feet will appreciate some extra attention once in a while. For softer, better feeling feet, soak them in warm (not scalding) water for ten to fifteen minutes. My favorite weekly indulgence is a soak in my Ionizing Foot Bath. If needed, you can remove calluses or rough skin with a pumice stone afterwards. After soaking your feet and thoroughly drying them, use a gentle moisturizer to finish the job.

The summer is the perfect time to show off your feet, and you can do so with confidence by following these simple tips. So make the most of it!

Please check back soon for more Beauty Secrets by Mary.

Until then, be your most beautiful!