With summer finally upon us, are you scared to bare your holed up winter feet?

Wrapped up in socks for most part of the year, covered up and forgotten, dry skin can build up leading to unsightly feet. Suddenly, summer arrives and as we come to bare our feet to the world, we look down and feel our heart sink. How on earth did they get so dry?

Whilst caring for our feet should be a daily routine, it’s normal to forget if it’s not a habit you’re used to. Caring for your feet doesn’t have to be a chore, think of it as a chance to enjoy some special ‘me-time’ as part of your regular skin care routine.

Here are 5 tips on how to get perfect feet this summer!

Tip 1

Soak. Deep clean your feet in a foot tub or bathtub for at least 10 to 15 minutes to help soften the skin. Not only will the foot soak help your feet relax, hydrate and soothe, it will soften the skin making it easier to exfoliate afterwards.

Tip 2

Exfoliate. Exfoliation is a key part of getting your feet ready for summer. When our feet are not properly moisturized, dry skin cells build up and you’ll see this reflected in flakier skin, especially during winter. Treating your feet with an exfoliator such as the Manuka Doctor Exfoliating Cleanser, removes any dead skin cells and smoothes any rough edges. Exfoliate at least once a week to help keep dry skin and flakes at bay. The Manuka Doctor Exfoliating Cleanser contains Beeswax which acts as a protective, breathable layer on the skin’s surface helping to lock in moisture (1), whilst moisture boosting Manuka honey and Hyaluronic acid help promote softer skin.

“Great on the skin after a long busy day. Great smell!”

Shreen P

“Skin feels so refreshed & clean after using this. Smells lovely too!”

Mrs W

“I love this product, I use it every day to get rid of dead skin. I love the smell, I have seen the difference since I have been using it.”

Josiane C

Tip 3 

Moisturise. Applying a foot cream every day can make a difference to the softness of your feet. In summer, your feet dry out quickly so it’s best to use specific foot cream to avoid cracked heels. Not all creams are created equally, the Manuka Doctor Peppermint Foot & Heel Cream is a refreshing lotion that will leave your feet feeling soothed and refreshed. Key ingredients include highly moisturising Manuka honey, Shea butter and Avocado to nourish and smooth dry, hard skin. Cell regenerating Royal jelly rejuvenates skin by renewing damaged skin cells. Rosemary leaf oil helps improve circulation to the foot area to reduce puffiness (2) and reduce tissue inflammation that can lead to swelling, pain and stiffness (3).

“I like the smell, my feet are very soft now. Dry skin is gone. Cold feet also gone. You can notice the results even after a week. The best cream.”

Ailwei M

“Love this foot cream. Having always suffered from sore cracked feet I was dubious this cream would work but it has, THE best product I've used. My feet are softest they've ever been. The texture is lovely and thick and smells amazing.”

Debie T

“My feet are like babies feet now.. my husband and I absolutely love it!”

Vendulka V

So for baby soft warm feet, buff those heels and toes then liberally apply Manuka Doctor Peppermint Foot & Heel Cream at night before bed. Put on a pair of thin cotton socks and by morning feet will appear nourished and refreshed.

Tip 4

Tend to your cuticles. For step four turn your attention to your toenails. When cutting the big toenail, make several tiny cuts rather than one big one, so you don’t cut it too short and cause an in-grown nail.

Tip 5

And finally, make them look pretty! Transform your toenails with a coat or two of nail polish. When your feet are at their fairest – cool polish colours like pink, lilac, fuchsia or silver will bring a glow to the toes. Once there’s a bit of colour on the skin, go for a warm choice like orange, peach, coral or gold.

Now that your feet are summer ready, slip into some fancy sandals and put your best feet forward!

References:

1. Complement Ther Med. Dec;11(4):226-34. Topical application of natural honey, beeswax and olive oil mixture for atopic dermatitis or psoriasis: partially controlled, single-blinded study

2. Cardiovascular effects of 1,8-cineole, a terpenoid oxide present in many plant essential oils. Can J Physiol Pharmacol. 2002 Dec; 80(12):1125-31.

3. Rosmarinus officinalis L.: an update review of its phytochemistry and biological activity. 2018 Feb 1;4(4):FSO283