Are your feet appealing enough to make their warm-weather debut? We're betting that, after a winter of being tucked away inside socks and boots, they're needing a little help.
A regular home pedicure helps keep your feet pretty and primed for summer - and that new pair of sandals that you just can't resist. And now, you don't have to visit the spa to find top quality spa pedicure products. Just seek them out in the foot care aisle at London Drugs!
First, File
It is better to cut and file your toenails when they are dry. Always cut straight across, to prevent ingrown toenails. You can use a file to gently smooth the nail where it contacts the skin on either side.
Soak, Scrub and Exfoliate
Soaking the feet softens the skin and makes it easier to remove corns, callouses and hangnails. Use warm water and, if desired, a softening agent such as a liquid soap solution, foot soak or bath salts. Soak your feet for at least ten minutes, pat off excess water and apply a scrub according to directions, to remove dead skin and leave the skin of the feet soft and smooth. The Airplus for Her Spalina Sugar Scrub combines the scents of lime, ginger and bergamot for an aromatherapy experience, while gently exfoliating the skin of the foot.
If you have callouses, now is the time to soften them with a callous remover implement or a pumice stone. The Spalina Pedistone is a dual-textured lavender-coloured Indonesian volcanic pumice that smooths rough skin build-up and gently removes stains, such as those caused by self-tanning agents.
Next, rinse your feet well, use an orange stick to carefully push back the cuticles, and pat dry with a fluffy towel.
Soothe and Moisturize
Immediately after soaking your feet is the best time to apply a moisturizer. Several excellent foot moisturizers are available from London Drugs, including Spalina Repair Crème with mango butter, which soothes and moisturizes dry, cracked skin. If the skin on your feet is extremely dry, you may want to try the extra-moisturizing Spalina Heal Foot Crème along with the Spa Therapy Sock. This specialized product is made with paraffin for extra moisture retention. (Like the foot scrub, both moisturizing products are scented with lime, ginger and bergamot.)
Treat Your Nails
If you intend to apply nail polish , you should take a cotton ball and remove all traces of creams or oils from the surface of your toenails. Separate your toes with cotton balls or foam toe separators, and apply two coats of polish, making sure the first is well dried before applying the second. Allow the second coat to dry before removing the cotton balls or toe separators. Don't wear shoes, socks or hose for at least an hour to allow the polish to completely dry out, otherwise it will become smudged or lose its shiny appearance.
If you do not wear polish, use a buffer on your toenails to create a healthy shine.
Targeted Foot Care
Sometimes, feet need a little more help than daily care and a pedicure can provide. High heels, strappy sandals, or shoes that are new can cause blisters and other discomforts that untreated, can spell misery.
Now you can prevent the discomforts caused by rubbing and friction with a new line of Airplus for Her targeted foot care products, available at London Drugs.
New Hug My Heels smooth heel liners are made from a gel that cushions the back of the heel, preventing soreness and blistering. The pad is long-lasting as it is applied to the actual shoe as opposed to the foot.
Love My Straps invisible gel strap liners prevent the 'cutting' sensation and associated blistering caused by strappy shoes and sandals. (These 2 products may also be used to provide comfort and protect the foot from further damage, if a blister or hotspot has already developed.)
If you suffer from heel pain, or need to protect the underside of your heel, Heal my Heels polymer gel heel cushions provide superior shock absorption and instant relief. Ball-of-Foot gel cushions provide similar relief and protection for the ball of the foot.
Save My Soles are cushioning shoe liners that protect the heel and arch area. If you prefer full-foot support, the G3 Gel Insoles line the entire shoe, providing ultimate cushioning comfort. The built-in 'stability bridge' supports the arch and heel of the foot.
The Orthotic Arch Support is ideal for casual and athletic shoes, and provides long-lasting comfort for the arch and heel.
Also new to London Drugs is Truecomfort Foot Glide Anti-Blister Foot Formula - an innovative emollient stick that, when smoothed over the feet, prevents friction and associated chafing. Aloe vera and Vitamin E further soothe the skin.