As summer approaches, it’s time to give your feet a little extra TLC so they can look and feel their best while you’re out and about. Below, Syracuse Podiatry explores the top three ways to prep your feet for summer, ensuring that you and your feet are ready to take on all of the summertime adventures ahead.

Exfoliate and Moisturize:

• One of the first (and most important) steps in prepping your feet for summer is to exfoliate dry, rough skin.
• Start by soaking your feet in warm water for 10-15 minutes to soften the skin.
• Use a foot scrub or pumice stone to gently remove dead skin cells and calluses, paying extra attention to rough areas like the heels and balls of the feet.
• Apply a rich moisturizer or foot cream to hydrate and nourish the skin.
• Look for products containing ingredients like shea butter, glycerin, or coconut oil to lock in moisture and prevent dryness.

Nail Care:

• Start by trimming your toenails straight across to prevent ingrown toenails and maintain a neat appearance.
• Use a nail file to gently smooth any rough edges and shape the nails to your desired length and style.
• Avoid cutting your nails too short or rounding the corners, as this can increase the risk of ingrown toenails and other nail problems.
• Pro tip: If you have thick or hard-to-cut nails, consider soaking your feet in warm water beforehand to soften them and make trimming easier.

Protect:

• Once your feet are exfoliated and moisturized and your nails trimmed, it’s time to make sure they’re also protected.
• Start by applying sunscreen to your feet, especially if you’ll be spending time outdoors in sandals or flip-flops.
• Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher and reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating.

When it comes to summertime self-care, don’t leave your feet out of the equation! For more guidance on foot health and wellness, look no further than the experts at Syracuse Podiatry! Contact us today so Dr. Ryan L. D’Amico, Dr. Donal M. Erickson, Dr. Keith Sherman, and Dr. Nicholas Cronin can help your feet feel their best.