The perfect accessory for that gorgeous party dress is a pair of strappy shoes – but in the midst of winter, it is easy to let your nail care slip. Here are some hints and tips for getting your feet in the best condition, ready for party season!
Wash your feet often
You shower and bath regularly, but do you give your feet special attention or are they more of an afterthought? Make sure your feet get the care they deserve by washing them in warm soapy water (don’t let them soak for too long – this will rid your feet of their natural oils and dry them out!) and drying them carefully. Make sure to dry between your toes. This will help to prevent nasty infections like athlete’s foot.
Cut your nails carefully
Do you have proper toenail clippers? If not, it’s time to invest in some! Cut your toenails regularly using clippers, and always cut straight across (not at an angle or down at the sides). This will keep your nails healthy and prevent ingrowing toenails.
Choose your nail polish well
Did you know that some nail polishes and nail polish removers can speed up the aging process of your toenails, making them more brittle? Try choosing a polish which is free from formaldehyde, toluene, and dibutyl phthalate, and a remover which is free from alcohol. This will help to keep your toenails strong and healthy. It is also important to remove your polish often. Nail polish should only be worn for short periods because fungal infections can grow in the layer between the polish and nail.
Moisturise!
Have you ever thought to moisturise as part of your nail care routine? Well, now is the time to start! Gently rubbing petroleum jelly or vitamin E oil into your toenails will keep them in tip top condition. Make sure you have removed your nail polish before doing this, and enjoy the luxurious treat for your nails.
Eating well for nail care
Did you know that your diet can affect your nail health? A diet which is high in calcium can increase the strength of your nails, and vitamin E, protein, iron, vitamin D, zinc and magnesium are all required for healthy nails. You can make sure you’re getting enough of the good stuff by eating plenty of nuts, beetroots, beans, lentils and greens, as well as dairy products.
Make sure your shoes and socks fit
This might sound strange but if your shoes and socks are too small, your feet won’t be able to breathe properly (increasing the likelihood of infection) and if they’re too big, you’re likely to get blisters. Get your feet measured properly, and make sure you try shoes on before purchasing them.
Get your feet checked
If you have any pain, niggles or a feeling that something isn’t quite right with your toenails, make an appointment to see a podiatrist, who will be able to treat your problems and give you advice on the best nail care.
Follow these nail care tips and your toenails will be ready for those strappy heels! Just make sure that you give your feet a break in some comfortable shoes afterwards.
