Monday, June 14, 1999
Spectacular feet
Summer is the right time to pamper your tootsies
BY REON CARTER
The Cincinnati Enquirer
With sandals, thongs, flip-flops, and strappy shoes coming out of the closet, it's prime time to put your best foot forward.
Each foot contains 250,000 sweat glands. When active, the feet can produce as much as a half pint of perspiration a day.
Without attention, the soaring mercury can give a whole new meaning to the dog days of summer.
“Proper grooming is a necessary part of caring for the feet,” says podiatrist Robin Ross, a member of Dr. Scholl's Foot Health Council. “It's easy to do at home, doesn't take much time and the rewards are great.”
Regular foot care is not only a stress buster but can prevent problems from occuring or at least reduce their severity. Here are tips for keeping your tootsies in top shape:
• Wash your feet every day in warm water. Dry by blotting them with a towel, rather than rubbing.
• Dust feet that perspire a lot with hygienic foot powder or plain talc. Avoid cornstarch powder which can feed fungus.
• Examine feet for red spots, sores or unusual skin lesions.
• Foot pain is not normal and should be checked if it persists.
• Conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, nerve and circulatory disorders can show their initial symptoms in the feet, so foot ailments can be your first sign of more serious medical problems.
• Trim nails shortly after showering. Cut straight across with a clipper to prevent ingrown toenails. Leave them slightly longer than the tips of your toes.
• Massaging the feet is an excellent way to relax. Apply moisturizer to the hands, then gently stroke the entire foot from the bottom of the shin to the end of the toes. Press the ball of the foot and hold for 10 seconds. Press your thumbs into the heel of the foot and moving in a circular motion, cover the sole from heel to the ball. Press your thumb into the spaces between the bones and the middle foot. Gently pull on each toe, holding for about 10 seconds.
• Follow with a pedicure. Clip toenails. File in one direction to smooth. Soak feet for 10 minutes in lukewarm Epsom salts or add one of the many new scented soaks for feet. Gently push back cuticles with an orangewood stick and pat dry. Exfoliate heels and other toughened areas by rubbing on a thick moisturizer with a loofah glove or pumice piece. Rinse feet. Apply more moisturizers. Clean excess cream from nails. Women can apply base coat, nail color and top coat.
Other treats for the feet:
For a minty smell and tingly, cooling sensation try:
• State of Mind Home Spa Treat Your Feet ($5.99)
• Vaseline Intensive Care Solutions Smooth Feet: Peppermint Alpha-Hydroxy ($4.99)
• Aveda Foot Relief ($17)
• The Body Shop Peppermint Foot Lotion ($6.50)
• Bath & Body Works Cooling Foot Spray ($6)
For moisturizing and softening try:
• Burt's Bees Farmer's Market Coconut Foot Creme ($9)
• Dr. Scholl's Pedicure Essentials Cracked Skin Repair Cream ($5.).
• EO Foot Balm ($9.49)
Cool new footwear:
• Teva's Circuit sandals for women ($75) combine the comfort and coolness of a flip-flop with the performance of an athletic walking shoe. Technical features of interest to the serious fitness walker include: a shock pad that cushions heel strikes, a medial post that reduces ankle rollover. A men's version will be available in the fall.
• Until then, men can try Timberland Gorge Trail Sandals ($60), which fit like a glove and prevent blisters. Breathable, lightweight and quick-drying to go from river to the trail. The rubber lug outsole provides superior traction.
• Birkenstock's Reggae ($55) are a fun slide-style sandal for fashion-conscious females. It features a three-fourth inch alternating white and black layered platform sole, soft suede liner and one wide strap. Colors range form chili to aqua. It also comes in a geometric flower or bubble pattern.
Nylon footies aren't just for Granny:
• Bare feet can put unwanted wear and tear on regular shoes and promote fungal growth, odor, blisters and calluses. Nylon footies such as Peds absorb perspiration and promote evaporation, preventing foot odor and shoe deterioration. Peds also makes Toe Savers, pads attached to nylon designed to cover the toe area and cushion the ball of the feet. They are worn with closed-toe, open-back shoes such as mules and sling backs. The lightweight no-show nylon comes in nude, black and white. ($1-$1.75 per pair).
Power pampering:
Body Benefits, spa line by Conair, lets you indulge in soothing experience without leaving home:
• The Deluxe Massaging Foot Spa ($49.99), kneads, softens with heat, vibrations and bubbles. Special features include a pumice stone and scrubbing brush. The unit can be used with or without water.
• The Tapping Foot Massager ($49.99) features an infrared, deep penetrating heat to relax tired foot muscles.
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