After a long British winter spent in boots or trainers, feet tend to require a little extra attention before being exposed in sandals or strappy heels for the summer months. “We spend months investing in skincare, haircare and body care, yet feet are often the last thing we think about until the hottest season arrives,” Claire Aggarwal, CEO of Re-New Beauty, tells British Vogue. If you’ve neglected your own, here are some tips and tricks to get them in great shape for summer.
Exfoliate gently
“The skin on our feet is naturally thicker and more resilient than the skin on our face because it is designed to withstand daily pressure and friction,” Katy Bacon, director of education at Murad, tells British Vogue. When it comes to removing dead skin, factors such as skin type, activity level, footwear choices, and overall skin condition “all come into play”, she says.
To exfoliate effectively, keep in mind that a gradual approach is always best. “Don’t aggressively scrape away thickened skin, and look for products that combine gentle exfoliating acids with moisturising ingredients,” SVR’s education lead, Natalie di Giorgio, explains. “Chemical exfoliants such as urea help loosen dead skin cells over time, while including hydrating ingredients that support the skin barrier.”
It’s also important to pay attention to how your skin responds, so doing a patch test before application is key. Gentle exfoliants like Murad’s AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser can be used as part of an overall regimen to help get those feet summer-ready.
