Get Perfect Feet for the Beach
The key to getting the feet you want to show off at the beach. (Photo: Getty Images)
There’s nothing better than showing off freshly pedicured, buffed and polished feet in a new pair of strappy sandals — unless, of course, your feet are suffering from a common ailment such as dry, cracked heels or bunions, calluses, and blisters. While it’s easy to cover up feet in the winter, only bringing them out of hibernation for yoga class, there’s no escape in the summer. Yahoo Beauty spoke with New York-based podiatrist Dr. Suzanne Levine of Institute Beauté to find out what professional and DIY remedies can help keep summer feet looking their best.
Yahoo Beauty: Why do feet need extra attention in the summer?
Suzanne Levine: Our feet are exposed in the summer and that fills many of my patients with fear — because in the winter all of our calluses and bunions and cracked heels and everything that we don’t like about our feet are hidden under socks. Aesthetics come more into play in the summer. You can’t hide your feet in the summer. And if you’re wearing sandals and flip flops a lot in the summer, all that friction can cause more calluses to develop.
So what are some of the most common foot issues that you see in the summer?
Definitely foot fungus, bunions, calluses and dry, cracked feet.
How can foot fungus be treated?
We have a new laser called Q-Clear which I’m seeing great results with after 2-3 treatments. At home, you can try soaking your feet in tea because the tannins are antibacterial, or mix some Clorox into a basin of water and soak your feet. You can also try taking some sodium bicarbonate and scrubbing it into your nails with a toothbrush.
How can we prevent it?
Keep your feet dry, and use a topical powder. And most importantly, give nails a chance to breathe. Don’t cover up an infected nail with polish.
Speaking of nail polish, any advice on how to stay safe when getting a pedicure?
Bring your own instruments! I always look at the hands of the person doing my pedicure to see if they have warts or open cuts. They should have no openings on their skin. Look around the place. Is it clean? Are people eating lunch at their stations? Is the whirlpool getting cleaned with bleach after each client?
Is it ok to have your cuticles cut?
I prefer to push them back because if you constantly cut your cuticles, they will grow back thicker and you’ll feel as if you need them cut more often. Do not over aggressively cut your cuticles because it increases your chance of getting an infection. I recommend moisturizing your cuticles every day with almond oil or coconut oil.
How can we keep feet soft in the summer?
We get calluses because we don’t have enough cushioning in our feet. I’ve developed a procedure called “pillows for your feet” which is an injectable filler for your feet. Other options are using exfoliants with glycolic acid or alpha hydroxy. In general anything that you would use on your face is ok to use on your feet. If you exfoliate three times a week that should help keep feet feeling soft.
What products do you love for keeping feet soft?
I’m a fan of Dr. Scholl’s products and Sephora’s foot products but depending on your feet, they might not be enough to remove the calluses. Or they could be too much. I like Burt’s Bees Wax and Moroccan Oil products are my go-to for addressing dryness.
How can we remove calluses safely?
Do not have your pedicurist do this because of the risk of infection from cutting or shaving calluses with a blade. In the shower, moisturize and then use a pumice on your feet. If you do this 3-4 times a week you will really see a difference.
What are some cosmetic foot issues that you treat?
Superficial capillaries on the foot. We treat these with a laser in the office but if you want to do something at home, I love a product from Colorescience where you just brush it on and it’s waterproof and hides the redness. I also do a foot facial where we exfoliate the feet using a hyaluronic acid to remove calluses.
What about bunions?
This is a huge problem for a lot of people. You can make them looking better by applying ice or a bag of peas before you go out to reduce the swelling. In the office we can do an anti-inflammatory injection or surgery is also an option.
Are you a fan of Baby Foot?
I’ve tried it. My feeling is that many people peel for too long. It does work- but it can be too much and the ugly phase of peeling goes on for too long. I feel that the product isn’t quite there yet. It needs to be tweaked.
Related:
Help! I Have Dry, Cracked Feet
