The Correct Way To Wash Your Feet In The Shower (No, Excess Soapy Water Doesn't Cut It)
Let's face it: When taking a shower, the last thing you think about is washing your feet. Depending on your shower routine, it's probably not even on your list of things to worry about. While this is a common sentiment, it's important to ensure that you're cleansing and washing your feet. Red Mountain Footcare explains that while it's common to forget to clean this body part, you must establish a proper foot wash routine. Your feet can become prone to attracting bacteria and fungus, especially in the areas between your toes. Even if you aren't walking outdoors barefoot, humidity from your shoes and sweat produce skin infections and other issues. As simple as it may seem, cleansing and caring for your feet will help keep this part of your skin clean and bacteria-free.
If you clean your feet, you might initially think it's enough to rinse off your feet with the soap and water that runs down your body. While this can help rinse off some dirt, it's not enough to get clean and soft feet. While it may not be immediately visible to the public, having soft and clean feet is good for your self-care and personal cleanliness, too.
How to properly wash your feet
No matter how much time you have for your shower routine, you should always leave some time to at least wash your feet with soap and water. Barefoot Scientist explains that, at the very least, you should be using soap and water to wash all sides of your feet. To dry off, you should always ensure to gently "pat dry" your feet instead of harshly rubbing the towel on your feet. Focus your drying on the area in between your toes, where the bacteria and fungus can hide and grow. While this is a quick and effective feet-washing method, you should add an exfoliating step to ensure your feet stay crack-free.
Just like other parts of your body, your feet are prone to building up dead skin cells. This accumulation of dead skin cells can cause flaky, dry, and cracked feet, which can become irritating after a while. Apart from being bothersome, unkempt feet can cause calluses and other preventable feet issues. Using a loofah or bristle brush, gently exfoliate your feet while focusing on areas that are especially rough or dirty. Don't over-exfoliate your feet, as this will only cause further irritation. The more you wash and care for your feet, the less need you will have to exfoliate them as often. Just like your face, your feet will require more exfoliation if they are unkempt.
Care tips for healthy feet
Besides washing them in the shower, your feet deserve more love and care outside the bathtub. While it may seem like a small task, moisturizing your feet is key to maintaining healthy skin and avoiding cracking. Always moisturize your feet at least once a day, specifically at night, to let them absorb this extra hydration, according to Skincare.com. Keeping your feet well-moisturized protects the skin barrier, especially if you apply the product immediately after showering while your feet are still wet.
Other hygienic factors you want to consider are always trimming and cutting your nails. While we always ensure our fingernails are well kept with manicures, our toenails deserve some care. Trimming your toenails will not only make pedicures easier but also prevent ingrown nails. Long toenails can cause issues when they produce friction against your footwear. While you don't want too short toenails, you want to keep them at a comfortable length. Shoes can equally be a make or break when it comes to foot health. Ill-fitting shoes can cause friction and discomfort that can lead to infections, blisters, and calluses. While you might love a pair that's too small, it's worth giving them up for your feet's health.