They say you can tell a woman’s age by the look of her hands, and we don’t need any reminders about keeping our faces well taken care of either. But when it comes to our feet, a lot of us tend to be guilty of neglect - simply because they’re often far from sight, and thus quite literally overlooked.
Dry, rough, and cracked feet full of dead skin is unsightly, especially when you’re wearing open shoes like strappy sandals or flip flops. Here are 10 foot care tips to help you achieve smooth, Cinderella feet, covering everything from the right footwear to hydration and exfoliation. We've also included useful product recommendations for items you can get in Singapore.
The featured products can all be bought from official Shopee Mall stores, and you’ll want to make use of our exclusive Shopee discount:
【8% off min $25 spending. Code: GIRLSTYLE8】
From now till 30 NOV. Capped at $2. Start shopping here.
Read on to find out about these foot care tips to keep your feet smooth!
- Footwear-related tips -
#1: Make sure your shoes fit properly
Photo from GirlStyle SG
Shoes that are too tight or too loose are a sure recipe for calluses, no thanks to the constant rubbing of the material against your feet.
It might hurt throwing out those new, too-tight sneakers you didn’t get to try prior to purchasing them online, but guess what - blisters and bunions will hurt you even more in the long run. If you have ill-fitting shoes that are still in good condition, you can consider giving them to a friend or donating them to a charity organisation.
#2: Try to avoid wearing high heels too often
Photo from @pazzionofficial via Instagram
Although high heels improve our posture and instantly make us 10 times sexier, you might also want to have some comfier sandals, loafers, and flats in your shoe cupboard. No matter how good they look, heels tend to pinch our feet and toes, which can cause abrasions and blisters - and even leave scars.
You’d be surprised - sneakers don’t always have to look sporty and can in fact be worn with more feminine outfits as well. Read our article on ways to style sneakers for a Korean-style look for inspiration!
#3: Line your shoes with padding and heel cushions
Photo from Scholl
Make uncomfortable, blister-inducing shoes easier to wear by lining them with padding and heel cushions. This is especially useful for those who absolutely have to wear high heels for work - or fashion purposes - but always end up with cuts and broken skin on their feet after long hours.
Scholl has a wide range of such protective padding for your feet, including their Heel Liners ($6.25) and Heel Cushions ($8.95) which offer comfort and relief. They also have GelActiv Insoles for Women ($17.95) specially designed for ladies’ open shoes.
- Foot exfoliation tips to remove dead skin -
#4: Exfoliate using a foot scrub every week
Photo from Aleksandra Kovac via Shutterstock
Just like how you exfoliate your face, you gotta exfoliate your feet weekly to keep them smooth and free of dead skin build-up. Schedule your foot scrub session for the same day you do your facial exfoliation each week so you won’t forget!
Photo from Shopee
There are scrubs out there specially for feet, such as the Freeman Barefoot Creamy Pumice Foot Scrub ($8.07) and Biofinest Tea Tree Oil Body & Foot Scrub ($17.95).
Photo from The Body Shop
However, generic body scrubs would also work - some of our recommendations are Sukin Coffee & Coconut Body Scrub ($15.36), Palmer's Cocoa Butter Natural Cocoa Body Scrub ($14.50), and The Body Shop Spa Of The World Brazilian Cupuaçu Scrub-in-Oil ($56)/ The last one may be on the pricey side, but it’s extra nourishing and comes in a sizeable 440g tub.
#5: Use a foot peeling mask one every 2 months
Photo from @babyfootjp via Instagram
A foot peeling mask does wonders in banishing dead skin. Simply slip your feet into the “socks”, relax for about 30 minutes, and in a week or so, dead skin you didn’t even know you had will start peeling off in sheets. Yes, sheets, I kid you not. Having tried them myself, I can vouch that foot peels do in fact work and don’t hurt at all. Some might say it’s gross, but I find the act of peeling my dead skin off super satisfying!
Photo from @babyfootuk via Instagram
There are tons of brands available, usually from Japan or Korea, and you can easily get them from Watsons or Don Don Donki. Some popular ones you can consider are Mimeo Peeling Socks (from $9.60), Baby Foot ($24), and Soflisse Foot Peeling Double Essence Mask ($8.90).
#6: Remove dead skin using a pumice stone or foot file
Photo from Scholl
For additional exfoliation, especially on areas which are particularly tough and dry, use a foot file. While it might somewhat resemble a cheese grater on a stick and appear daunting for first-timers, don’t worry - it won’t hurt, since dead skin can’t feel anything anyway.
Photo from Shopee
Another alternative would be to use a pumice stone - we found one that costs just $1.05 here.
- Tips for hydrated feet -
#7: Moisturise your feet every night before bed
Photo from Expert Reviews
Like your face, hands, and the rest of your body, your feet also need proper hydration. Put a bottle of lotion next to your bed so you’ll remember to moisturise your feet every night before sleeping. That’s the best time to slater moisturiser on your feet, as you won’t be pattering around the house leaving sticky residue on the floor, or dirtying your precious shoes.
Photo from Sebamed
You can use a cream that’s specifically meant for feet, such as Sebamed’s Extreme Dry Skin Foot Repair Cream ($16.50), but regular body lotion or hand cream would suffice for daily maintenance.
#8: Treat dry heels with special cracked heel cream
Photo from Kriengsuk Prasroetsung via Shutterstock
When your feet have cracks and lines resembling the earth’s crust in a dry, barren desert, regular moisturiser won’t cut it. Thankfully, there are creams specially created to seal up those cracks and restore hard, rough soles.
Photo from Ellgy
Ellgy Plus Cracked Heel Cream ($11.20) has been a long-standing favourite among many for years.
- Pamper your feet -
#9: Invest in a foot bath for relaxing soaks at home
Photo from OTO
Have a relaxing soak after a long day out with your very own foot bath at home, which will help soften dead skin and reduce any swelling. You can do it the low-budget way with just a pail and warm water, but there are also high-tech options out there that come with massaging functions.
Photo from OTO
If your job requires you to stand for hours on end, consider investing in the OTO Foot Bath ($259), which not only soothes aching muscles, but also helps improve blood circulation. Throw in some bath salts or essential oils for the ultimate pampering experience!
If that’s a tad too pricey for your liking, check out a budget-friendly alternative here that costs only $34.90.
#10: Treat yourself to a professional foot spa session
Photo from andreas160578 via Pixabay
Everyone deserves to treat themselves once in a while! Apart from splurging on manicures, lash extensions, and the occasional massage, you might want to set aside part of your “self-pampering budget” for professional foot spas or hydrating pedicures. Depending on the beauty salon or spa, there might be callous removal services too.
Don’t forget to make use of our exclusive Shopee discount if you’re purchasing any of the products featured above!
【8% off min $25 spending. Code: GIRLSTYLE8】
From now till 30 NOV. Capped at $2. Start shopping here.
Share this with a friend who needs a proper foot care routine!
Text by: GirlStyle SG
