This post is all about how to keep your foot hygiene on point at all times!
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Fun fact! Did you know that each foot has a typical amount of 250,000 sweat glands?! When you are walking around in shoes all day or doing any type of sport or exercise, it becomes very easy for your feet to sweat and cause an unpleasant stench. Not only do your feet stink, but it’s the perfect place for bacterial growth to form so poor foot hygiene is a big no-no. Of course, our feet are going to sweat at some point, but it’s the way you take care of it and how often you take care of it is what matters.
We’re also not just talking about stinky foot odor. We are also talking about how you keep your feet looking as well because that’s also important. No one wants to see crusty un manicured toes peaking out in sandals or especially in the throes of passion. Some people cringe on the topic of feet so imagine if they don’t even look presentable? Another big no no.
If your foot care is not on point, don’t be embarrassed! It happens to the best of us. Also, don’t fret either because that’s why you’re here! To figure out how to have your feet looking and smelling right at all times!
Foot Hygiene
1. Remove Calluses
Calluses can be easily formed from constant rubbing on certain areas of our feet. Whether it be from walking, running, or even wearing ill-fitting shoes. We do these things on a daily basis, so you can imagine how much friction we are actually causing on our feet that would form a hard, thick piece of skin. If you let it keep developing, It’ll be even harder to get rid of it so removing it once you see it start to form is the way to go.
To remove your callus, it’s best to soak your feet in warm water for about 10 minutes or so and either use a callus remover to shave off the callus or a sole smoother for a more gentle form of removal.
Suggested Callus Removers:
Barefoot Scientist – The Greatest
Tweezerman – Sole Smoother
2. Exfoliate
Yes girl! Exfoliate those feet! Just because you removed your calluses, does not mean you can neglect the rest of your feet. Just like the rest of your body, dead skin cells collect on your feet and can block your products like lotions and butters from penetrating properly and doing their job of keeping your feet looking presentable and feeling healthy. Don’t skip this step in your routine!
You can use your favorite exfoliating scrub that you use on the rest of your body, on your feet!
Suggested Exfoliator:
Sanitas Hydrating Sugar Scrub
3. Use Foot Masks
Sometimes, when regular exfoliation isn’t doing its job, let’s say you went on a vacation and you got sunburn on your feet, so a bit more TLC will do the trick. That’s where foot masks come into play! They’re deeply moisturizing, and soothing, and help to restore the skin on your feet! Plus it feels like you’re at a spa. All the more reason to relax and let the mask do the work.
Suggested Foot Mask:
Nu-Pore Moisturizing Foot Mask
4. Lotion Up
Now just like all the other effort you put into moisturizing the rest of your body like your face, arms, legs, etc., please don’t neglect your feet. Think about how off it would look if the rest of your body was glistening but then someone’s eyes roll down to your feet and they’re crusty? Yeah. let’s not do that. Moisturize those toes ladies!
You can use your regular body lotion on your feet, but if you want to be a bit extra, try the suggestion below!
Suggested Foot Lotion:
Aveda – Foot Relief Moisturizing Creme
5. Air Out Shoes
Okay, so let’s think about how many times you wear those work shoes, or especially the shoes you wear to work out. I’m betting that it’s a lot more than we think. Even if you have lots of shoes, there are still 365 days in a year so unless you’re wearing 365 different pairs of shoes, you’re on a constant rotation of the same shoes. Eventually, they’re going to smell because of sweat and your feet not breathing. The last thing you want to do is put them back in a box or in a cramped closet so the smell can stay there longer. Leave them out in an area where the air circulates to keep them smelling fresher.
6. Use Shoe Spray
Kind of on the same note as airing out your shoes due to the daily activities we do in our shoes, use a shoe spray! Shoe sprays are great because they have a scent and are made specifically to make your shoes smell good and clean. Even if you have brand new shoes and they don’t smell yet from the first use, spray them anyway at the end of the day to prevent any odors. Works like a charm!
Suggested Shoe Spray:
Poo-Pourri – Sole-Pourri
PURA D’OR – Shoo Away Bad Odor
7. Get Pedicures or Do It Yourself
This is a must! You don’t have to go to a nail salon if you are good at giving yourself a pedicure and know how to paint and cut your toenails neatly, but for those who aren’t, pedicures are a must if you are going to be showing your feet! You just look more elevated and put together and polished when you are properly manicured and have a pretty nail polish color on. For those who color out the lines, it’s always best to leave it to a professional. Plus it’s nice to get pampered and have someone to do the work for you for a change.
P.S: Don’t forget to shave off those toe big toe hairs if you have them 🙂
8. Prevent Blisters
You know those beautiful heels that stare at you in the closet waiting to worn again after that one rough night of walking around in pain? Yeah, me too! It’s painful how much I relate. You want to wear them so bad but they did you dirty the first time, it’s hard to trust them again. Are they maybe stretched and softened out now where you won’t get blisters, or are they the same old traitor? Well, in comes blister spray where you spray on heels or any other part of your foot before you put on your shoes for that second chance so you can be blister free all night! Okay maybe it’s too soon for an all nighter, but let’s take it slow by taking them out to a dinner where you may be standing at some points.
Suggested Blister Spray:
Barefoot Scientist – PreHeels+
FAQ’s
1. How do I stop my feet from smelling?
To stop your feet from smelling, maintain good hygiene by washing your feet daily with soap and water. Ensure your shoes and socks are breathable and dry, and switch them out regularly to prevent moisture buildup. Use foot powders or antiperspirant products designed for feet to reduce sweat and odor.
2. Should you put lotion on the bottom of your feet?
Yes, applying lotion to the bottom of your feet can help keep the skin moisturized and prevent dryness and cracking. Choose a thick, nourishing cream or lotion specifically designed for feet to address rough areas, especially the heels. However, avoid applying lotion between the toes to prevent fungal growth due to excess moisture.
3. What is basic feet hygiene?
Basic foot hygiene involves washing your feet daily with soap and water to remove dirt and prevent bacterial growth. Dry your feet thoroughly, especially between the toes, to avoid fungal infections. Regularly trim your toenails straight across to prevent ingrown nails and wear clean, breathable socks and shoes to keep feet dry and fresh.
4. How do you deep clean your feet?
To deep clean your feet, soak them in warm, soapy water for about 10-20 minutes to soften the skin and then gently scrub with a pumice stone or foot brush to remove dead skin cells. Rinse thoroughly and dry, especially between the toes, before applying a moisturizer to keep the skin hydrated.
