If the long hot spell in July has taught us anything, it’s that we need to pay attention to the condition of our hands and feet as much as our faces.
We may spend most of the year layered up and waddling about in our furry boots, but a hot summer means our hands and feet are on show.
Hands and feet get some rough treatment, continually working and suffering from extremes of temperature, abrasion and, in the case of feet, often being squashed into footwear that doesn’t quite fit. Blisters, corns, rough skin and bunions cause discomfort in strappy heels, while constant chores can leave hands looking old and worn. Now’s the time to take action.
Here are a few of our favourite tips for tip top hands and feet…
Hands often look older than our faces, because we don’t remember to protect them from sun damage. Look for a hand cream that includes an SPF15 or higher, or just massage some sun cream into the skin.
Water can be a stressor for the skin, so use rubber gloves when doing the dishes. Better yet, shove everything in the dishwasher or get someone else to do the washing up.
Use a good hand moisturiser three times a day to keep your skin youthful, soft and hydrated. Clarins’ Hand and Nail Treatment Cream is great for summer, while Neutrogena’s Norwegian Formula protects even in the coldest winters.
Avoid harsh products which can change the pH of your skin or strip out the natural oils. Go for gentle products and treat yourself to a professional manicure. This can help you grow stronger nails as well as making your hands look great.
So what about feet? The best thing you can do is make sure your footwear fits perfectly. Up to 70% of us are wearing the wrong shoe size. Bunions, corns, ingrown toenails, blisters and rough skin can all be avoided if your shoes fit well.
Put yourself in the hands of a professional. A good chiropodist can put a spring in your step for years to come. If you’d rather DIY, then foot experts Scholl have some brilliant remedies, from corn removers and skin softeners to a Smooth Express Pedi with diamond crystals!
Time to put your best foot forward!