Keep Your Feet Moisturized in the Winter

Winter is here and you’ve set aside your sandals and stilletos and replaced them with your new boots and closed-toe pumps. Weeks have gone by and because you are no longer exposing your feet, you’ve neglected to properly moisturize and care for them. You say to yourself, No one is going to see my feet anyway. However, the last thing you want to do is neglect your foot care regimen during the winter.

To the contrary, you should make a greater effort to moisturize your skin, especially your feet, during winter months. Not only does walking throughout the day cause feet to become rough and calloused, the cold weather contributes to the dryness of your feet. If you continue maintaining your feet during the winter, you won’t have to do major damage control when spring comes back around.

Here are three easy steps to keep your feet soft, supple, and pretty this winter!

1. Soak Your Feet

A foot bath not only softens the skin, but it also helps you to relax after a long day. Fill a large pan with warm water. Add a few drops of your favorite essential oils or moisturizer. Soak your feet for 10 to 15 minutes.

Foot Bath Options

• Tea Tree Oil –  Not only does tea tree oil have moisturizing properties, it is also anti-fungal and useful for treating toe fungus. If you don’t have pure tea tree oil, a good alternative is Hollywood Tea Tree Oil, a product sold at Walmart and beauty supply stores. It is tea tree oil that is mixed with other ingredients. I use it and find it to be a great product. Add four to six drops to your foot bath.

• Lavender Oil – One of my favorite essential oils! Lavender oil is most commonly known for its relaxing effects and its ability to reduce stress. In addition, lavender oil can be used to clean cuts and soothe skin irritations. Oh, did I forget to mention that it smells lovely. Add four to six drops to your foot bath.

• Epsom Salt – Made of naturally occurring minerals, magnesium, and sulfate, Epsom salt has many benefits and can be absorbed through the skin. Epsom salt has been known to help reduce swelling, increase circulation, and ease muscle pain. Add 1/2 cup of Epsom salt to your foot bath.

2. Exfoliate

Use a soft pumice stone, foot scrub, exfoliating gloves, or your favorite exfoliating cream. Make sure to exfoliate at least twice a week.

3. Moisturize

Moisturize your feet using your favorite moisturizer. Do this in the morning and at night. I prefer using pure African Shea Butter. Optional – Put on socks after moisturizing. This will help lock in moisture overnight.

Remember, don’t allow the winter months to stop you from continuing with your foot care regimen. I truly believe that you can “keep feet pretty.“ Foot baths, exfoliating, and moisturizing will help to keep your feet in tip-top shape, all year round.