The thermometer climbs, the sandals emerge, and for nearly half of Brits, so does a familiar wave of dread. According to a recent survey by Swiss skincare brand Tal, 49% of us have hidden our feet out of pure embarrassment, and 40% have actively avoided sandals due to cracked heels or dry skin. With beach holidays, weddings, and sandal season firmly on the horizon, it’s perhaps no surprise that our feet suddenly become a lot harder to ignore…
The good news? Getting feet beach-ready doesn’t require an expensive pedicure every week or an elaborate routine. A few simple tweaks can make all the difference. From smoothing rough heels and tackling dry skin to the treatments worth booking before summer, here’s everything you need to know about getting your feet ready for their seasonal debut.
Exfoliate
Just like the rest of your body, feet benefit from regular exfoliation. The difference is that the thicker skin on the soles and heels is far more prone to dryness and hard skin build-up.
Rather than attacking feet with a pumice stone every few weeks, aim for gentle but consistent exfoliation. Chemical exfoliants containing glycolic acid, lactic acid, or urea can help break down dead skin more effectively than aggressive scrubbing alone.
If cracked heels are your biggest concern, look for products specifically formulated to soften hardened skin while supporting the skin barrier.
Hydrate
Feet have fewer oil glands than the rest of your body, so they dry out faster. Apply a rich foot cream containing urea, shea butter, or glycerin every evening. For extra impact, apply before bed and pull on a pair of cotton socks overnight. You’ll wake up with noticeably softer skin.
Nail It
Smooth heels are one thing, but scruffy cuticles and neglected nails can undo a good pedicure fast. After a shower, gently push them back rather than cutting them, then massage in a nourishing oil a few times a week. Jojoba or vitamin E are great for keeping the nail bed soft and healthy-looking, especially if your toes are going to be in sandals all summer.
Foot Notes: Extra tricks for keeping feet summer-ready
- Apply SPF: Yes, your feet need sun protection too. The tops of your feet are exposed to UV rays just like your face. Apply a broad-spectrum SPF50 to your feet before heading out, and reapply after swimming or throughout the day.
- Rotate Your Footwear: Wearing the same sandals every day can lead to pressure points and friction. Rotate between a few pairs to give your feet a break and reduce the risk of blisters or calluses.
- Dry Properly: Don’t forget between the toes after showering or swimming. Trapped moisture can lead to irritation, odour, or fungal issues. Not what you want.
- Don’t Ignore Discolouration: Yellowing, thickening, or lifting nails could be a sign of fungus, so treat early rather than just covering with polish.
Words by Frankie Jabarkhyl
