Fashion Blogs

Altogether, tummies in, arms raised, now touch your toes — and while you're about it take a good, long look at your feet.

Beauticians say that to be in step you should pamper them this season, and don't be slipshod about it, for they've joined the naked look.

No matter whether you're walking barefoot in the park or on the beach, whether you're wearing thongs with your shorts, or in high-heeled glamour sandals, your feet will be in the fashion focus.

NOTE:

Avoid walking barefoot on rough surfaces.

Normally, daily washing of the feet should be enough but in a hot climate, or if there is a tendency to excessive perspiration, more frequent bathing and other treatment is advisable.

Use foot powder containing zinc for mild foot problems. These preparations are found at most chemists.

Before you grab for your toenail varnish or start a do-it-yourself pedicure, heed the expert's advice.

Corns, callouses, bunions, or ingrowing toenails should be attended to by a specialist.

Bear in mind when buying shoes to be standing when being measured, and make sure socks and stockings are the right length and that stockings and feet are washed daily.

The home pedicure for nice feet

FIRST bathe the feet in warm water. Specialists say NEVER in soda and NEVER in very hot water.

Dry your feet carefully, then check for hard skin.

If the skin on the soles and heels becomes dry and hard, rub it daily with pumice stone (the black variety is best) dipped in soapy water. This can be done under the shower.

After use of the pumice stone, rub your feet with a lotion. Then powder with talcum.

Rub each foot with warm olive oil once a week. Massage the oil into the skin - especially around the nails and on the hard, dry patches.

Feet should be exercised regularly.

The foot has double arches; it is arched from toe to heel and transversely along the inner side. The arches are maintained by powerful ligaments. Any weakening of these ligaments can lead to "flat foot" or fallen arches. Arch supports should be fitted if this happens.

Correct walking can help to prevent these problems.

Walk so that the weight of the body is first on the ball of the foot, then on the toes and then on the heel.

When we walk with the toes pointed outwards, we throw the body weight upon the inner arch of the foot. After a time, this part of the foot can collapse under the strain and the arches fall. There are many good exercises for strengthening the feet and relaxing them.

Look after your feet and they will look after you!