Start spring with beautiful feet

Out of sight, out of mind: while our hands typically get washed and moisturized every day, care for our feet tends to be an afterthought.

This is especially true in the cold-weather months when thick socks and heavy shoes are the rule and keep the feet well concealed. But once winter is over, the feet look uncared for.

Short skirts and open shoes expose the dry patches, bothersome fungus skin. When these conditions occur, it's high time for a special beauty treatment to tackle the problem, and aesthetics is not the only reason to do.

"Regular foot care also prevents many tough problems," said the association of podiatrists and clinicians who’s members  offer foot care.

Anne Starkie, say’s foot care should occur on a weekly basis and it should include trimming the nails and cuticles, removal of calluses and an application of moisturizer. Beginning the regiment with the first rays of spring sunshine guarantees that open shoes can be worn on the first day of summer.

"Our feet do a lot for us and not only deserve to be spoiled, they also need to be spoiled," say’s Anne.

"Optimally, one begins with a relaxing foot bath," said Anne. Afterward, calluses that have been softened up while soaking should be rubbed with a pumice stone or a file. Large scissors and scrapers should be avoided because if too much skin is removed, it can result in a build-up of even more thick skin.

If desired, a peel can be used prior to applying a special foot cream. Many of these creams are based on urea, which adheres to moisture while not impeding the skin's ability to breathe. Essentials oils leave the feet smelling pleasant. Anne recommends applying cream daily "so the skin is made supple continually."

To finish it off, apply a fresh coat of chic polish on the trimmed toe nails. Alternatively, use a nail file on the nails to make the toe nails shine without polish. Then the feet are ready to be seen in sandals.

A note about finding the right shoes: On warm days, open shoes are indispensable. However, this doesn't necessarily mean high heels, Espadrillos or flip-flops, said Anne      

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"For healthy and pretty feet and legs, it's important that the shoe is itself flexible and that it has a good hold," she said. That's not the case with flip-flops and other similar shoes.

But that doesn't mean that these trendy examples must be banned from the shoe closet. Provided that correctly fitting shoes are worn predominantly during the day and the same shoes are not worn every day, then a high heeled shoe can be worn in the evening.