How to Take Care of Your Feet in the Winter

With everything going on this season, the last thing we’re thinking about is foot skin care. Thankfully, taking proper care of the skin on your feet in the winter requires just a tiny bit of time and attention. Of course, it’s not going to be the same like your summer skincare routine, but the overall concept remains the same. All you need to do is remember some key elements and you’ll have smooth and healthy feet all through the winter months!

Rules of winter foot care

We often don’t know what a proper foot care routine should look like at home. There are some basic rules you’ll want to follow, but check if they suit your skin. Apply them based on your skin type and daily activities. Treat them as a guide.

The five basic rules of proper winter foot care are:

• choosing the right cosmetic products
• moisturizing
• wearing loose shoes
• wearing warm socks that allow for proper blood flow
• in-salon treatments or a visit to the podiatrist’s office

Why you should take that extra care of your feet in the winter

During the colder months, your feet require a little extra care. Low temperatures and humidity make it easier for parts of our body, such as the nose, hands, and feet to become very cold. You can read more about how that affects your body’s skin here.

Additionally, female feet differ from male feet in terms of skin thickness, anatomical structure, and the number of sebaceous glands. Men’s skin is even 25% thicker and produces much more sebum, so it’s easier for men to maintain the lipid layer on the skin and naturally protect their feet. Women, on the other hand, need to take that extra care.

Ways to keep your feet warm in the winter

To get your feet through the cold months pay attention to the shoes and socks you choose. Even if they’re thick, your socks should always allow your feet to breathe. We don’t recommend wearing those made of artificial materials. Such material can lead to sweating and an unpleasant odor after even an hour of wearing. Curiously, the best material you can go for is wool. What else can you do:

• Avoid cotton–it absorbs moisture quickly, but takes long to dry
• Pay attention to fiber-improved materials, like with silver or membrane
• Avoid Coolmax–great for the summer, as it wicks moisture, but it doesn’t warm your skin in the winter

What shoes are the best for winter

When choosing shoes for the winter, the best option are those made of natural leather. They won’t compress or limit the biomechanics of your feet. Additionally, they will allow your feet to breathe freely. Another good idea is to change your shoes at work. This way your feet won’t get overheated while you’re in the office.

Foot care routine at home

Pedicure

Doing a pedicure at home is both simple and effective. Wash your feet in lukewarm water with the addition of a warming essential oil. After your foot bath, shorten your toenails with a file. Especially in winter, shortening your toenails is very important. As we wear covered up and heavier shoes, it’s important that they have room. Overgrown nail plates can promote crumbling, soreness, breaking, and worst of all, ingrown nails. So remember–keep your nails not too long or too short! As a final touch, paint your toenails with a nail strengthener. This will further nourish the nail plate.

Foot peel mask or scrub

Exfoliating your skin is equally as important in the winter. You can opt for foot peel socks to get rid of dead skin cells, or for a foot scrub. However, avoid using sharp foot care tools on your own. Without proper training, you can damage deeper layers of your skin. Finish the exfoliating treatment by applying a thick layer of Vaseline or a moisturizing foot cream that contains vitamins A, E, panthenol, and collagen.

Foot mask

Another step you can add to your foot care routine is performing a nourishing mask. Choose products with vitamins, glycerin. and menthol. Gently wrap your feet in foil for around ten minutes, and after washing, apply the cream in a circular motion. The heat created by the foil will help your skin absorb all the nourishing ingredients. 

Salon treatments

Professional treatments are as important as a good at-home skincare routine. So remember, if you’ll be in need of a visit at a beauty salon, just go to Booksy and book your next appointment!

This is especially important because for many busy people, we just don’t think to take the time to care for our feet in the winter. Scheduling a pedicure or other foot spa service is sure to give you a needed rest and that you’re going to be able to keep up with all the demands of winter.