Winter Pedicures – Do You Really Need Them?

We all know that pedicures are a must during during the summer months. However, we often forget that pedicures are extremely important even during winters.

When cold temperatures hit, our skin tends to turn dry. This is the time when you have to deal with the problem of dry, flaky skin and cracked heels. This is when a pedicure comes into picture.

Pedicures do more than make your feet and toenails look lovely.  Your feet literally carry you through life and yet we neglect to realize how important it is to take proper care of them throughout the year. Regular pedicures are an extremely effective way to provide basic care for your feet.  They help in making your skin soft and smooth, provide relaxation, maintain clean feet, and prevent cracking, bleeding and infections.

What is a pedicure?

A pedicure is a cosmetic treatment for the feet and toenails that cleans your feet, provides nail care and foot/calve massages. Contrary to popular belief, pedicures are NOT just for women! They are for anyone who wants to take care of their feet.

Despite the belief that they are for those who want to pamper themselves, you should understand that there are many physical benefits to having routine pedicures by a professional.

Prevent and Treat Calluses and Corns

Calluses and corns are a yearlong issue. They are hardened, built up layers of flaky dry skin that can hurt and crack if they get too thick, which increases the risk of infection. Regular pedicures will keep corns and calluses at bay and keep feet smooth.

Prevents Ingrown Toenails

We often neglect the importance of trimming our toenails properly and let’s face it, it isn’t the easiest thing to do, especially as we age. Cutting nails too short or leaving minuscule pieces at the edges can lead to ingrown toenails which are painful and often lead to infection. A professional pedicure will ensure that your nails are taken care of and are cut to the correct length which will leave you with strong, healthy nails. This is especially important for exercise enthusiast and runners. 

Removes Foot Odor

No one likes stinky feet! Pedicures are the best way to remove dead skin, dirt and bacteria from the feet completely. The exfoliation you receive during a pedicure will remove the bacterial infection, which you can’t get rid of with daily washing. 

Increase Your Self Confidence

Routine pedicures make your feet look and feel good whether you are sitting by the fireplace or sporting sandals on the beach.

Regardless of how you feel about pedicures, there are many health benefits to having them on a regular basis throughout the year.  So the next time you look at those feet that have been carrying you throughout your life, why not consider giving them a break?

At Home Foot Care for Dry Cracked Feet

For most people, having dry cracked heels isn’t serious. However, in some cases, cracks in the heels can become very deep, cause pain, bleed or become infected. Read on to learn about the best home remedies for treating and preventing cracked heels in-between those professional visits.

Healing Lotion Bar

A Healing Lotion Bar is different than a moisturizer because it’s formulated with a wax that seals and protects skin while preventing moisture loss. Our Foot Lotion Bar not only protects, but is formulated with rich botanical oils and butters to heal, repair, and hydrate dry, rough and/or damaged skin. We’ve added rice powder to help the natural ingredients penetrate quickly into the skin without leaving it feeling greasy. Super convenient to carry in your bag and airport friendly!  

Application: For best results, apply it every night before bed.  May be used two or three times a day as a daytime moisturizer.

Thick Moisturizers

If you are dealing with pain as well as flaking, cracked and or bleeding, than we suggest our NEEM CREAM.   Neem has anti-fungal and antiseptic properties to aid in the relief, repair and healing of chronic skin disorders and protects the skin from further dryness. It’s a safe and effective natural solution for psoriasis, eczema, dry damaged skin, acne, burns, bruises, and much more.

Application: Apply as often as necessary until skin begins to heal.  We strongly suggest applying after bathing and as a daily treatment to maintain healthy skin.

Whipped Shea BodY Butter

Our Whipped Shea Body Butter is another option to use as a moisturizing cream for your feet.  It’s formulated to maintain hydrated healthy skin rather than a treatment like the Neem Cream.  This super rich cream leaves skin feeling soft and smooth. 

Application: Keep a jar on your nightstand or by your comfy reading/TV chair and rub into your feet, hands, knees and elbows before bed every night.

Soak and Exfoliate

The skin around cracked heels is often thicker and drier than the rest of your skin. This skin tends to split when you apply pressure. Soaking and moisturizing your feet can help with this. 

Exfoliation is instrumental in the repair and healing process.  Avoid scrubbing your feet when they’re dry. This increases your risk for damaged skin.  

When applied to wet skin, our Sugar Whipped Foot & Hand Scrub emulsifies into a creamy scrub that gently and effectively exfoliates to remove dry or dead surface skin cells.  It leaves skin hydrated, silky-soft and smooth without feeling greasy, and it won’t leave an oily ring in your sink, tub or shower. 

Foot Soak Tips:

• Use Lukewarm water for up to 20 minutes.
• Use our Gentle Sugar Whipped Scrub to remove any hard, thick skin.
• Gently pat your feet dry.
• Apply a healing balm Foot Lotion Stick or a thick moisturizer like our Neem Cream or Whipped Shea Body Butter) to the affected area. Your choice will depend on the severity of the skin. 
• Slip on a pair of cotton socks to help hold moisture in and keep any dust or dirt from ticking to the cream on the bottoms of your feet.

Itching, Burning & Odor

Our Healthy Feet Foot Spray will relieve the itching and burning of athlete’s foot. It’s not just soothing, it’s antibacterial and stimulates healthy, normal tissue formation, moisturization, and protection, leaving your feet revitalized and silky-smooth, while controlling odors.

Application: Clean affected area with soap and water and dry thoroughly. Apply a thin layer over affected area twice daily or as needed. May be sprayed directly in shoes or boots to help control odor.

Use Caution

If your cracked heels are caused by a medical condition, do not treat them on your own.  We strongly suggest seeing a podiatrist (foot doctor). Severe cases of cracked heels should also be evaluated by a podiatrist, regardless of your medical history. 

Written By: Mary Ellen Wank, Wellness Advocate and Founder of LATIV, Natural Skin Revival DISCLAIMER