Foot Care Guide for the Working Woman

After a long, tiring day, chances are you will pamper your face with some cleansing, toning and moisturising. But how much attention do you shower on your feet? Here are a few do-it-at-home steps to keep your feet healthy.
 

Morning regimen 
Foot care is the most ignored beauty regimen, agree most women. Corporate dressing and extensive travelling damage your foot to a great extent, so foot care should begin with your day. “Start by applying a good moisturiser on your feet when they are damp. Choose something less oily, or your feet will feel greasy all day,” says cosmetic dermatologist Dr Jaishree Sharad.

Secondly, wear the right footwear when you leave for work. If you know it’s going to be a busy day with a lot of travelling, wear something comfortable. 

Nightly routine 
At night, wash your feet with lukewarm water and use a homemade scrub of gram flour (besan) or oatmeal. After this, rub your feet with a pumice stone. “Use a moisturiser that contains squalane, dimethicone and urea. While the former two are rich in super fatty acids, urea helps remove dead skin and prevents cracks and dryness. Dab it on damp skin. The final step is to wear a pair of socks; it will help protect your skin and keep it soft and supple,” adds Dr. Jaishree.
 
Choose the right footwear 
“Choose footwear depending on how much you walk or stand, as comfort and fashion never go hand-in-hand,” believes dermatologist Dr. Kshama Vibhakar. "For instance, when you wear soft-padded footwear, the pressure is distributed throughout the feet. However, in heels, the pressure is concentrated on the heels and some points on the forefoot -- this causes chronic heel pain, callosity and corns. Faulty footwear is the root cause of many foot-related problems,” adds Dr. Kshama. Heeled footwear also causes spur formation and affects the calf muscles to a great extent. 

However, since a lot of women need to dress formally and cannot avoid wearing heels, separate cushions in the form of in-soles are available in the market. These can be of great help. Dr. Jaishree says, “Women who are prone to fungal infections should opt for open footwears, while those who have dry skin should go for closed ones.” 

“Soaking the feet in salt water is also a good remedy for foot pain caused by extensive travelling. A good diet containing essential fatty acids can also help, since areas near the feet tend to dry faster and these acids help restore the moisture balance,” adds Dr. Kashama. 

Indulge in foot massages from time to time — you can always do it at home using a good oil or moisturiser. Massaging, especially in the heel and sole area, is quite relieving. Moreover, there are several physiotherapy products available in the market. Simply roll your feet over them and feel comfortable. 

Quick Fixes

• Moisturise your feet well
• Sleep with your socks on
• Wear comfortable footwear
• Use cushioned in-soles for high-heel footwear
• Soak your feet in lukewarm water for pain relief
• Indulge in foot massage