Weekend Treat: Pretty Feet

Whenever I glance down at my feet I can’t help but say, “Why?” I believe I was born with a graceful pair but too many a.m. walks along Hill Drive in my Birkenstocks have left my heels cracked, my toes callused and my soles dirty—not just unsightly but downright humiliating. 

It probably hasn’t helped that I–like most of the women I see around L.A.—wear sandals all year round. Exposure to the elements is the number one cause of foot aging. Wearing sandals for exercise or long walks leads to dry wrinkled feet and cracked heels. As you take each step, your feet rub against the shoes, leading to chafing. Indeed, flip-flops are most women’s Number One enemy. They not only expose delicate foot skin to heat, ultra-violet rays and dirt, but also offer no arch support. If you must wear flip-flops, protect your feet with a moisturizing sunscreen lotion with a high SPF. If you want to turn the clock back on your feet, treat the delicate skin there just as you would your face. 

Of course, I have no reason to suffer the indignity of awful feet. One look through Eagle Rock Patch’s directory tells me that there are at least eight nail shops within walking distance of Swork. I asked a few of the women who worked there about how to take care of my feet so they never embarrass me again. Here’s what they said:

At least twice a year, once before the summer season and once before the winter holidays, treat yourself to a professional comprehensive pedicure, especially if your feet are severely cracked and callused. Choose a wide-ranging treatment that includes the following applications:

1. A salt bath to soften feet.

2. Callus removal, which therapists usually accomplish by first brushing a special softening solution onto the affected area and then using a brand-new or properly sanitized tool.

3. A sugar scrub to exfoliate the whole foot.

4. A foot massage, using natural oil such as grapeseed, which deeply penetrates your skin, returning it to supple form.

5. A hot paraffin wrap, which seals the moisture in the skin.

6. And finally, the fun part: the classic pedicure, during which your toe nails are cut and filed (toenails should be cut straight across to prevent ingrown toenails), cuticles are softened and clipped, and nails are painted, first with a basecoat, then polish, followed by a top coat that acts as a sealant, bonds the color to the nail and further protects the color from any friction.

7. Touch up any chipped polish with color and another layer of topcoat. If you want to maintain fresh polish longer, add a fresh layer of topcoat every other day.

D.I.Y. Daily Maintenance:

Between pedicure visits, keep your peds in lovely form by following these easy at-home steps:

1. After a long day on your feet, sit at the edge of your bathtub and apply a foot scrub, preferably one that contains essential oils). For example, pineapple or mango scrubs, available at most beauty supply stores or online, have enzymes that smooth and detoxify your feet. You can also create your own foot scrub by combining one tablespoon of olive oil with one tablespoon of raw sugar, adding more sugar as needed. Or try a similar combination of oil and oatmeal or chickpea flour (available at Indian stores as “maida”).

2. Massage the ingredients into your feet and leave on for five minutes. If you have the time, soak hand towels in warm-to-hot water and then wrap them around your feet. This seals in moisture, working in the same way as a paraffin wax treatment—only in the comfort of your own bathroom.

3. In the shower, keep a foot scrubber—a designated hand towel will do but I recommend a foot brush, such as Foot Solutions’ Soapy Soles, which is a ped-shaped brush whose suctions attach it firmly to the shower floor. Pour liquid soap onto your chosen scrubber and rub until your heels and toes are thoroughly clean. Three times a week while showering, run a foot file vigorously across your heels and soles. (Be sure to replace your file once monthly to avoid bacterial build up.)

4. Immediately after your bath or shower, slather your feet with a thick body butter, taking care to massage the potion into your heels and soles. Don’t forget to run a tissue underneath your toenails to eliminate dirt build up.

5. For an added moisture boost, twice a week before you go to bed, rub olive oil all over your feet and soles, and sleep with socks on. If your feet are extra dry, apply a monthly foot mask, just as you would to your face.

Hot Toe Nail Colors for Spring and Summer:

In-vogue toenail colors change just like clothing fashions and this season brings surprising hues to the feet. Crissy at on Colorado Boulevard says soft colors such as lavender, light blue, green and such neutrals as pink-peach and desert rose are fresh picks for this spring and summer. For an edgier look, try a dark shiny ruby or a matte black polish. Slip on an exotic toe ring or ankle bracelet and you’ll be channeling your inner “ped-inista” all season long.