5 ways to make your feet look amazing
Updated: Feb. 25, 2016
The products we recommend to get your feet softer, smoother and smelling better
Foot scrubs
Creams that contain mild abrasives such as pumice soften and slough away rough skin, while ingredients such as essential oils leave your feet tingly and fresh. While foot scrubs can be invigorating and have a deodorizing effect, some people find the abrasive effect uncomfortable.
Try: H20+ Spa Pumice Foot Scrub, $18.50, 120 g
Foot buffers
Pumice stones have been around since the dawn of tough skin. They-and other foot-buffing or “filing” tools-require dexterity and diligence, but regular use can reduce the buildup of rough skin. If it’s already a problem, it may take a few weeks before you see results. Caution: While they’re effective at softening hard skin, overuse can also cause damage.
Try: Tweezerman Pedro Callus Stone, $24
Cooling foot sprays
These products are useful for reviving sweaty or tired feet, but the effects are fleeting, and chronically hot and swollen feet can suggest serious foot conditions, including poor circulation. “A proper assessment by a chiropodist or podiatrist is recommended when these symptoms arise, to determine the cause,” says chiropodist Stephen Hartman.
Try: The Body Shop Peppermint Cooling Foot Spray, $10, 100 mL
Heel balms
If your footwear has caught up with summer trends but your feet are still the worse for wear, heel balm can stop you from feeling foot-conscious. So how do you pick the best balm to keep the skin on your heels supple? “I recommend creams with 10 percent to 20 percent urea content, depending on the severity of the condition,” says Hartman, who also likes lanolin for dry skin conditions. Keep in mind that urea heel balm is only suited for heel skin. And in cases of very dry or cracked heels, consult a podiatrist.
Try: Eucerin Dry Skin 10% Urea Foot Cream, $15, 100 mL
Foot deodorants
With consistent use, antiperspirant foot deodorants can help control sweating in the feet. In addition to spritzing away unpleasant odours, try wearing cotton socks and alternating your footwear daily to keep feet smelling sweet. If you want to go a step further, try the reflexology route. Foot odour may indicate a hormonal balance, and “reflexology can help because you can work on the pituitary gland through the big toe,” says Sherri Gunn, a Winnipeg registered reflexologist.
Try: Fruits & Passion Deodorizing Mist, part of a pedicure set that includes scrub and cream, $24
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