Your feet are an important source of support for your body, and they take a lot of abuse because of it. For that reason, foot care should be an important part of your regular health and beauty routine. Below are 5 foot care tips to incorporate into your regimen to ensure your feet stay healthy.

• Cleanse – Take care of your feet, first and foremost, by keeping them clean. This would include daily washing while taking a bath or shower, but you should also consider soaking your feet once or twice per week in a special foot bath. Water should be warm, not hot, and you should use a mild soap. Soak your feet for 10-15 minutes, and then use a pumice stone or foot file on rough areas to smooth them out. Be gentle and cautious when smoothing these areas; you do not want to overdo. You could also consider using a foot scrub with natural exfoliators (e.g., sugar) to remove those rough areas, too.
• Moisturize – Once feet have been cleansed, you should massage a rich foot cream or balm into your feet to moisturize them. Look for creams containing softeners such as shea butter, cocoa butter, and petrolatum. If your feet are severely dry and cracked, consider a visit to a podiatrist or dermatologist for a prescription strength moisturizer.
• Wear Sunscreen – As important as sunscreen is for the rest of your body, it is also incredibly important to apply sunscreen to any parts of your feet that may be exposed during the day. Typically, the tops of your feet may get some sun, but be sure to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more to any exposed areas.
• Provide Support – Using insoles in your shoes can alleviate discomfort when standing or moving around for long periods of time. They provide a little extra cushion and support for your feet. Invest in a pair of insoles that have a plastic shell on the bottom; podiatrists claim that the plastic base is crucial to providing support.
• Treat Fungal Infections – If you are unfortunate enough to have developed a fungal infection on your feet, there is help. Mild cases may be treated with an over-the-counter antifungal treatment, but be certain to wash your feet thoroughly before applying. More severe cases may require a visit to the podiatrist or dermatologist for prescription strength treatment. To prevent fungal infections, do your best to eliminate an environment for fungal growth. Fungi grow in dark, damp conditions, so maintaining basic foot hygiene is essential to preventing its growth. Wash and dry feet thoroughly, focusing special attention between your toes. Use a clean pair of socks and hosiery daily to ward off this unpleasant guest.

With a little extra care and attention and the above tips in tow (pun intended), your feet can be healthy for years to come. Pay special attention to your feet and take good care of them. Your body will thank you for it!