Your hands and feet go through a lot on a daily basis. They bear the brunt of your everyday activities and can often be the first to show signs of wear and tear. That’s why it’s important to take good care of your hands and feet – not only to keep them looking their best but also to prevent problems down the road.

So what are the best ways to keep your hands and feet looking their best? Read on to find out!

The Importance of Hand and Foot Care

Your hands and feet are two of the most important – and hardest working – parts of your body. They’re constantly in use, which can often lead to problems such as dry skin, calluses, and cracked heels. That’s why it’s so important to take good care of your hands and feet daily. By keeping them clean, moisturized, and free of dead skin, you’ll not only improve their appearance but also prevent potential problems down the road. In addition, paying attention to any changes in your hands and feet – such as new growths, bumps, or changes in color – can help you catch problems early on, when they’re typically easier to treat. So take the time to care for your hands and feet – your body will thank you for it!

Tips for Good Hand and Foot Care

Here are some tips to help you keep your hands and feet looking their best:

1. Keep them clean. Wash your hands and feet regularly with soap and water. Be sure to scrub your nails, too, to remove any dirt or debris that can lead to infection.
2. Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize. Dry skin is one of the most common problems people have with their hands and feet. To help prevent dryness, be sure to apply a moisturizer to your hands and feet regularly – after bathing, after washing your hands, and before bedtime are all good times to moisturize.
3. Exfoliate. Exfoliating your hands and feet helps to remove dead skin cells that can build up and lead to dry, rough patches. You can exfoliate with a store-bought scrub or make your own using sugar or salt and a little bit of oil. Just be sure not to exfoliate too often, as this can irritate your skin.
4. Pay attention to your nails. Keep your fingernails and toenails trimmed and filed and be sure to clean under them regularly. This will help prevent nails from becoming excessively long or thick, which can make them more difficult to trim and more likely to harbor dirt and bacteria.
5. Wear supportive shoes. Your feet take a lot of abuse, so it’s important to wear shoes that offer support. This is especially important if you have flat feet or high arches, as these conditions can lead to problems such as Plantar Fasciitis. If you’re not sure what type of shoe is best for you, ask a salesperson at a local shoe store for help. By following these tips, you can help keep your hands and feet looking and feeling their best.

Treating hand and foot problems

Even with the best care, you may still find yourself with the occasional problem areas on your hands and feet. Here are some tips for treating common problems:

Dry skin: If you have dry skin, you may notice that your skin is flaky, itchy, or tight. To help relieve dry skin, use a moisturizer that’s meant for your skin type, and try to avoid long, hot baths or showers, which can strip your skin of its natural oils.

Calluses: Calluses are thick, hardened areas of skin that develop from repeated rubbing or pressure. If you have a callus, you may notice that it’s dry, rough, and often darker in color than the skin around it. To help treat a callus, use an over-the-counter callus pad or gel, and try to avoid the activities that led to the callus in the first place.

Cracked heels: Cracked heels can be both unsightly and painful. To help relieve cracked heels, use a heel balm or cream that’s meant for your feet, and try to keep your feet moisturized by applying a cream or lotion every day. In addition, avoid wearing shoes that don’t fit well or that put excessive pressure on your heels.

If you have a problem area on your hand or foot that doesn’t seem to be improving with home treatment, be sure to see a doctor or podiatrist for further evaluation and treatment. 

Prevention is key!

One of the best ways to keep your hands and feet looking their best is to prevent problems from happening in the first place. Here are some tips for preventing common foot problems:

• Cleanse with a high-quality soap and minimize the use of hand sanitizers unless necessary. Our Gentle Cream Cleanser does not strip natural oils from you skin so it’s perfect for your hands as well as your face. And always follow up with a quality Hand and Body Lotion.
• Exfoliate your feet once or twice a month with one of Skin Actives exfoliating products or make your own foot scrub.
  • Use our Vitamin C Serum 20% or Pumpkin Exfoliant and rub gently into clean feet. Wait 3-5 minutes and wash off.
  • Use Ascorbic Acid Crystals and Sea Kelp Bioferment as an exfoliating foot scrub. Rinse and moisturize.
  • Or when you are using our Vitamin A Cream on your face at night, add some to your heels as well.
• Lock in moisture after a bath or shower with Squalane or Rosehip Seed Oil or try our Every Lipid Serum. Try Ultimate Moisturizing Cream or the Base Body Cream for a soft, smooth finish to pampering your hands and feet.
• Don’t forget your toenails and fingernails. Nail polish, gels and acrylics are harsh on nails. Nourish your nails with our Nail Serum and Nail and Cuticle Oil. Use daily to help replenish the lost nutrients from harsh manis and pedis or just every day life. 

There are so many ways to take care of your hands and feet. What every day products do you use on your face that can be used on your hands and feet too. Join our Facebook group and share your favorite ways to improve the appearance of your hands and feet.