KEY POINTS:
We know the summer rules about sunscreen and hydration, but summer is also hell on the feet. Whether they've been sweating in hot shoes or scorching on hot sand, here are some soothing suggestions for giving your tootsies a summer holiday.
Remove rough skin at least once a week with a pumice or file.
Avoid going barefoot outside when you can but do wander around indoors barefoot at the end of the day, to help your feet relax.
If you have cracked heels or toes invest in a good pharmacy brand cream. Smother your feet in it before you go to bed, then - if you can stand it in the heat - wear cotton socks to bed to help your feet absorb the extra moisture.
Wear different shoes, with different heel heights, every day so your feet aren't always cramped into the same position. Swapping shoes also gives them a chance to air out, helping avoid fungal problems.
Give yourself a home pedicure once every week or so. Fill a foot bath or large bowl with warm but not hot water. Add in a few drops of oil (good quality olive oil is great for the skin), and an essential oil in whatever scent takes your fancy.
Remove any old polish, trim and file your toenails straight across to avoid ingrown problems, then place your feet in the water to soak for at least five minutes.
Push the cuticle back with an orange stick, then apply a scrub to your feet, massaging it in, then wash it off. Apply cuticle oil or cream to the nails and massage in, then file the pads of your feet and heels with the foot file.
Rinse and dry your feet, then apply a base coat and colour of nail polish and you're done.
If you have a helper handy, get them to wet a couple of small towels and heat them in the microwave, while your feet are soaking - there's nothing like wrapping your feet in a hot towel.
Top five pedicures in Auckland
* Lucy and the Powder Room, Morrow St, Newmarket. Try the specialty pedicure to improve circulation, $80.
* ProfessioNail, Westfield shopping malls. When your feet need a treat but the bank balance needs a breather, these neat, accessible salons do a great job, for about $45.
* East Day Spa, Albert St. East Day Spa Express pedicure ($70 for 45 minutes) is a great way to touch-up and go, but if you can, indulge in the softening warm milk and sandalwood oil version $80.
* Spa de Serville, Princes Wharf.With the harbour right under the window you can convince yourself that your feet are soaking in the sea. Appropriately, the deluxe pedicure is called Walking on Water, $135.
* Sarah Priddy Nails, Davis Cr, Newmarket. The salon does a gorgeous, hydrating, Intensive Deluxe Foot Therapy for $95.
- Detours, HoS
