That's why because our feet are often enclosed in shoes throughout the year, so subconsciously we follow the so-called path of least resistance that what is hidden from view doesn't require much attention. Many of us easily forget that our feet need continuous care to be healthy and beautiful.

Throughout the year, just like our face, hair, hands, or other parts of the body that are exposed to the views of others, our feet deserve daily care too. Even though sometimes we lack the will or are too tired to give our feet what they need, we know deep down that what is less visible is not less important, right?

Moreover, our feet deserve special gratitude and attention because they are our big and tireless workers, making around 5000 steps daily on average, which is about 4.5 kilometers...

Therefore, continuous foot care means daily care, and it's more than just washing your feet while showering. But we only realize this when we dive into the shoe closet to pull out our summer footwear, sandals with straps that hide nothing, flip-flops with heels, and those flat, cute flip-flops that are incredibly comfortable, open-toed heels for evening outings when we want to be summery glamorous...

Yes, yes, it's only then that we remember to look down, and very often, what we see is not flattering... And then come the urgent calls to pedicure salons to save us... Or better yet, to save as much as possible the day before going to the seaside.

That's why we write about the health, beauty, and care of feet and heels... And that's continuous care, which lasts all year round, of course.

Why do heels get hardened?

One of the most common problems we deal with is - hard heels. Who hasn't encountered that? There isn't anyone on this planet who hasn't. Whatever we do to them, that hard rim, which seems like some impure force glued to the edge of the heel, just won't soften. And even when it does soften, when it seems to be conquered, that hardness returns very quickly... What's the problem? Why does that hard layer form on the heels and how to get rid of it?

First, thickening of the skin isn't a problem visible only on the heels. It also appears on other parts of the feet, so we can feel the hard skin under our toes, on the outer edge of the soles, on the foot pads, on the big toe, sometimes even on other toes...

So, the battle isn't territorially limited to the heel, although it's the most demanding. The reasons for thickening of the skin on the soles are related to inadequate care during the year when our feet are in shoes and boots, but that's not the only cause.

Thickening of the skin on the soles will be a bigger problem for people who are overweight because the pressure of the body on the soles is simply much greater than for people who watch their weight. Another reason is inappropriate footwear, which compresses the foot, and the third are genetic predispositions because there is also an inherited tendency to develop hard skin.

The problem of hard heels and other parts of the soles is more pronounced, believe it or not, in summer. But not because these thickening are visible, but because in summer we wear more open shoes like flip-flops, slippers, and sandals, often with flat soles, which leads to continuous rubbing of the heels and they get - thicker.

We often forget to carefully care for our feet because they are hidden in shoes for most of the year. This is a mistake that can result in numerous aesthetic and health problems. They need constant care and attention for beauty and health...

In extreme cases, it may happen that these thickened areas crack like dry soil and expose raw flesh, which is a serious, not only aesthetic but also health problem. In such situations, the heel may bleed, every step we take is painful, and the open slits on the heel are perfect for collecting any dirt that enters the body through the wound...

Some feet, for example, don't respond well to summer conditions, sea salt, and walking barefoot on stones... Others don't respond well to winter conditions, when the skin dries out even more because of heating... However, the solution to all foot problems is care, and feet, those little platforms that carry us throughout our lives, will repay us with health and beauty.

How to solve the problem of skin thickening on the soles?

In those really critical situations, it's best to seek professional help at a pedicure salon. Educated people know how to use a scalpel, safely, painlessly, and quickly remove thickened skin that forms due to cell death in the outer layer of the skin on the soles.

The process of cell death and the creation of new cells lasts from three to five weeks, so it's not a bad idea to have a professional pedicure every month and a half. But we can do a lot ourselves, with foot baths, lemon, baking soda, essential oils, and similar natural allies that each of us has at home. And, of course, with foot care creams, which will ensure that they are soft and nourished. Just 15 to 20 minutes of soaking in warm water daily (or at least twice a week) and a good cream will work wonders...

Although from adolescence, we have scrapers and foot files in bathrooms for scraping and softening heels, we shouldn't overdo it. Experts warn that daily scraping of the feet, especially the heels, isn't good because it dries them out and makes them rough... Especially if metal scrapers of greater sharpness are used, which ruin the edge of the heel. So, occasional scraping is okay, excessive isn't, and between two scrapings, it will be enough to thoroughly rub the softened soles after showering with a slightly rough towel.

Foot Bath

Foot baths are a real blessing for the feet. Additionally, they contribute to relaxation and stress reduction as we feel our feet relaxing and enjoying the water, which is almost hot, or as warm as we can tolerate. Soaking the feet is best done in the evening, shortly before bedtime.

It is desirable for the foot bath to last at least 20 minutes and to be applied at least twice a week. In addition to benefiting foot health, foot soaking contributes to an overall better feeling in the body and mind, and after a month or two of regular foot soaking, we will generally feel fresher and more focused.

Among the many natural recipes for foot baths that can be prepared at home, here is one:

In five liters of well-heated water, add two to three tablespoons of baking soda, which is a true magician as it combats fungi, removes dead cells, relieves itching, and irritation.

Grate a piece of ginger into the water, which stimulates blood circulation, then add five to six drops of tea tree essential oil, which also fights fungi, and 10 drops of orange essential oil for a better mood.

After soaking and relaxing the feet in warm water, all that's left is to gently dry the feet with a soft towel and nourish them with a quality foot care cream or shea butter, almond oil, or coconut oil.

Six Tips for Maintaining the Beauty and Health of Feet and Heels

1. GOOD MOISTURIZATION OF THE FEET

Since our body is mostly made up of water, it's clear that moisture is necessary for the health of the skin on the feet. It would be good to incorporate foot and heel balm or some natural oil into the daily routine in the morning and evening.

2. FOOT SKIN EXFOLIATION

Just like on the rest of the body, dead cells on the feet should be removed. Therefore, exfoliation is indispensable in care. It can be done with a quality product or, for example, a mixture of coconut oil and coarse sea salt.

3. SOFTENING OF THE SKIN

This is our famous foot soaking bath we talked about in this text, after which not only our feet but our whole selves feel like we are going to fly.

4. COMFORTABLE FOOTWEAR

Is there anything worse than the feeling of distress caused by shoes that squeeze your feet from all sides? At some point, you think your foot bones and heels will burst from pressure, right? So it's important to be careful when buying shoes to make sure they are comfortable, preferably made of natural materials that allow the feet to breathe... Besides all that, it's also good to pay attention not to wear the same shoes for too long...

5. SEEK PROFESSIONAL HELP IN A CRISIS

So, if you see that the time of neglecting your feet has taken its toll, if the heels are getting harder and harder, and painful cuts appear on some parts of them, seek professional help. Sometimes a visit to a pedicure salon will be enough, but if necessary, do not skip the visit to the dermatologist or at least your family doctor.

6. DON'T FORGET ABOUT YOUR TOENAILS!

Finally, but not least – DON'T FORGET ABOUT YOUR TOENAILS! Check every day if they need trimming, if they are perhaps growing into the surrounding tissue, if they change color because they are infected with some fungus... Nail plate indicates problems in the general health of the body. Do not ignore any changes in your toenails, keep them healthy and beautiful...

Our Recommendation

From the range of NiKEL products, we highlight a few carefully crafted products, which, like all products from NiKEL lines, are made from 100% natural ingredients, composed with a lot of knowledge and love... If your feet are tired and heavy, the lifesaving solution is the cooling Chestnut Foot Gel. Dry feet, as well as the whole body, will greatly appreciate the rich Rose Butter, which contains wild rose oil, as well as almond, sunflower, jojoba, avocado oils, cocoa butter, and plenty of vitamin E... There is also the Regenerative Foot and Heel Balm, which is capable of softening any skin thickening...

Just as you enjoy your well-groomed face, hair, or hands, enjoy your beautiful, well-groomed, and healthy feet and legs!