Top tips for sandy-ready feet

Simple sandals, trendy wedges or peep-toe heels -- no matter what warm-weather shoe you prefer, they all have one thing in common -- showing off your feet. And for many women, well-groomed feet can translate to a greater sense of confidence during sandal season.

That post-pedicure look just makes people feel more “put together.” To maintain this look at home, Sanofi Consumer Healthcare, the makers of new GOLD BOND Ultimate Pedi Smooth, are sharing a few tips for getting your feet sandal-ready this season -- and keeping them that way.

• Soak and Soften: Fill a tub or basin with warm water and essential oils. Then, relax while you soak your feet for 10 minutes to soften calluses and dead skin. For a clarifying, antifungal soak, add a few drops of tea tree oil. For a moisturizing soak, add 1/3 cup of olive oil.

• Exfoliate and Moisturize: Even freshly pedicured feet can get rough and dry pretty fast. To extend the life of your pedicure, try using a foot cream that both exfoliates and moisturizes. For example, GOLD BOND Ultimate Pedi Smooth contains an exfoliating complex of four hydroxy acids and seven intensive moisturizers, a special formulation that has been clinically shown to exfoliate and smooth dry, rough skin. In fact, it enables women to keep their feet sandal ready for up to two weeks after a pedicure.

• Perfect the Polish Process: Remove any excess lotion or old polish from nails before painting on a fresh coat. Apply a base coat, two coats of your favorite polish and a top coat for maximum longevity. Then let nails dry for 10 minutes or more before slipping into shoes.

• Beware of Blisters: As temperatures rise, feet often sweat and swell in shoes, causing chafing and blisters. Before you head outside, protect your feet by applying adhesive bandages to spots that are likely to rub. You can also go a step further to minimize irritation by choosing the right shoes for the weather. Opt for a more structured sandal on hot, humid days and break out your strappy sandals or heels on cooler days.

More information about skin care and innovative foot products can be found at GOLDBONDUltimate.com.

There is no need to hide your feet in the warm weather months. With a bit of care, you can get and keep that soft, smooth, sandal-ready feeling all season long.