Foot Care Beauty Myths Debunked
Beautiful, healthy-looking feet require care, but do you really know the best tips and tricks for an effortless foot care routine? Here we take a look at some foot care myths and reveal what's true and what's not true, so you can get gorgeous feet straight away.
1. File hard skin when it's wet or dry
How you file hard skin really depends on where you do it. If you prefer to carry out your foot care regime in the shower, then you will most likely file hard skin when your feet are wet. Unless you are using a product specially designed to remove hard skin when wet, make sure you don’t file too much as this can leave your feet tender to walk on. If you are removing hard skin when your feet are dry, then we recommend you use an electronic foot file. Amopé™ Pedi Perfect™ Electronic Foot File with Diamond Crystals™ buffs away hard skin effortlessly, thanks to a roller head with diamond crystals, and gives silky smooth results.
2. File your feet weekly
Yes, it's true. It's much better to have a regular foot care regime and file your feet little and often to reduce a buildup of hard skin, than to try to get rid of it all in one go. Do it when your feet are clean, after a bath or shower. Just set aside some time each week to use a hard skin remover so you have beautiful smooth soles effortlessly.
3. You should have regular breaks from wearing nail polish
If you get pedicures regularly, a nail polish 'holiday' from time to time is necessary to restore the health of your nails. Although our nails don't need to 'breathe' because they get nourished from our bloodstream, sealing them up with nail polish 24/7 isn't good for them. If you have polish on your toenails for more than a month and then remove it for your next foot care treatment, you might notice some white, rough patches on the nails. This is called keratin granulation or excessive dehydration of the nail and it causes small areas to flake off. It's easily fixed by keeping polish off your nails for up to three weeks and by integrating a hydrating nail oil into your weekly foot care regime.
4. Cutting toenails incorrectly causes ingrown nails
Yes, that's right -incorrectly cutting your toenails can cause problems. Always cut your toenails straight across and gently file any sharp edges smooth. Never be tempted to curve the edges of your nails with scissors as this is where the problems can start – when the nail grows again, it can start growing into the skin at the side of the nail, causing pain and discomfort.
5. Filing and buffing can weaken nails
No, not necessarily. It's your technique, rather than the action itself that could be causing damage. You need to make sure your filing and buffing techniques aren't affecting the health of your nails. Always file the nail in one direction – sawing back and forth can weaken the nail's edge, causing peeling and breakage. Avoid too much buffing as this can cause friction, build up heat and weaken nails - once every few weeks is enough. For professional results at home, try the Amopé™ Pedi Perfect™ Electronic Nail Care System, which files and buffs your nails and gives them a natural-looking shine effortlessly.
6. Cutting your cuticles is bad for them
It's true – experts strongly discourage cutting your cuticles. Your cuticles form a barrier to protect the nail, so by cutting them there is a risk that they may become infected, especially if you remove too much. Secondly, when they grow back they can look a bit loose and flaky, which can encourage you to pick them and this can also lead to infection. If you really want to do something, just gently push them back with a cuticle stick wrapped in damp cotton wool.
7. Moisturise your feet as often as your face
It's a fact - if you want beautiful, smooth and healthy-looking feet, then daily moisturizing should be an essential part of your beauty regime. After you bathe or shower, concentrate on massaging problem areas like the heels and balls of your feet and apply a specially formulated foot cream such as Amopé™ Pedi Perfect™ Daily Moisturizer Foot Cream, which contains hydrating ingredients that work on the dry skin of the feet.