Start spring on the right foot

Footcare as summer nears
After a lengthy hibernation, they are finally leaving their den. From the depths of darkest obscurity, they now emerge to face the light of day. As spring begins, they reappear. Of course we’re talking about your feet!

As they prepare to venture beyond the confines of thick woollen socks, we proffer some healthful tips for jumping into the warm season with both feet.

Cleansing
In a season where sandals often replace shoes, regular cleansing of one’s feet is vitally important. This can be done by soaking them in hot, soapy water with a few drops of peppermint oil (a toner) or lavender oil (a relaxant), until your feet soften up. Next, using a damp washcloth and pumice cleanser or a loofah sponge (avoid metal objects), gently rub or scrub your dead, dry skin.

Massaging
It’s also a good idea to keep your feet supple by treating them to an occasional massage. Before you begin, it is best to coat the palms of your hands with a balm containing at least one ingredient that promotes better circulation, such as an essential oil from peppermint, pine, rosemary or camphor.

With both thumbs, massage your feet from the toes to the heel using long, fluid strokes. Exert greater pressure all along the arch and beneath the forefoot, as these areas are usually the most tense.

Strengthening
To make your foot muscles work a little, a simple exercise will do the trick. First, stand barefoot on a smooth floor (tiled, hardwood, etc.) and spread out a small towel on the floor in front of you. Next, position your toes over the towel’s edge.

The exercise consists of grasping the towel with your toes so as to bring it beneath your feet, then releasing the grip. Repeat this movement several times until the towel is completely scrunched up beneath your toes. Finish by doing the same thing, but in reverse.

A touch of colour
A dash of colour is certainly always appreciated, especially as sunny days approach. This summer’s trend is “unstructured” nail art: we’re going abstract! Pick your favourite colours and turn your toenails into works of art.

If the result does not satisfy you or if you prefer turning your feet over to experts, Bota Bota’s Bota Chic is the place for you. Treat your feet to the SpaRitual range of products: completely vegan and DBP-, toluene-, formaldehyde- and formaldehyde-resin-free.