Whether you’re enjoying a staycation or jetting off on a summer holiday, August is prime time for sandals, beach strolls and barefoot moments. With your feet more exposed than usual, it’s the perfect time to give them a little more care and attention.

Our feet are our foundations and they deserve to not only look good, but also be treated well. We hide them away under socks for many months of the year, often only giving them the care they need when a problem arises, so why not take the opportunity in the warmer weather to give them a little extra TLC.

If you can’t afford a trip to the podiatrist, there are many foot tools available to us at minimal cost which, with a little skill, allow DIY treatments from the comfort of our own homes. Here are a few useful tips for treating your feet this summer.

Hygiene
Daily hygiene is essential and should include washing your feet, followed by thorough drying, especially between the toes. This simple procedure will help to prevent fungal infections like athlete’s foot. Such an important step that takes so little time.

Nail care
If you wear nail polish, it’s best to use a non-acetone product to remove it, as acetone removers are very harsh and can thin the nail plate. Allow your feet to have a good soak in warm water for at least ten minutes; you can add an essential oil if you wish. I usually opt for a few drops of tea tree oil, which softens the feet and nails.

Look for a stainless steel nail trimmer and clip the nails straight across – avoid trimming down the side of the nail. Any edges can be filed down with an emery board for a smooth finish. Most dermatologists advise not to cut your cuticles. Instead, gently push them down after a good soak.

Hard skin
If you have calluses or corns, use a pumice stone or callus file to very gently reduce this hard skin. It might be prudent to take your time and do this over a few sessions. There are many good electric hard skin removers that file the dead skin off efficiently. They’re worth investing in, as you can use them for months and years to come.

Exfoliation
Many of us exfoliate our face and body, but forget that our feet really appreciate a good exfoliation, too. From the tips of the toes to the soles of our feet, give them a good going-over once a week. There are specific exfoliators available for feet, but you can also use any exfoliator you have to hand.

Moisturise
After the above procedures, it’s time to apply a lovely rich moisturiser to your feet. Pop on a pair of cotton socks before bed and you’ll wake up to fabulous-feeling feet.

Polish
Bright-coloured polish looks great in the summer when your toes are popping out of sandals or given the freedom of barefoot roaming. Apply as you would on your hands; first a base coat, followed by two coats of polish, finishing with a top coat to protect the polish and extend the colour.

It takes a little time for polish to dry, but there are various quick-dry sprays on the market to hasten the drying time, and they often add a nice glossy finish. Remember to give your nails a breather from polish after the summer to avoid the yellowing of nails and ridges.