REVEAL SILKY SMOOTH FEET
Want SILKY SMOOTH feet?
Then read on…
Do you think cracked heels are part and parcel of how your feet are?
It’s not!
Why cracked heels can stem from both external (dry hot or cool air, build up of skin, lack of moisture, open back shoes, standing for long periods of time) and internal factors (nutritional deficiencies, poor circulation, eczema/psoriasis, advancing age, being overweight) there is something you can do about it.
Dryness of the feet can happen from time to time, but cracking of the heels is NOT normal and can be the start of a bigger problem.
If the cracks become deeper they can be very painful AND can even become infected… AND… you open yourself to bacteria entering your blood stream, increasing the risk of infection and inflammation in the body!!
EEEEK!!
Our primary interface with the external environment, is both your SKIN and GUT (from the oral cavity)... both are essential to the maintenance of normal healthy functioning and balance.
📚 “Cumulative evidence has demonstrated an intimate, bidirectional connection between the gut and skin, and numerous studies link gastrointestinal (GI) health to skin homeostasis and allostasis (i.e. achieving stability through change)”
Your skin maintains the skin’s immune response and when meeting ‘pathogenic’ bacteria it activates cells to protect against infection. But IF your heels are cracked you are UNNECESSARILY activating your Immune system on a daily basis!
Your skin also has a delicate ACID MANTLE… a protective hydro-lipid (water/fat) film, your skin’s shield of armour… that…
Stops bacteria, fungi and viruses from permeating your skin and entering your bloodstream.
Protects the skin against environmental stressors – dust, pollution, heat, cold etc.
Often when skin becomes comprised, i.e. cracks in our heels, we apply pharmaceutical topical creams, ointments etc. however studies show these have a detrimental effect on both the Skin Microbiome AND Gut Microbiome!
So… how do you get silky smooth feet? Well its best to tackle the problem both externally and internally.
Let me explain the steps to take, to care for your FEET (externally). However… IF you have VERY CRACKED FEET (i.e. with FISSURES) then it is highly recommended to visit a PODIATRIST and get A MEDICAL PEDICURE. They use sterile equipment and techniques to treat the feet. I highly recommend JS PODIATRY if you live in Perth!
Now let’s get your feet silky smooth… First, get your equipment ready. You’ll need… Large bucket (or laundry sink), Kettle boiled, Large towel, Optional Epsom salts, Pumice stone, Olive oil, Raw sugar, Moisturizing crème, Pair of socks, 2 x Plastic bags.
Now, let’s get started…
Soak your feet in warm to hot water for 30-mins... You don’t need a footbath; you can use the laundry/bathroom sink or a bucket. If doing in a bucket, lay a large towel underneath. Boil kettle and pour into the bucket and then top with cold water until warm. Add a tablespoon of Epsom salts to every 2-litres of warm water (but JUST warm water is fine if you don’t have Epsom salts.). TIP: Keep the kettle of boiled water next to you so you can keep topping up your bucket with hot water as it starts to cool (but make sure you take your feet out before pouring in the boiling water!) Also, get a magazine or book so you can relax, or use the opportunity to do NOTHING (i.e. mindfulness).
Exfoliate feet… Once you have finished soaking take one foot out of the water and with a natural pumice stone, or a man-made Chiropody Sponge (from the chemist) gently scrub your heels. If you have VERY cracked heels you won’t be able to get them smooth on the first go, it will take a few weeks of regular care (or get a medical pedicure here)
Scrub feet… After soaking and removing the hard skin, scrub your feet, rubbing vigorously to stimulate blood flow and smooth skin. I use a mix of Olive oil and raw sugar which stimulates circulation and also makes them feel silky smooth. Pat feet dry afterwards.
Moisturise feet... Ideally use an Organic crème, as non-organic crèmes have chemicals in them that dry skin leading to further cracking. Voi’s ‘The Ultimate Organic Crème’ is rich in healing and soothing oils that help to repair dry and cracked heels while adding a boost of moisture. TIP… Ask that special someone to massage your feet for you! Or do what we do, we do it together and massage each other’s feet ❣️
Heat treatment… Place a plastic bag over each foot and the put on socks. The heat works to open pores increasing moisturise absorption thus aiding in skin repair. I have sometimes cleaned the house with my plastic bags and socks on – anything for smooth heels! I leave on for 1-2 hrs, but you can do as little as 30-minutes.
Internally… there’s also a lot you can do, to nourish your skin from the inside out
Cracked heels may indicate a deficiency in Omega 3’s. Foods high in Omega 3’s are flaxseeds, chia seeds, walnuts, soybeans, tofu, Brussel sprouts and cauliflower (listed in order of most to least).
A deficiency in Zinc can result in cracked and dry heels. Zinc is directly involved in cell division, cell growth and wound healing. Foods rich in zinc are grass fed organic lamb and beef, wheatgerm, sesame and pumpkin seeds.
Vitamins E is a powerful antioxidant that repairs and protects the skin. It can be found in sunflower seeds, avocado, peanuts, hazelnuts, almonds, pine nuts, dried herbs such as oregano, basil, and parsley, dried apricots avocado, broccoli and kale.
Water, water, water… Dehydration is a major cause of dry skin. You need one litre of water for every 30kg of body weight. Ideally drink one glass of water every hour.
There are also a number of natural remedies for cracked heels. Whilst I haven’t tried all of them… clients have reported that they work!
Mash a ripe banana and apply to the cracked area put on plastic bags and socks to hold in place. Leave on for 10 minutes. (Haven’t tried)
Using the thick part of the (natural) yoghurt on the lid and around the rim of the container apply to the base of the feet, especially the heels. The lactic acid works to dissolve dead skin cells. Leave on for 10 minutes. (I liked this one!!)
Blend one cup of full cream milk with a cup of honey. Soak feet for 15-20 minutes. (I liked this one!!)
Soak 1-2 cups of oatmeal in a bowl of warm water for 20 mins until the water becomes milky. Add the liquid when soaking feet. (Haven’t tried)
Let me know how you go once you’ve done it and how your feet feel by leaving a comment below 👇
If you want to know more about my programs that are designed to IMPROVE your Gut health which improves your Skin health then head HERE or if you want to eat your way back to health and feed your skin from the inside out then check out my Gut Health Recipe Compendium. Nat xx