Trade in calluses for soft, smooth feet.

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Summer is definitely callus season! Bare sandals and an increase in activity can cause dead skin cells to build up on the bottoms of our feet, resulting in hard, discolored calluses. Here, some steps to take to prevent them:

• Buy properly-fitting shoes. When shoes are too small or too big, they can cause friction against the skin; too much friction causes calluses. Have your feet measured when you buy shoes (sandals included) to get the right fit.
• Switch shoes often. Wearing the same strappy sandals for days can increase the likelihood of developing calluses. Instead, wear sandals one day and sneakers with sport socks the next.
• Slough calluses daily. A pumice stone or foot file is inexpensive and works wonders at keeping feet soft. Use in the shower, working in small circles against your skin.
• Soften at night. A lotion containing a high concentration of alpha-hydroxy acids adds to the exfoliating benefits of daily shower sloughing. Since wearing lotion on your feet during the day can get messy and slippery, apply a lotion such as DDF Pedi-Cream to feet at night. Cover with socks for better efficacy.