Podiatrists are adamant: this is the area of the foot where you should never apply moisturizer during a pedicure.

The 30-degree mark was passed at the end of the week in several départements. The heat isn’t going to stop any time soon, and your feet will soon be exposed to the sun. Before putting on your sandals or flip-flops, a visit to the pedicurist can make all the difference.

Moisturizing your feet: the first step to take

The first tip from podiatrists is to moisturize your toes, arches and heels. Dry feet cause cracking and fissures. These problems are often the reason for a visit to the chiropodist.

According to the French Union for Foot Health (UFSP), dryness results in rough, hard skin. It can also lead to calluses, described as painful epidermal thickenings. A regular skincare routine is therefore essential.

What’s more, open shoes create more conflict on the heel. According to podiatrist Romain Vayer, this encourages the formation of cracks and fissures.

“It hurts and there’s a risk of infection, because they’re small wounds.”

Cream, yes, but not between the toes

To avoid these complications, podiatrists recommend using a moisturizing cream after showering. This advice is valid all year round. The cream should be applied by massaging the foot from toes to ankle, on meticulously dried feet.

Certain anti-callus creams can reduce the thickness of the horny layer on the heels. In the event of recalcitrant calluses, an appointment with a chiropodist is recommended for appropriate treatment.

• Moisturize your feet every day after a shower
• Massage from tip of toes to ankle
• Never apply cream between the toes
• Consult a pedicurist for persistent calluses
• Dry feet thoroughly before any treatment

In any case, don’t put cream between your toes. According to podiatrist Cécile Cazalet-Raskin, this can lead to maceration. This can cause the skin to crack, creating an entry point for bacteria and fungus.

Prevent blisters before the warm weather arrives

To avoid chafing and blisters caused by straps, we recommend the use of a cream during the summer months. Even if you don’t have dry feet, it’s a good idea to prepare the skin morning and night with an appropriate foot cream.

To prevent blisters, it’s a good idea to get your feet used to your pair of sandals. Wear them for short periods at first. This progressive method limits the risk of injury.

And if a blister does occur, the UFSP recommends a second-skin dressing. This type of dressing is soaked in a protective gel that soothes and heals. The result is faster healing.

The importance of properly preparing new shoes

Tropéziennes or spartan shoes require a period of adaptation. Your feet need to get used to the new contact zones. So start with short outings before the long summer days.

In summer, whatever your activities, nourishing your feet is a priority. Well-prepared skin is more resistant to friction. From now on, you can anticipate the little inconveniences of the hot season.

Which nail polish to choose for nail care

Before putting on your sandals, take care of your nails. They should be cut neither too long nor too short to avoid any inconvenience. A pedicurist can advise you on the right length.

Podiatrists advise against keeping semi-permanent nail polish on for the summer. According to Romain Vayer, it will damage the nail because it won’t breathe. At the end of August or beginning of September, when you remove it, it will be crumbling or pitted.

Cécile Cazalet-Raskin recommends using a base coat and a classic varnish. This should be changed regularly to check nail health. In short, this simple habit allows you to detect any problems in good time.

With these simple gestures, your feet will be ready for sandals and flip-flops. An appointment with a pedicurist remains the best option for a complete treatment before the summer of 2026.

• pedicure