Summer has come and gone, which means it's time to put away the flip flops but before you hibernate your feet in shoes and boots for the next six months, reserve a bit of time for a fall pedicure. Although we naturally think of summer as the time to pay attention to our feet, it's equally important to take care of rough spots and callouses that may have developed over the past few months. Going barefoot, walking on the beach and wearing flip flops every day can wreak havoc with your feet, but these few simple steps will refresh, repair and get them as soft and smooth as they were at the beginning of summer:

1. Give your nails a break from the polish. More than likely your toenails have been happily showing off bright summer colors for the past few months, but nail polish and removers can dry, damage and discolor nails. Gently buffing will help remove some of the discoloration as well as giving the nails a high-shine finish, without the chemicals.

2. Have a relaxing soak. Start with a tub of warm water, add Epsom salts and a few drops of peppermint oil. Soaking not only refreshes tired feet but will soften the skin and prepare it for Step 3.

3. Scrub away the rough spots. Minimize future pain and discomfort by gently scrubbing callouses and heels with a pumice stone or foot file. Remove dry dead skin on the tops of the feet by using an exfoliating scrub like [Link Removed] . We're more than halfway there!

4. Pat feet dry and slather on a rich cream. Try [Link Removed] with 10% urea to repair dry, cracked skin and soften callouses.

5. Reward yourself with a new pair of boots.

Okay, Step 5 is optional, but after all, don't you need something to replace the flip flops?

Sharmani Pillay is a Registered Pharmacist who specializes in anti aging skin care and women's wellness. She owns and operates an online skin care store at [Link Removed]

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