Do you know that climate change impacts the feet? It’s true. In addition to lifestyle factors, such as age and activity level, and medical conditions (like diabetes), the typical weather in a region plays a notable role in the condition of the feet.
Does that mean that if you live in a certain region some foot issues are just impossible to avoid? Fortunately, No! No matter the weather, regular professional pedicures or foot care services and consistent home care using the right products are vitally important to keep the feet and toenails healthy. However, your foot care regimen can be made even more effective if you understand the special foot care needs often encountered in different climates and the best ways to treat and/or prevent them.
COLD CLIMATE ZONES
Populated regions that have very cold winters, like Russia, Canada, Scandinavian Countries and the northern United States, can sometimes experience temperatures dipping below -30˚C (-22˚F)! These frigid temps can wreak havoc on the feet for a number of reasons.
The big reason is modern heating, which draws moisture from indoor air making it extremely dry. This dryness translates into dry, rough and cracked skin on the feet—a situation that (unfortunately) can be easily ignored with boots being frequently worn when venturing outdoors, calluses from pressure are often a consequence.
Many people believe their feet are rough and scratchy simply because they’re dry. However, a fungal or bacterial infection may actually be the culprit. In fact, infections are quite common when feet sweat in winter boots. Untreated, these conditions can present as dry, callused skin with superficial imperfections that don’t go away no matter how much the feet are moisturized. Choose roomy boots that don’t restrict the feet.
The Footlogix® Anti-Fungal Toe Tincture Spray is perfect for the wearers of tight and/or non-breathable footwear whose toenails may be discoloured as a result of a fungal infection. The Footlogix® odourless, spray formulas contain clotrimazole, an anti-fungal agent, or Spiraleen®, an anti-microbial agent, plus other ingredients to transform unsightly nails to their optimum health. Spray the feet and toes twice daily until conditions are resolved. Also, keep boots and shoe bacteria- and odour-free with the Footlogix® Shoe Fresh (Deodorant) Spray, which kills odour-causing bacteria in shoes in seconds.
TROPICAL CLIMATE ZONES
In tropical climate nations, such as the Caribbean, Malaysia, Singapore or southern India are located near the equator and the weather in these regions is typically hot and humid throughout the year, with temperatures averaging 18˚C-40˚C and high annual precipitation. No one is hiding his or her feet here! Instead, feet are often on display in flip-flops or sandals, benefitting from this climate’s moist air. However, other factors common to tropical climates are not so beneficial. First, on the coast, the combination of sand, saltwater and sunburn can be very drying, leading to rough skin and micro-tears in the soles of the feet. Sneakered feet walking on city streets often sweat in the hot temperature zones, creating the optimal environment for bacterial and fungal infections to develop.
When on the beach, experts recommend wearing beach shoes or walking barefoot only in the upper waterline where water is “rinsing” the shoreline. Always cleanse the feet after each barefoot excursion and before walking barefoot indoors. Keep the feet clean and dry and protected regularly.
Consider using a product specially formulated to kill odour-causing bacteria on the feet. Footlogix® Foot Fresh Deodorant Spray contains Tea Tree Oil to neutralize foot odour and Menthol to cool the skin—perfect for a hot climate. If fungal infection such as the Athlete’s Foot develops, relieve peeling, scaling and itching between the toes and irritation associated with fungal infections with Footlogix® Peeling Skin Formula.
DRY, ARID CLIMATE ZONES
Dry climate nations, such as greater parts of Australia, Pakistan and parts of Chile, Nigeria and Peru, seldom get rain and have very little moisture in the air due to evaporation from the heat. This arid atmosphere will quickly make dry skin issues worse. On the feet, severe dryness can lead to deep, painful cracks on the heels and underneath the big toes. It also causes small micro-tears in the skin, making the feet vulnerable to bacterial and fungal infections.
In dry climate weather, to get rid of moisture is bit tough. First, be sure to drink plenty of water, which helps skin cells retain water in hot, low-humidity weather. Moisturize regularly with a product specifically made for very dry skin, such as Footlogix® Very Dry Skin Formula. It also contains Evening Primrose Oil that has anti-inflammatory properties, which help to improve the skin’s structure. Additionally, Urea as a humectant improves the ability of the skin to retain moisture. Apply these products daily as part of your regular skin care treatment.
TEMPERATE CLIMATE ZONES
Temperate climates feature four distinct seasons, experiencing strong (but not extreme) variations in temperature and rain throughout the year. Most of the United States and much of Europe are considered temperate climates, as well as the Mediterranean countries, such as Cyprus, Italy and Malta.
What specific foot issues are often faced in a temperate climate? All of them! Feet in this region can peel and be prone to bacterial and fungal infections during a cold winter and experience extreme dryness and cracking during a dry, hot summer. The key to good foot care in temperate climate zones is to tailor the products and treatments to the individual season—a great reason to get a professional pedicure!
FOOT CARE FOR ALL CLIMATE ZONES
A good professional foot care service effectively reduces calluses and treats the toenails, cuticles, dry keratinized skin, hyperkeratosis (abnormal thickening of the skin) and deep cracks, called fissures/rhagades. The first step in the Footlogix Professional Treatment is Footlogix® Callus Softener. Once applied, the product absorbs into the skin in as little as two to three minutes. The technician then uses a professional stainless steel foot file to gently reduce calluses, followed by a moisturizing massage.
At home, moisturize and protect the skin regularly using products that absorb quickly and contain Urea to lock in moisture, such as Footlogix® Daily Maintenance Formula. This gentle, but effective moisturizer can also be used on the hands and body!
foot care for every climate