The summer months are hot, humid, and sometimes downright miserable. As such, it is important to take care of your feet and skin all summer long. You can take a number of precautions, and adhering to these can save you pain and suffering later down the line.

Do Not Forget the SPF

These days, it seems women buy facial moisturizers and foundations packed with SPF because they understand the dangers of UVA and UVB. However, despite this fact, women still leave many parts of their body untreated. Even after 15 minutes of exposure, changes begin to occur at the cellular level. For this reason, be sure to wear your SPF anywhere that skin is exposed – your shoulders, your legs, and even your feet on days when you feel like thongs or strappy sandals.

Protect Against Fungus

Toenail fungus is unsightly. It causes dark, yellow, thick, ridged nails, and it often seems impossible to treat. Fortunately, there are plenty of foot nail fungus treatment options available these days. Paint-on antifungals rarely work because they cannot penetrate the surface of the skin and the nail, where the problem actually lies. Doctors may prescribe pills, but these often lead to nausea and other side effects. In fact, laser skin resurfacing actually works for such fungus, and more and more physicians perform this procedure. It only takes a few minutes, and the results are amazing.

Moisturize

One of the most important things you can do for your skin in the summer is to keep it moisturized, and you will need to do this in two ways. First, make sure that you drink plenty of moisture to replace what your body loses in the hot summer sun. A hydrated body means hydrated skin that glows. You will also want to apply moisturizer to your face, body, and feet daily. Finding a good, long-lasting moisturizer that contains natural ingredients like aloe or cocoa butter will serve you well.

Exfoliate

No matter how hard you try to prevent it, dry, dead, flaky skin will inevitably become noticeable not only on your feet, but also on your knees, elbows, and other areas. A good exfoliating scrub a few times a week can help you deal with these unsightly dry patches. For even more relief from the summer heat, choose an exfoliating foot scrub containing peppermint essential oils. These make you feel rejuvenated and relaxed – and they smell amazing, too.

Make Lip Balm Part of Your Routine

Women who already follow much of the advice here for protecting their skin and feet during the summer often forget about one very important part of their bodies – their lips. The lips are incredibly sensitive since the skin here is so thin and fragile, so it is important to invest in a good lip balm that provides ample protection and does not easily wash away. Reapply frequently throughout the day, especially after eating and drinking, to get maximum protection.

When you follow the five tips listed above, there is no doubt that your skin all over your body, including on your feet, will thank you. You can radiate a youthful glow and walk with a bounce in your step all summer long.