Dan's Papers - June 15, 2007 - Skin Deep with Samantha Altea

There's nothing better than feeling the sand between your toes on a beautiful summer's day. After being encased in socks, stockings and shoes all winter long, our tootsies finally have the chance to break free, to breathe and "bare" it all, whether just out and about in sandals or flip flops, by the pool or simply meandering down the beach. Our feet are so much a part of summer livin' and on display most of the time, that it's very important to get them ready, that is both looking and feeling great. To this end, I contacted Joanna Czech, polish born, famed aesthetician who makes the likes of Uma Thurman, Kyra Sedgwick, Vanessa Redgrave, Sting and Christy Turlington picture perfect, from head...to TOE. Czech recently opened Sava spa NY (www.savaspa.com) and agreed to give me some toe-tingling advice for those who are kicking up their heals in the Hamptons this summer. So, how does one get foot ready? According to Czech, "winter often leaves feet dry and cracked, so it is important to follow appropriate pedicure regimens to keep them at their best and provide the proper moisture for healing. A pedicure isn't just about the polish."

Between pedicures try the following tips from Czech:

1. EXFOLIATE
It's important to exfoliate and reveal new skin after winter. This alone will significantly improve the foot's appearance. Use a pumice stone or similar buffing tool on dry, callused areas.

2. SOAK
Give your feet a nice soak for at least ten minutes. Water should be comfortably warm, not overly hot. Add favorite scented oils or herbs to the water to soften skin and enhance the experience.

3. BUFF
After feet have been soaked and are soft, buffing will soften the skin even further. Pay attention to areas that are still rough even after the soak. Men's feet are usually less abused than women's due to the female tendency to wear high heels and sandals, so women often need more exfoliating and buffing,

4. MOISTURIZE
After making sure feet and lower legs are dry, quickly apply a lotion or butter. Those made especially for feet are best as they tend to be thicker and provide ultimate moisture.

5. PERFECT
Trim and file nails with the appropriate tools followed by buffing the surface of the nail, which will make the polish adhere longer. Apply oil to nail beds and push back cuticles. If cuticles seem cracked and dry, try using a balm instead of oil, which is better at retaining moisture.

Color and shaping trends

"For summer light colors are best - shears, and especially white! It gives a clean look and makes feet look bronzed," says Czech. "I always recommend the shear 'Summer' color from my Sava Spa's polish line."

Unlike fingernails, the shape of a toenail shouldn't really change. It should agree with the base of the nail, usually a mix between oval and square, but never too square as this is unnatural looking.

I asked Czech if there are any special considerations for foot care in the summer heat or at the beach and pool, where most of my readers spend their spare time during the summer. "Since the heat of summer causes a lot of sweating, maybe try a lighter moisturizer if you use something during the day, maybe a foam rather than a thick balm or butter. It's important to remember the SPF on the feet - especially on the sole of the feet - when lying out in the sun. This skin is very sensitive and needs to be protected properly." Another great tip for summer is Olan's topcoat, which has an ingredient that prevents discoloration from the sun for lighter polish colors. Sand is a great exfoliate and salt water is an excellent softener. Sun and sandal wearing can dry and crack feet, but proper care on a regular basis can prevent this. Always wear sandals when walking around pools just to be safe.

Even if you're not an A-lister you can still have beautiful feet by practicing Czech's tips between pedicures. Why should we just leave it to celebrities, or penguins to have...HAPPY FEET!