Social media is full of expert tips, including from professionals sharing health advice. Two UK podiatrists from a Sheffield clinic recently shared a video titled “Five Things Orthopedists Would Never Do.” Podiatry, a medical field focused on foot and ankle health, combines orthopedics, trauma care, surgery, and neurosurgery. Their insights reveal four beauty practices that damage your nails and skin, especially on your feet. Here’s what to avoid, why these habits hurt, and how to care for your feet smarter, straight from the experts.
1. Using Exfoliating Pedicure Socks
Exfoliating pedicure socks, soaked in acids like lactic acid, promise smooth feet by peeling dead skin. But the podiatrists warn against them. “I’ve seen too many patients with painful feet after using these,” one doctor says. While lactic acid softens rough skin in professional pedicures, at-home socks apply it broadly, often burning or drying healthy skin. Chemical peels can cause irritation or burns if misused.
- Why It Harms: Uncontrolled acid damages delicate skin, leading to redness, peeling, or infections.
- Safer Alternative: Soak feet in warm water with Epsom salts and use a soft pumice stone to exfoliate.
- Pro Tip: Moisturize with a urea-based cream afterward to lock in hydration.
2. Wearing Closed Shoes Without Socks
2. Wearing Closed Shoes Without SocksGoing sockless in sneakers or flats—known as the “sockless” trend—is risky. “It’s like wearing the same unwashed socks daily,” one podiatrist explains. Feet produce up to 300 milliliters of sweat daily, creating a bacterial breeding ground. Without socks, sweat and friction raise infection risks in cuts or blisters. Flat-soled shoes like ballet flats also deform the foot’s arch, increasing the chance of longitudinal flatfoot or toe deformities.
- Why It Harms: Bacteria thrive in sweaty, unprotected feet, and flat shoes worsen structural issues.
- Safer Alternative: Wear breathable cotton socks and choose shoes with arch support, like cushioned sneakers.
- Pro Tip: Rotate shoes daily to let them dry, reducing bacterial buildup.
3. Cutting the Cuticle
Clipping cuticles during manicures or pedicures is common but harmful. “Cuticles protect the nail’s growth zone from infections,” a podiatrist notes. Removing them exposes the nail bed to bacteria, risking infections like paronychia (red, swollen skin around the nail). Constant cutting dries and hardens cuticles, causing nail peeling or splitting.
- Why It Harms: Stripped cuticles invite germs and weaken nails, leading to brittleness or inflammation.
- Safer Alternative: Gently push back cuticles after soaking with a wooden stick and hydrate with cuticle oil containing vitamin E.
- Pro Tip: Apply oil daily to keep cuticles soft and nails strong.
4. Shaving Calluses with Razor Blades
Using a razor to shave calluses or corns is dangerous. “Feet are far from your eyes, making injuries easy,” the doctors warn. Razors can cut too deep, causing wounds that invite infections, especially in hard-to-see areas. At-home callus removal tools increase infection rates. Softer methods are safer and effective.
- Why It Harms: Razor cuts risk bleeding, scarring, or bacterial infections like cellulitis.
- Safer Alternative: Soak feet in warm water for 10 minutes, then file calluses with a pumice stone or foot file.
- Pro Tip: Follow with a thick moisturizer to soften skin and prevent callus regrowth.
The Common Mistake
The biggest error is assuming these beauty practices are safe because they’re trendy. Social media promotes hacks like pedicure socks or sockless styles, but they often lack expert backing. Another mistake is ignoring early issues—redness, peeling, or nail changes—thinking they’ll resolve on their own. Prioritize gentle, professional-recommended care over viral trends.
How to Protect Your Nails and Skin
This 5–10 minute routine, inspired by the podiatrists’ advice, keeps your feet and nails healthy without risky beauty practices.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Soak and Exfoliate Safely
Fill a basin with warm water and a tablespoon of Epsom salts. Soak feet for 10 minutes to soften skin. Gently scrub rough spots with a pumice stone, avoiding healthy skin. Dry thoroughly.- Tip: Add a drop of tea tree oil to the soak for antibacterial benefits.
- Care for Nails and Cuticles
Trim nails straight across with sharp clippers to prevent ingrown nails. Gently push back cuticles with a wooden stick after soaking—don’t cut. Apply cuticle oil and massage into nails and skin.- Tip: File nails into a square shape to reduce splitting.
- Moisturize and Protect
Apply a urea-based foot cream to hydrate heels and prevent calluses. For hands, use a hand cream with shea butter or jojoba oil to nourish skin and nails. Wear cotton socks with closed shoes to reduce sweat and friction.- Tip: Moisturize nightly to maintain soft skin and strong nails.
- Choose Supportive Footwear
Opt for shoes with arch support and cushioning, like athletic sneakers or loafers with insoles. Avoid flat-soled ballet flats or tight shoes that strain the foot’s arch.- Tip: Use orthotic inserts if prone to flatfoot or foot pain.
Why These Practices Matter
Why These Practices MatterExfoliating socks, sockless shoes, cuticle cutting, and razor shaving seem harmless but can cause burns, infections, nail damage, or foot deformities. These habits, popularized online, often ignore long-term harm flagged by podiatrists. Avoiding them protects your skin’s barrier, nail health, and foot structure, saving you from pain and costly treatments.
What You’ll Get
In 5–10 minutes daily, you’ll adopt foot and nail care habits that prevent damage, using items like pumice stones and moisturizers you likely own. Within a week, you’ll notice softer skin, stronger nails, and fewer irritations, plus confidence in dodging harmful trends. Your feet and hands will thank you.
Start Caring Smarter Today
Don’t let trendy beauty hacks harm your nails and skin. Skip the pedicure socks, wear socks with shoes, leave cuticles alone, and ditch razors for calluses. Follow the podiatrists’ advice for healthy, happy feet and hands. Start this simple routine now, and keep your nails and skin in top shape
