Our feet carry us through life every day, yet they are often neglected. Regular, thorough foot care is not just a question of looks but also of well-being. In this article you'll learn why well-groomed feet matter so much, how to care for them properly step by step and when it's better to see a specialist.

Why is foot care important?

Healthy skin and nails

• Regular care helps prevent dry skin and cracks through which germs can enter more easily.
• Correctly trimmed toenails help prevent ingrown nails.

More comfort and well-being

• Smooth, soft feet feel more pleasant and make shoes more comfortable to wear.
• Pressure points and hard skin can be reduced with regular care.

Hygiene and protection

• Well-cared-for, dry feet help prevent unpleasant odours.
• Fungi and bacteria thrive in warm, moist conditions – so drying thoroughly and wearing breathable shoes are the most important prevention.

Step by step to perfect foot care

1. Foot bath – the basis for well-groomed feet

• Relax for 10 minutes in warm (not hot) water with a mild, nourishing additive.
• Don't soak too long: very long foot baths soften the skin a lot and tend to dry it out afterwards.
• Then dry thoroughly – especially between the toes.

2. Gently remove hard skin

• After the bath, carefully remove excess hard skin with a foot file or pumice stone.
• Don't remove too much: some hard skin is a natural protective layer. Removing too much stimulates the skin to build up even more.
• Don't use corn planes or blades – risk of injury.

3. Trim and shape toenails

• Cut toenails straight across, not rounded into the corners – this helps prevent ingrown nails. A sturdy nail clipper or nail scissors are suitable.
• Only lightly smooth the corners with a file, e.g. the BNC LUX banana file 100/180, which according to its description allows precise work even close to the nail bed.
• Clean and disinfect tools after each use, for example with BNC Hydro-Sept disinfectant spray.

4. Moisturise

• Massage in a rich foot cream to keep the skin supple – for example the BNC foot cream with aloe vera, which according to its description absorbs quickly without feeling sticky. You'll find more care products under creams.
• For very dry, cracked heels, creams with urea are a proven choice.
• Leave out the spaces between the toes when moisturising so that no moisture builds up there.

5. Care for your toenails

• Apply nail oil to keep nails and cuticles supple. You'll find a large selection among our nail oils.
• Optionally apply nail polish or UV polish for a polished look. How long shellac lasts on toes and what to consider for a pedicure is explained in What is shellac?.

Toenail fungus: prevention and the right response

Discoloured, thickened or crumbling toenails can indicate nail fungus. Nail fungus needs medical treatment – care products are no substitute for therapy. Here's what you can do to prevent it:

• Wash your feet daily and dry them thoroughly, including between the toes.
• Wear flip-flops in swimming pools, saunas and changing rooms.
• Don't share towels, socks or nail tools with others.
• Change socks daily and wash them at 60 °C or higher.

In nail salons, BNC Antifungal is popular for nails prone to fungus. It is applied to the natural nail before the primer or enhancement and prepares it for the enhancement. If nail fungus is suspected, however, no enhancement should be applied – a doctor should be consulted first.

Tips for daily foot care

• Daily cleansing: wash your feet thoroughly and dry them well – especially between the toes.
• Breathable shoes: breathable materials prevent moisture in your shoes. Alternate your shoes where possible so they can dry out.
• Change socks daily: cotton or performance-fabric socks help reduce sweat and odours.
• Regular checks: look out for redness, swelling, cracks or changes to the nails and have them checked early.

When should you see a professional?

• For ingrown or very thickened nails
• If you suspect nail or foot fungus (see a doctor)
• If you have diabetes, circulatory problems or numbness in your feet – a medical foot care specialist (podiatrist) is the right place to go
• For painful corns or deep cracks

FAQ: Foot care

How often should I care for my feet?

Wash, dry and moisturise daily. A thorough pedicure with foot bath, hard skin removal and nail trimming is usually enough every two to four weeks.

How do I cut toenails correctly?

Cut them straight across so that the corners extend slightly beyond the nail bed, and only file the sharp edges lightly. Don't cut rounded into the corners.

Can I wear shellac or gel on my toenails?

Yes, on healthy nails. If there is discolouration, thickening or a suspicion of fungus, avoid it and have your nails checked by a doctor first.

Does tea tree oil help in a foot bath?

A few drops can make a foot bath pleasant. However, tea tree oil can irritate the skin and is no substitute for treatment – if your skin is sensitive, it's better to skip it.

Conclusion: foot care is more than cosmetics

Foot care actively contributes to the well-being and health of your feet. With the right routine, good tools and high-quality care products, you can prevent hard skin, foot odour and cracks and enjoy soft, well-groomed feet. You'll find more tips for the summer in Nail care in summer.