Your winter pedicure ritual: Spa-level footcare without leaving home

Winter can be brutal on your feet. Hidden under socks and boots, neglected for months, and exposed to dry indoor heating, your soles are crying out for TLC. But here’s the good news: you don’t have to wait for summer or shell out for a professional spa session to get them sandal ready. You can create a restorative, luxurious pedicure ritual at home.

Here’s how to do it right, especially during the colder months when your feet need it most, says Xolani Sibanze from Clere Petroleum Jelly.

1. Soak it all in

Start by soaking your feet in warm water infused with Epsom salts and a few drops of your favourite essential oil (think peppermint for refreshment or lavender for relaxation). This softens the skin and nails and makes the rest of the routine more effective.

Pro tip: While you’re soaking, sip something warm and let your mind relax too. This is your time.

2. Buff with intention – DIY your way to smooth soles

After your soak, it’s time to exfoliate, but gently. No need for fancy store-bought scrubs when you already have the perfect combo: Clere Petroleum Jelly and sugar. This homemade mix is not only budget-friendly but also incredibly effective.

Here’s how:
In a small bowl, combine one tablespoon of Clere Petroleum Jelly (go for the fragranced version if you want an indulgent scent) with two tablespoons of brown or white sugar. Mix into a gritty paste and massage onto your heels, soles, and any dry areas using circular motions. The sugar sloughs off dead skin while the petroleum jelly cushions and conditions, leaving your feet silky smooth, not stripped.

Rinse with warm water and pat dry.

This simple step does double duty: it exfoliates and moisturises in one go, saving you time while treating your feet with the nourishing protection they desperately need in winter.

 3. Nail it

Trim and file your nails straight across to avoid ingrowns. Push back cuticles gently with a towel or cuticle pusher, skip cutting them, especially in winter when skin is more prone to cracks and infections.

4. Deeply hydrate

When it comes to foot care in winter, Clere Petroleum Jelly is your non-negotiable hero product. After exfoliating, apply a generous layer of this rich occlusive to your feet. It acts as a protective barrier that locks in any existing moisture and shields your skin from the drying effects of cold air and indoor heating.

Whether you opt for the fragrance-free version or one of Clere’s delicately scented variants, the result is the same: deeply nourished, ultra-soft feet that stay hydrated and protected.

“Occlusives are essential in winter skincare. They don’t add moisture, they help retain it,” Sibanze explains. Used regularly, Clere Petroleum Jelly can help prevent cracked heels and dry patches, making sure your feet are not only healthy but ready to slip into sandals with confidence once summer rolls around.

 5. Wrap it up (literally)

Slide on a pair of clean cotton socks after applying your petroleum jelly and let them work their magic overnight. This helps the product penetrate deeper and prevents it from rubbing off too soon. You’ll wake up to noticeably softer, smoother feet.

6. Make it a habit, not a panic

Don’t wait until your first beach day to panic about dry heels. By incorporating this winter footcare routine once a week, you’ll keep your feet nourished, smooth and completely sandal-ready, no emergency pedi required.

Final step? Confidence

Looking after your feet is more than a beauty routine, it’s a grounding, self-affirming act of care. It reminds you that your wellbeing matters even in the quieter, colder seasons.

And remember hydrated, happy skin is made in winter.

For more from Clere visit their website, Facebook and Instagram pages

Media queries Julia Rice | Republic PR | julia@republicpr.co.za

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