How to smoothen cracked feet

Dear Lucy,

I never experienced cracked feet before until I migrated to the US. Every winter my feet would crack and stay that way until spring even if I wear socks inside the house. When I went home to Cebu last July, I had a chance to have a foot scrub. It was awesome. Now I want to do it again but they don’t have it here in the area where I live abroad and going back to the Philippines costs a lot. Would you know what salons there use to soften my feet and what instruments they use to scrub the feet? I read Style SOS regularly on the Internet and in the past have tried the advice you gave readers.

Kudos to you, Tingting and Mary. Thank you.

Terry Evangelista-Netusil

The good news is that with regular treatment your cracked, dry skin will go away much sooner than you think. Even better news is that you do not have to go to the salon to avail of a foot scrub/foot spa because you can do it in the comfort of your own home. To achieve pleasant, lasting results, do the following:

1) Clean feet and soak them in a basin of warm water mixed with liquid soap. This will soften and prepare the skin for step 2.

2) Soak feet for around 10-15 minutes. Rub foot scrub to slough off dry, rough skin. I’m sure you will have no trouble finding a generic foot scrub in the toiletry/beauty department of your favorite grocery or department store. In the almost impossible chance that you do not find one you can make your own concoction by using baby lotion and rock salt (the downside is this may sting a bit especially if you have small cuts on your feet).

3) Dry feet well and use a pumice stone to smoothen callused, rough skin.

4) Massage your feet lengthily with a rich lotion that’s especially formulated for very dry skin (cocoa and shea butter are good varieties). Knead your foot until lotion is absorbed well (this will also relax you because you will undoubtedly be massaging pressure points on your feet, albeit unconsciously).

5) Finally, before bedtime coat both your feet liberally with petroleum jelly, incubate them in cling wrap (yes, the same one you find in your kitchen) and only after that should you wear cotton socks. Steps 1 to 5 are what you would call your "shock treatment" – do this at least twice a week initially but step 5 should be done every night at bedtime for at least two weeks. You can speed up results by reinforcing the treatment with a light lotion applied daily before carrying out your chores. Because it may be too slippery if you apply lotion immediately before wearing your shoes or slippers, make it the first order after your bath/shower. The time you spend dressing up will be enough time for your feet to absorb the moisture.

I wish you well and I would appreciate some feedback on how well the treatment works for you. God bless.

Lucy

* * *

Rise And Hair Shine

Dear Tingting,

I always use a hair-shine cream to keep my hair shiny because my hair is dry and dull. But instead of becoming shiny and soft it becomes oily and flaky. What is the right way of applying hair shiner and what brand can you recommend that’s not so expensive?

Angela

Don’t apply the hair shine spray or gloss on your scalp. Spray or rub it on the hair especially at the tips to avoid split ends. I use Citre shine spray.

Tingting

* * *

Moles Away

Dear Tita Mary,

I really like the advice Style SOS gives to readers, it’s very practical and your recommendations are inexpensive to buy. My problem is that as I am growing older I’ve noticed moles growing on my face. I try to apply sunscreen and moisturizer every day but the moles still seem to multiply. Is there a cream or facial treatment that can prevent them from appearing? Please help.

Rori

The best thing to do is see a dermatologist. They know exactly what to do. Creams alone will not help.

Mary

* * *

Not A Case Of Pearls Before Swine

Dear Tingting,

What should I consider in buying a pearl? What’s the right length, color and the difference between saltwater and freshwater? What is a cultured pearl? This is my first time to buy one so I would really want it to be special. I hope you won’t mind my asking, but when you bought yours what "brand" did you go for? Do you know of any jewelry shop where I can find the right one?

VIA

Many years ago I bought my pearls from a private and reliable entrepreneur and they were beautiful and priceless pearls from Japan and Hong Kong. Today there’s an abundance of pearls in yellow, white, cream, black, gray.

Go to Greenhills at the tiangge for real bargains. Buy the smooth pearls without defects like holes, lines and dents and any other imperfections. See Salma, Adiong, Batua, Dianalan, Dalidig and Emma Calanog. They’re trustworthy but so are all the Muslims there. It’s a matter of scouting and bargaining. The right length is the one you like and can afford to buy. Saltwater pearls are more expensive; freshwater pearls are cheaper. Go to a Jewelmer boutique. Go to bookstores where you can buy books on pearls.

Tingting

* * *

Can You Really Cure Acne In Two Days?

Dear Lucy,

I’m 15 and have moderate acne. Is it OK to buy those creams from TV shopping programs? Are they as effective as they claim they are? ("Smoothens skin in two days!") Please enlighten me as they are my last resort to have great skin before I go to college.

Sedna

I think I know what product you are referring to – I saw it on TV just a while ago! Anyway, it does sound very interesting if only because it promises to clear up skin (think even the worst acne-infested skin imaginable) in just two days. Two days! That defies logic – and there lies my concern. Just how real is their claim?

And what happens if it doesn’t do as it promises?

While there is a chance it may work, there is also a chance that it won’t. The choice is yours. If you do decide to try it out though, please do a patch test first. Try the product on the underside of your elbow to check if you have adverse reactions.

On the other hand, you mentioned that you only have moderate acre. Would you consider going to a reputable dermatologist instead? You’ll end up spending about the same amount of money.

Lucy

* * *

Dear Tita Mary,

Others complain of dark areas on their bodies, but my problem is my black elbows. I am not so dark, so I don’t understand why my elbows are. What can I do to lighten the skin on my elbows?

Minda

Perhaps you lean on your elbows all the time. Use a bleaching cream nightly and moisturize them daily. You can also look for a bleaching lotion to apply during the day.

Mary