What Causes Cracked Heels?

Factors like pressure from standing, wearing ill-fitting shoes, reduced skin elasticity as we age, and exposing bare feet or parts of the feet to the elements can all contribute to developing dry skin. Additionally, the soles of our feet don’t have any oil glands. This leaves our feet without a natural moisture barrier to protect them and makes them more prone to drying out and cracking. The soles of the feet don’t have oil glands and rely on sweat for lubrication. This leaves your feet without a natural moisture barrier to protect them from the elements.

Here are some common reasons why the skin on your feet may dry out and begin to crack:

• Pressure; Standing or wearing ill-fitting footwear for long periods of time can put intense pressure on your feet. When skin is dry and tight and pressure is applied, this can lead to cracking. 
• Friction; In addition to being a risk for blisters, friction from loose shoes, straps on sandals, or even just the way our feet land when we walk can thicken the skin into dry calluses and can lead to cracking.
• Exposing skin; Going barefoot or wearing sandals can leave your feet unprotected from the drying effects of the environment. Cold, dry air and soil can sap moisture from the skin, and shoes like open-back sandals remove support from your heel’s fat pad, allowing the skin of your heel to expand which can increase the likelihood of cracking.
• Long, hot showers or baths; While it may feel soothing in the moment, having a long, hot shower or bath, particularly if using harsh soaps, can dry out the skin on the feet. Prolonged exposure to hot water strips skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness, and harsh soaps can damage the natural skin barrier, further encouraging moisture loss.
• Aging; As we age, skin loses some of its elasticity and oil production, leaving skin less supple. This, combined with the bottoms of the feet already not having oil glands, makes heels and soles of the feet particularly prone to dryness and cracking as we age.
• A health condition; Severely dry skin or cracked heels can sometimes be caused by an underlying health condition like psoriasis, athlete’s foot, malnutrition or diabetes.  If you are concerned or suspect that an underlying health condition may be contributing to your cracked heels, please be sure to see a healthcare practitioner for further guidance. Source

The Importance of Moisturizing

What Moisturizer to Use

Regularly using lotion and moisturizer should be a part of any good skin care regimen, but some are better than others. Choose a lotion with plenty of vitamins (see below) with an SPF of 15 to protect your skin during the day. Also use lotions that are oil free, non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores), allergy and dermatologist tested.

·      Vitamin A and Vitamin B5 increase firmness and build moisture levels.

·      Anti-Oxidant Vitamins C and E help protect new skin and fight skin damage.

·      PABA-Free SPF 15 sunscreens help prevent premature lines and wrinkles.

When to Moisturize

The most important times to use moisturizer are after a bath, shave or exfoliation. For some, this might be twice a day. Moisturizing after a shower is very important because hot water strips all the moisture and oils out of your skin, leaving it parched and dry. While hot water may be relaxing, it also wreaks havoc on your skin. Never skip the moisturizer.

Moisturizing Helps Skin Stay Young

The skin on your face, ears, neck and chest are very sensitive to environmental changes and are the most frequent areas of the body known to develop skin cancer. These areas of skin also shed cells more rapidly than other parts of the body and therefore need moisture to repair itself, which allows for younger skin cells to rise to the surface. Also, the massaging affect that is used when applying lotion helps stimulate blood circulation and new cell generation.

• Moisturizing Reduces Skin Problems - Moisturizing everyday can reduce the chance of developing extreme dryness or oiliness. Both extremes are harmful for skin and cause common skin conditions like acne.
• Conceals Other Skin Blemishes - Using a daily moisturizer ensures that the skin’s blemishes are camouflaged. That is because moisturizing tends to make the skin have a slight sheen, and those with any tint or self-tanner even out different skin tones.

The Importance of Moisturizing

Now that we’ve covered why moisturizing is important for healthy skin, these quick tips will help retain your natural glow:

• Watch the temperature of water - Hot showers and baths are not good for your skin. Shower for a shorter amount of time and with warm water. You’ll see the difference in your skin.
• Pat dry, don’t rub dry - After a shower gently pat your skin dry instead of rubbing your skin dry. By patting dry your skin will retain more moisture you are going to seal in when you moisturize.
• Drink more water - the moisture your skin receives also comes from your body. Drink at least 8 cups of water every day!
• Use mild soaps and detergents - soaps and shampoos that contain alcohol strip natural oils from your skin. Look for a mild, fragrance-free cleanser that has aloe minerals and vitamins.
• Use a humidifier - If needed, a humidifier can add much needed moisture to the air.
• Give extra attention to your hands - hands show the affects of a dry environment more than any other part of the body. Apply hand cream after each hand washing.
• Wear sunscreen when outdoors - nothing will save your skin more than protecting it from the harmful UV rays of the sun. Wear a low, or high, SPF sunscreen depending on your outdoor activities.
• Apply lip balm regularly - having lip balm ready and applying it frequently helps heal dry, cracked lips. Dermatologists recommend using a lip balm that has an SPF of at least 30. This can help reduce signs of aging and skin cancer on the lips.

Source

Happy Memorial Day!

 

"On this day, take time to remember those who have fallen," - Richelle E. Goodrich 

Happy Memorial Day from UpKept!

536 E Main St, Vacaville, CA

(707) 208-7646

Megantallerico@gmail.com

Coping With The Changes Your Feet Undergo As You Age

Most Americans will have walked 75,000 miles by the time they reach the age of 50 – the equivalent of trekking around the Earth on the equator three times. But all this walking results in significant wear and tear on our feet. “Regular foot care at every age is important,” said Dr. Joan Williams, orthopaedic surgeon and foot specialist at UCLA Orthopaedic Center in Santa Monica. “But understanding the changes feet undergo over time can help minimize age-related issues and pain.”

The most obvious sign your foot is aging is its changing size and shape, says Williams. Over time, the body’s ligaments and tendons lose their strength and ability to spring back. In feet, this manifests as a decrease or ‘’falling’’ off the arch, which flattens and lengthens the foot and toes. The result: often an increase in shoe size by a half-size or more.

“Unfortunately, many people, especially women, don’t realize that foot size can change, so they buy the same size shoe year after year without stopping to ask, ‘do my feet hurt when I put these on?,’” says Williams. “Shoes with a narrow toe box – and of course, high heels -- can also become more difficult to wear. So wearing well-fitting and more ‘sensible’ shoes, at least most of the time, will be much more comfortable.”

Shifts in foot shape can also cause bunions, a bony protrusion on the side of the big toe that grows as the toe drifts out of position. Hammertoe, a condition that frequently accompanies bunions, is when a toe – most frequently the second toe -- is pulled back and upward in relation to the other toes. Bunions are more common among women (more than 30 percent overall suffer from them) because of their shoe-wearing habits, but men suffer from them as well. Family history often plays a role. Bunion pain can become quite severe, making walking difficult. “Bunion splints aren’t much help – so unfortunately, surgery is the only way to successfully reposition the toe. Because bunion surgery "is invasive and has a long recovery time, I recommend it only if the pain is so bad it interferes with daily life,” say Williams.

Arthritis is another reality for the aging foot. Osteoarthritis can develop after years of general wear-and-tear and stress or injury to the joints. Approximately half of older people will develop osteoarthritis in one or more of the 33 joints in their feet, although not everyone will experience symptoms. For those who experience pain that they can't tolerate, over-the-counter medication or other treatments may help. Gout, a metabolic disease characterized by intense swelling and pain at the big toe joint, is another type of arthritis.

Older people with chronic conditions are much more likely to develop foot problems. Many diabetics suffer from diabetic neuropathy, a condition characterized by the loss of sensation in the feet. If the skin of the foot breaks unnoticed, wounds can easily become infected. Circulatory problems related to heart disease can also affect the fee, and obesity places extra stress on the feet and ankles.

Unfortunately, toenail fungal infections plague up to one-third of all older people, and corns, calluses and other foot deformities also are common.

There are a number of steps one can take to lessen foot pain or mitigate the effects of deteriorating ligaments, arthritis and other foot issues.

• Don’t minimize or ignore foot pain. Many people live with foot pain or do not seek medical attention until the discomfort is too great for them to endure. “Foot pain is never normal,” says Williams. “If you have it, see a foot specialist so it can be diagnosed and treated.”
• Consider orthotics. Orthotics or shoe inserts can support falling arches and increase comfort. Podiatrists offer custom-made insoles, which range from $200 to $800 a pair. Non-custom insoles, which are not as sturdy, usually cost between $20 and $70. Both provide support and padding for the feet, which is especially helpful for those who must stand for long periods of time or who participate in activities that put extra pressure on their feet.
• Pay attention to your overall health. Monitor your feet for wounds, numbness or excessive swelling. Any of these can be symptoms of conditions that require medical treatment.
• Do what you can. Stretch for a few minutes in the morning to reduce joint stiffness. Take over-the-counter medications to help reduce pain and swelling. Lose extra weight to reduce added stress. Keep your feet clean and dry. Wear comfortable shoes whenever possible, especially when walking long distances.

“It’s important to take good care of our feet,” said Williams. “They play a vital role in our health and well-being as we age.” Source

How Nails Complete A Met Gala Look

 

Eri Shizu, celebrity manicurist, joins CBS New York to discuss how nails play a key role in Met Gala looks.

 

The 9 Summer Pedicure Colors Everyone Will Be Wearing in 2025

When the weather starts to warm, beach days aren’t such a distant thought, and sandal season gets soft-launched with a peep-toe or two. Sure, Succession has been off the air for almost two years now (miss ya, Greg), but the words of Kendall Roy will ring eternal: “Sails out, nails out!” “Your toes are kind of your secret flex in the summer,” says Aja Walton, a manicurist and Essie ambassador. “You're showing them off in sandals and poolside ’fits, so you can be more adventurous. Toes are where I go bold. They are low-stakes, high-reward, so you can get away with brighter shades and longer wear.” The question is, how bold are you willing to go? We asked the pros to give us the down-low on the color trends they’re expecting to see on toes this summer. From bright neon tones to creamy pastels that flatter a sun-kissed finish, there’s something everyone will love—even the French manicure’s fiercest defenders. Keep reading to find out the nine pedicure colors you’ll see everyone wearing come sandal season.

1.) Ocean Blue

During the summer, calming shades of blue may as well be considered neutral given how frequently the color naturally appears in warm-weather activities—cloudless skies, pristine seas, blue-raspberry snow cones—not to mention how effortlessly blues pair with any look. “Ocean blue gives serene, mermaid vibes,” nail artist Elle Gerstein says. “It’s a universal color, and the core of what summer feels like.”

2.) Sunset Coral

There’s one big reason coral is a classic summer color: It looks great on literally everyone. The perfect happy-medium between warm pink and orange flatters all skin tones, and plays nicely with maximalist and minimalist wardrobes alike. “It’s a really bright color that draws instant attention and pairs well with a tan, channeling tropical beaches and sunsets,” says Gerstein. “For some, it’s not bold enough to wear on hands, but it’s always a perfect toe.” 

3.) Mint Mojito

Want to put a twist on that classic summer-white lacquer? Opt for a mint mojito polish, a pale hue that throws St. Tropez vibes, but with an extra shot of flirty energy against a warm-weather glow. “This soft, pastel green feels refreshing and modern,” says Lily Nguyen, a manicurist and founder of Labo Beauté Salon in Los Angeles. “It’s perfect for beach days and summer brunches.”

4.) Icy Lavender

Like mint mojito, icy lavender provides an alternate option to contrast your summer glow if you want something with a soft, lover-girl vibe. “Icy lavender is a pastel that feels very ethereal and coquette,” says Walton. “Soft tones speak to a gentler, more romantic side of beauty and fashion that’s trending right now, and lavender feels right at home with that aesthetic.”

5.) Neon Pink

When you want your pedi to be the center of attention, a shade like neon pink makes a confident statement. “It’s a bold, juicy color,” says Thea Green, founder of Nails.Inc. “Toes can handle bolder colors since they’re a smaller focal point, and brights feel playful and vibrant, mirroring that summer energy.”

6.) Cherry Red

Whether you’re aligning with one of the countless fruit-inspired TikTok aesthetics (strawberry girl, cherry girl, tomato girl, etc.) or want to pay homage to Pamela Anderson’s Baywatch one-piece, cherry red is the perfect color for doing so. “It’s timeless and a summer staple,” Green says. Heat things up with a true opaque crimson like Manucurist’s Poppy Red or add some shimmer with Ring the Alarm by OPI. “Colors like Paintbox’s Like Desire just scream summer,” adds nail artist Sarah Chue. “It’s bright and cheerful, perfect for the pool, beach, on vacation, in sandals, or your favorite dress—you name it!”

7.) Butter Yellow

Butter yellow is soft, but she’s certainly not shy, always adding some flash to your toes. This shade, Walton says, playfully leans into the quiet luxury trend. Gucci’s Cecilia Ivory and L.04 by Sundays are classic (and classy!) crème-finish formulas, while Dior’s Lemon Glow has a subtle shimmer finish that has us dreaming of the Amalfi Coast.

8.) Sheer Mandarin

Jelly nails have had a serious moment over the last year. Walton compares the formula to lip gloss, but for your toes, because it creates a hydrated, glossy effect. When combined with a quintessential warm-weather hue like citrus orange, the trend gets an extra summery twist. “Think of the inside of a mandarin orange,” says Lia J. Smith, a manicurist and OPI brand education manager, who adds that a jelly texture can give the color a “beautiful, translucent look.”

9.) The French Pedi

It’s not technically a color, but it would be remiss not to mention that the French pedicure is back—whether you like it or not. “It's classic!” says Chue. “Those bright white tips are just fitting for the season and pair perfectly with literally anything.” Carmela Soprano would agree.

Source

What Is A Cuticle?

 

 

Spread the word about what cuticle actually is!

Happy Mothers Day!

 

Happy Mothers Day to every mother out there in every form! You make our world go round and we couldn't do it without you! Hope you have the best weekend celebrating!

Upkept 

536 E Main St, Vacaville, CA, United States, California

(707) 208-7646

Your Feet and Diabetes

About half of all people with diabetes have some kind of nerve damage. Nerves in your feet and legs are most often affected. Nerve damage can cause you to lose feeling in your feet. Some people with nerve damage have numbness, tingling, or pain. Others have no symptoms. Nerve damage can also lower your ability to feel pain, heat, or cold. Pain is the body’s way of telling you something’s wrong so you can take care of yourself. If you don’t feel pain in your feet, you may not notice a cut, blister, sore, or other problem. Small problems can become serious if they aren’t treated early.

Anyone with diabetes can develop nerve damage, but these factors increase your risk:

• Blood sugar levels that are hard to manage.
• Having diabetes for a long time, especially if your blood sugar is often higher than your target levels.
• Having overweight.
• Being older than 40 years.
• Having high blood pressure.
• Having high cholesterol.

Nerve damage and poor blood flow—another diabetes complication—put you at risk for developing a foot ulcer (a sore or wound). With diabetes, a foot ulcer could get infected and not heal well. If an infection doesn't get better with treatment, your toe, foot, or leg may need to be amputated (removed by surgery). This is done to prevent the infection from spreading and to save your life.

Check your feet daily

When you check your feet every day, you can catch problems early and get them treated right away. Early treatment greatly lowers your risk of amputation.

Prevent or delay nerve damage

Keep your blood sugar in your target range as much as possible. This is one of the most important things you can do to prevent nerve damage or stop it from getting worse. Other good diabetes management habits can help, too:

• Don't smoke. Smoking reduces blood flow to the feet.
• Follow a healthy eating plan.
• Get physically active—10 to 20 minutes a day is better than an hour once a week. And both are better than none!
• Take medicines as prescribed by your doctor.

If you have any of these symptoms, don't wait for your next appointment. See your regular doctor or foot doctor right away:

• Pain in your legs or cramping in your buttocks, thighs, or calves during physical activity.
• Tingling, burning, or pain in your feet.
• Loss of sense of touch or ability to feel heat or cold very well.
• A change in the shape of your feet over time.
• Loss of hair on your toes, feet, and lower legs.
• Dry, cracked skin on your feet.
• A change in the color and temperature of your feet.
• Thickened, yellow toenails.
• Fungus infections such as athlete's foot between your toes.
• A blister, sore, ulcer, infected corn, or ingrown toenail.

Most people with diabetes can prevent serious foot complications. Regular care at home and going to all doctor's appointments are your best bet. Doing both will help you prevent foot problems (and stop small problems from becoming serious ones). Source

Mothers Day Specials

 

This Mother's Day, treat the special women in your life to the gift of relaxation and self-care with gift cards from UpKept Nail Spa! Show your appreciation by offering them a chance to indulge in the Sole Soothe Pedicure, tailored to pamper and rejuvenate their feet.

With the convenience of purchasing online at StayUpkept.com, you can provide a thoughtful and meaningful gift that allows your loved ones to enjoy a personalized experience in a clean and serene environment. Give the gift of self-love and quality time this Mother's Day—because every mom deserves a little pampering!

Don't wait! This weekend will be here before you know it. Book an appointment for the special lady in your life or get her a gift of self care in the form of a gift card to pamper herself.

Top 5 Signs Your Shoes Are Contributing to Foot Pain

Wearing the wrong shoes doesn’t just cause short-term discomfort—it can lead to long-term foot problems, including plantar fasciitis, heel pain, and joint stress. If you’re experiencing consistent soreness or tightness after walking or standing, your shoes may be part of the problem.

Let’s explore five warning signs that your shoes may be contributing to foot pain and what to do about it.

1. Persistent Foot Pain or Discomfort

If you consistently feel pain in your feet after wearing certain shoes, it might be time to question whether they're the right fit for you. Common symptoms of shoe-induced foot pain include:

• Heel pain: This is often linked to plantar fasciitis, a condition where the ligament connecting your heel to your toes becomes inflamed.
• Toe pain: Tight shoes that squeeze the front of your feet can cause pain across your toes and even lead to problems like bunions or hammertoes.
• Arch pain or strain: Shoes lacking proper arch support can exacerbate flat feet or strain the ligaments in this area.

Foot discomfort particularly after extended periods of wear, is an important signal. While occasional soreness is normal after long activity, chronic pain may indicate a significant issue with your footwear.

2. Visible Changes in Foot Structure

Improper footwear doesn’t just cause pain; over time, it can physically alter the structure of your feet. Some key examples include:

• Bunions: Tight shoes push the big toe inward, creating this painful bony bump.
• Hammertoes: Shoes without a wide toe box force toes to crowd, causing them to curl or deform.
• Heel spurs: Shoes lacking cushioning or support can lead to bony growths at the bottom of your heel.

A shoe that doesn’t fit properly can also affect how you walk, which in turn can put stress on other joints, such as your ankles, knees, or hips.

3. Unusual Wear Patterns on Your Shoes

Take a look at old pairs of shoes. If the soles are unevenly worn, it could point to gait issues caused by a lack of foot support. Shoes for foot pain, particularly for those with flat feet or chronic plantar fasciitis, should provide adequate cushioning and promote proper alignment. Running or athletic shoes specifically designed for foot conditions are a great way to prevent improper wear patterns.

Shoes that flatten quickly or develop noticeable creases in the arch area may not be giving you enough support.

4. Difficulty Finding Comfort With Everyday Footwear

Sometimes, no matter how many pairs of shoes you try, your feet hurt after a short period. This may indicate your feet require specialized support. Symptoms linked to tight shoes include aching across the ball of the foot, pinched toes, or red marks around the edges. Shoes that are too narrow can compress the foot, while overly loose shoes don't provide the proper support you need.

If you frequently face discomfort, custom orthotics can be a helpful solution. These support inserts address specific issues like plantar fasciitis, flat feet, or heel pain while enabling you to wear supportive shoes comfortably.

5. Your Shoes Are Worn Out or Ill-Fitting

Shoes don’t last forever. Over time, even high-quality footwear wears out and loses the support that protects your foot health. Here are signs it’s time to replace them:

• Loss of cushioning: Thinning insoles or flattened midsoles no longer absorb shock, leading to increased strain.
• Outsole damage: A smooth or unevenly worn outsole means your shoes aren’t properly helping your feet align.
• Limited room in the toe box: Tight-fitting shoes restrict natural movement, which can lead to ongoing pain or injury.

Wearing old, overused athletic shoes or inappropriate shoes without the right support can worsen existing foot conditions.

Foot-Friendly Recommendations

To minimize the risk of pain from shoes, it’s essential to find options that fit well and support your feet. Here are some features to look for:

• Wide toe box: This allows your toes to spread naturally without restriction.
• Arch support: Essential for maintaining healthy foot alignment and reducing pressure on the arches.
• Cushioned insoles: Look for properly padded shoes to ease pain and provide a softer landing with every step.
• Heel stability: A firm heel counter helps prevent your foot from sliding and adds needed stability during activity.

When looking for running shoes or other athletic shoes, consider styles designed to protect against conditions like chronic plantar fasciitis or flat feet. Brands offering comfortable shoes often highlight these features. Source