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How to do lymphatic drainage massage against puffiness on your own and choose the right cream for slim legs? We tell you how to take care of your feet according to all the rules
The need for foot care
Foot care is often an unobvious part of the beauty ritual. But it is necessary to take care of them, because even naturally slender legs can lose their shape if they are not given proper attention. The rules of care are not limited to moisturizing-nutrition. You will need extra effort. However, the result – an easy gait and a good mood – is worth it.
If you spend most of your time in an office chair and driving a car, or, conversely, are forced to be on your feet all day, then sooner or later you will encounter the problem of swelling.
Massage with a draining cream will help against swelling of the legs
Puffiness is the main enemy of the graceful contour of the legs. The reason is slowed blood circulation and lymph stagnation. The accumulation of fluid in the legs causes a feeling of heaviness and changes their shape for the worse.
The good news is that you can deal with congestion and keep your feet in perfect shape on your own with the help of a simple care program.
Basic principles of care
The minimum foot care program is aimed at combating swelling and congestion. Stimulating blood circulation and lymph flow is your main task. Other helpful tips are listed below.
Foot massage
The knees and ankles are the main areas responsible for the accumulation of fluid and impaired lymph flow. Massage them as often as possible to prevent swelling. As a massage agent, use oil or nourishing cream that provides slip. You can add a little anti-cellulite – for a drainage effect.
Knead the area above the knees with your thumbs. Gently remember the inside with your fists and pat your palms on the back surface. Thus, you will stimulate blood circulation and lymph circulation.
Massage the ankles with smooth circular grips in the direction from the heels to the calves.
Knead the calves with fists and fingers, moving from the bottom up.
Grasp the ankle with both hands, slowly rise to the knee, as if pulling on a stocking, and then to the inguinal fold, where the lymph nodes are located.
Council. During the foot massage, use products for weight loss and anti-cellulite. They always contain components that help remove fluid from tissues.
Pour cool water over your feet, moving the shower head from your feet to your thighs. This hydromassage relieves tension and fights congestion.
Leg exercises
No, we do not drive you to a sports club. Everything that is good for the legs can be done both at work and at home (even while lying in bed).
In a sitting position, make several circular movements with your feet in both directions, without lifting your heels from the floor.
Elevate your big toes from time to time during the day to stimulate circulation.
Tap your feet on the floor, lifting your toes without lifting your heels.
Stand on your tiptoes, stretching out into a string. Stretch, moving your arms back and straining your legs. Hold this position for a few seconds, then relax. Do this exercise several times a day and your legs will be in good shape.
Gymnastics for the legs and feet is best done in the evening before bedtime.
And a few more valuable tips
Take a tennis or golf ball and roll it with your feet twice a day for a couple of minutes – this exercise relieves tension in the soft tissues of the foot.
Do not sit still for more than 40 minutes, find an excuse to at least take a walk around the office. Walking is the best fitness for swollen feet.
Before going to bed, while lying in bed, lift your legs up and move them in the air, as if shaking off fatigue. You can also do this in the morning for a lymphatic drainage effect.
How to choose foot care products
The appearance of the legs depends not only on their shape, but also on the condition of the skin. The covers on the ankles and legs are prone to dryness and flaking, as they contain few sebaceous glands and are under constant stress. Therefore, regular moistening of these areas is relevant regardless of the season.
All body care products are designed for the skin of the feet as well. Choose thicker textures in winter and light textures in summer. And don’t forget sun protection.
Features of seasonal foot skin care
| Season | Goal | Type of facility |
| Winter autumn | hydration, nutrition | balm, cream, milk |
| spring/summer | humidification | serum, emulsion, gel |
| summer | sun protection, prevention of photoaging | emulsions with SPF according to skin phototype |
| all year round | peeling, renewal, smoothness | scrubs and exfoliators |
Proper foot care
The feet are the driest part of our body. The skin of the feet is completely devoid of sebaceous glands, but contains a large amount of sweat glands. In addition, over the years, it noticeably loses elasticity, coarsens. Foot care consists of several stages.
Hygiene and cleansing
Keeping your feet clean and dry is essential for maintaining a healthy foot and nail microflora.
Moisturizing and nourishing
Use special foot products that soften the skin. Apply them to the entire surface of the foot and nails, avoiding the area between the toes (it should always be dry there). Spread the cream on the ankle in an upward motion.
It is better to take care of your feet in the evening, when you are not in a hurry. Baths and massage not only relax the legs, but also relieve stress in general.
Foot baths
Cool foot baths will relieve stress in five minutes.
Foot massage
“Massage is one of the most painless, pleasant and effective ways to maintain the health, beauty and youthfulness of the skin. It improves blood circulation, normalizes metabolism, promotes the elimination of toxins, saturates cells with oxygen, relieves swelling,” says Olga Gorokhova, Decléor training manager.
Apply foot care products from bottom to top from feet to thighs
With your thumbs, press on the center of the arch of the foot, then “draw” a spiral, moving from the middle of the foot to the periphery.
Massage the entire foot in circular motions, including the balls.
Knead the space between your toes.
Vigorously rub your feet with your palms, as if making fire.
An overview of skin care products for legs and feet
Oils
Body spray “Ultimate Beauty. Precious oil of beauty, Garnier
Contains argan, macadamia, almond and rose oils, ideal for massage, makes the skin firmer.
Oil for skin elasticity Body Refirm Stretch Oil, Biotherm
Nourishes the skin, improves its elasticity, tones and softens thanks to vegetable oils and Padina Pavonica algae extract.
Milk and creams
Intensive regenerating and nourishing body cream Nutrix Royal Body, Lancôme
Royal jelly, protein and hazelnut extract restore the epidermis and the skin’s protective barrier.
Milk for dry and very dry skin of babies, children and adults Lipikar Lait, La Roche-Posay
The formula with shea butter, La Roche-Posay thermal water, niacinamide nourishes, restores the lipid barrier, soothes and improves the protective functions of the skin.
Care for dry and rough skin Intensive Treatment and Moisturizer for Dry or Callused Areas, Kiehl’s
Thanks to avocado, shea and wheat germ oils, this rich cream softens and nourishes dry, rough skin. Suitable for foot massage.
“Precious milk of beauty”, Garnier
Moisturizes, nourishes, protects, absorbs quickly, suitable for daily use. Contains argan, macadamia, almond and rose oils.
Gel and scrub
Ultra-refreshing gel Aqua-Gelée, Biotherm
Intensively moisturizes and refreshes the skin of the body, including the feet, due to the extract of thermal plankton and shea butter.
“Precious Beauty Scrub”, Garnier
Includes a complex of 4 precious oils, gives the skin radiance and smoothness.