Derby Foot and Skin Care

Playing roller derby creates problems for those of us who like to look and feel feminine in our time off skates. Regular skating creates calluses on our feet and regular wearing of elbow pads, leaves our upper arms bumpy and pimply looking. Regular maintenance of our feet and arms will leave them looking as good as new.

Calluses are formed for a reason. They are there to protect the body. It is never a good idea to cut them off or remove them, they will only grow back and when they do, they will be thicker. Your best defense is to regularly reduce and smooth them, making them look better.

Every derby girl should have a foot file in their shower. After you are finished showering, the last thing you should do is use the file on your heels and then use it on your calluses. Most of us have the big ones on our right feet on the inner ball of the foot and the big toe.

You should never file too much. If it hurts, stop. Less is best. By filing after you shower, the callus has been softened by the warm water and this is the most optimal time to do your filing. Be sure to wash your file off before you hang it up to dry. And for goodness sakes, don't use a Ped-Egg, it's like using a cheese grater on your feet and your callus will GROW.

While you are in the shower, use a sugar or pumice scrub on your arms. You can find these anywhere, just go for a scent and texture that you like. These pimply looking areas on your arms are ingrown hairs that are caused by the constant friction of your pads rubbing against your arm. By exfoliating regularly, you will free the hairs and the bumps will go away. Always moisturize after exfoliating, so when you get out of the shower and dry off, use a good body butter or lotion on your arms.

When you get out of the shower, be sure to dry your feet, including between your toes. Most people never dry their feet or toes. This is a great way to keep from getting a toenail fungus.

Now is the time to moisturize your feet, right after you've exfoliated them. The best product that I have found for use on feet is Mary Kay's Extra Emollient Night Cream. It is really thick and greasy,, a little pricey, but it works and one tube goes a long way. It also works best on moist skin. Take a dime-sized amount and rub it into the entire bottoms of your feet, making sure to get the sides, heels and really work it into those calluses.

Start regularly exfoliating and moisturizing your feet and arms and you will see a difference. No more need to hide those feet in shame!