With summer here, it’s time for sandal-ready feet. Luckily, there are many ways to keep heels supple and glowing. One option is weekly pedicures, another is to apply foot cream before outfitting the feet in clean cotton socks at bedtime. It’s a simple way to be good to yourself—and your pedicurist will be grateful for the upkeep. For the most effective overnight preparation, select a cream containing salicylic acid, a mild exfoliant and skin conditioner.

La Roche-Posay Lipikar Foot Care Concentrate (with LHA micro-exfoliant) effectively softens calluses and smooths dry heels instantly. And its basic smell makes it perfect for bedtime application. With 25% synthesized urea in an emollient base, Australian Flexitol Heel Balm (available at most drugstores) is also ideal for overnight application—and fragrance free.

For people skipping the luxury of a pedicure, here is a home treatment: Soak the feet in hot water for three minutes. Add 3 drops of Dr. Bronner’s Peppermint Pure Castile soap. In a small bowl or glass jar (2.5 oz is the perfect size), mix 3 tablespoons of coarse sea salt (not kosher salt) with 3 teaspoons baby oil (if the “baby” smell is not desired, use Neutrogena fragrance free body oil or plain almond oil). Next, add 2 to 3 drops of Dr. Bronner’s Peppermint Pure Castile soap to the salt. Scrub feet with this mixture for exceptional natural exfoliation and then rinse with warm water. Note: Only use this preparation for the hands and feet. Salt is too harsh for the tender skin of the legs, arms, torso, chest and back.

Following the soak, Farmaesthetics handmade herbal Hand to Heel Softening Salve with lavender and calendula is a superb, soothing balm that can be rubbed directly onto cracked heels for immediate relief. All Farmaesthetics products are 100% natural and made with certified organic herbs from American family farms. Another favorite for pedicures and foot/leg massages is the company’s Farmaesthetics Nourishing Lavender Milk.

Alternatively, Decleor Nourishing and Soothing foot cream with sage, cypress and thyme oils, makes feet smell delightfully like the south of France. This luxurious, phyto-aromatic day treatment cools and refreshes feet, and significantly regulates perspiration, making it perfect for our newly hot summer days.