I Hide My Feet, Even From Myself

I used to scrub my feet raw in the shower, convinced that if I just got rid of the dry skin, I’d finally be able to wear sandals without thinking about it. I’d sit on the edge of my bed at night, rubbing thick cream into my cracked heels, pulling socks on over the greasy mess, hoping I’d wake up with new skin. I’ve trimmed my nails until they hurt, painted them in colors I never liked, just to cover the yellow stains and ridges. I’ve googled foot soaks and fungus remedies at 2 a.m., scrolling through strangers’ before-and-afters, wishing I could believe in a miracle product. But the truth is, I still curl my toes under when I’m barefoot. I still flinch when someone looks down. I don’t remember the last time I let myself just exist, feet and all, without trying to fix something. #MirrorFatigue #BeautyBurnout #SkinStory #Beauty #Skincare