Q&a / Secrets from a celebrity footcare specialist: Albin Brion has worked with Novak Djokovic and Gwyneth Paltrow – and the Hong Kong spa founder says looking after your feet means much more than pedicures

Sep 22 , 2023

Footballer-turned-podiatrist Albin Brion treats clients at his newly opened Foot Atelier in Hong Kong. Photo: Handout

Professional footballer-turned-podiatrist Albin Brion has tended to the feet of Jessica Alba and Novak Djokovic – and just opened his Foot Atelier in Hong Kong

From knowing when to loosen or tighten shoelaces on a hike, to proper drying and regular exfoliation, Brion says there are plenty of things you can do to care for this often overlooked body part

Albin Brion is one of Hong Kong’s best kept secrets.

He has worked with the city’s movers and shakers for well over a decade, as well as with international A-listers like actors Jessica Alba and Gwyneth Paltrow, and tennis player Novak Djokovic. And he tends to a not-to-be neglected beauty issue: footcare.

Albin Brion discusses posture with a client in his Foot Atelier in Hong Kong. Photo: Handout

For Brion, footcare means much more than regular pedicures and the odd foot scrub. The former professional footballer has extensive experience in podiatry and has built a loyal clientele thanks to his effective treatments, which he developed while working at luxury hotel spas in Hong Kong and around the world.

Whether you’re dealing with issues such as calluses and ingrown nails, or just want to see him for a posture consultation, Brion is an authority on all things foot related.

During our visit to his recently opened Hong Kong spa, Foot Atelier, he shared some precious tips about how to take care of your feet – which he admits are an often overlooked part of the body – and about Brion Paris, his newly launched line created during the coronavirus pandemic in Hong Kong and manufactured in France.

Albin Brion has a range of products designed in Hong Kong and made in France, including a rich texture foot cream. Photo: Handout

How important is exfoliation for the feet and how often should you do it?

Foot exfoliation is a crucial routine often overlooked in foot care. It removes dead skin cells, prevents callus formation, improves circulation and enhances the absorption of foot care products, leading to healthier feet.

Exfoliating your feet once a week is typically sufficient to keep them smooth and healthy. However, if you have extremely dry feet or significant callus build-up, I suggest using my special cream: Dead Skin Removal.

But remember, over-exfoliation can irritate and damage the skin, so always use a gentle scrub and moisturise afterwards.