Having dry feet can range from a mild, rough annoyance to a cracked, painful condition. Dry, cracked feet are no fun. No one wants to see them or feel them, let alone have to bear the pain. But don’t worry, we have a trick that will help you get soft, healthy feet in no time! Keep reading to find out how…
There are many simple steps you can take to help reduce dryness and cracking in your feet. Here we will only touch on a few that may be useful to you.
It’s also important to note that if you’re living with diabetes, even small cracks in your skin can easily turn into bigger problems if not treated properly.
Exfoliate your feet:
By removing dead skin cells, you’ll remove the barriers between your skin and the outer layer, while encouraging the development of healthier skin cells. Exfoliation should be done while moisturizing the skin, but should never be done without first soaking your feet. By rubbing your feet without soaking or wetting them, you risk damaging your skin. A general foot soak and exfoliation may consist of the following:
- Place your feet in a basin filled with warm (not hot) soapy water for up to 20 minutes.
- After soaking, use a washcloth, foot scrub, or pumice stone to gently remove hardened or thickened skin. Do not intensely rub the affected areas. You’re not trying to take it all off all at once, and you don’t want to risk making your skin even more cracked.
- Once the treatment is complete. Rinse your feet and pat them dry.
The type of soap you use mainly depends on your choice, but it is generally better to opt for mild brands made with almond, cucumber or Aloe Vera oil which are less likely to cause aggravation. the skin.
Hydrate daily:
After exfoliating your skin, it is very important to moisturize it. Applying a moisturizer at this time helps the skin retain moisture better and slows down the rate at which new dry skin develops.
If you don’t perform daily exfoliation like the one we’ve outlined above, another good time to moisturize is after showering, when your feet are damp and have been lightly rubbed with a washcloth or loofah.
You don’t necessarily need to invest in an expensive moisturizer to get the best results. In fact, the more fragrances and additives a moisturizer contains, the more likely it is to irritate and aggravate dry skin. Instead, look for simpler, more natural ingredients such as:
- Plant-based butters (such as shea butter)
- Vegetable oils (like coconut oil)
- Lanolin
- urea
- hyaluronic acid
Soak socks overnight:
An old pair of socks can help your feet retain moisture while you sleep! Apply moisturizer to your feet before going to bed. A thicker product will probably serve you better than a thinner, more fluid product. After applying moisturizer, you can also rub your feet with petroleum jelly to help retain moisture. Then put on your socks and wear them all night! An old pair of cotton socks will work best. Also, be sure to clean your feet when you get up in the morning.
Do not take steaming showers:
We’re not saying here that you have to take cold showers (unless you want to). But if you spend a lot of time in a steaming shower, your feet may be dehydrated instead of hydrated. Five minutes is fine. Twenty minutes is a bit too much.
Wear comfortable, well-fitting shoes:
Yes, the choice of footwear can matter when it comes to preventing dryness! If shoes cause too much stress or “hot spots” in certain parts of the foot, it can easily lead to dryness, thickening and cracking. Make sure your shoes provide adequate support and aren’t too tight in the toe, midfoot, or heel.
The new trick for pretty smooth feet: glycolic acid.
Glycolic acid is a type of alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that is derived from sugar cane. It is commonly used in skin care products as it is an effective exfoliator. Glycolic acid breaks the bonds between dead skin cells, making it easier to remove them. This increase in cell turnover can help improve the appearance of dry, dull skin. Additionally, glycolic acid can help stimulate collagen production, resulting in firmer, younger-looking skin. Used on the feet, glycolic acid can help smooth calluses and rough patches. It can also help brighten the overall look of the feet, making them look smoother and healthier. For best results, glycolic acid should be used as part of a regular foot care routine.
