Dry skin on the feet can cause irritation and pain. Dryness can occur due to several factors: age, genetics, living in a dry and cold environment, being barefoot for prolonged periods, shoes of the wrong size or conditions such as athlete's foot. If you believe you have a condition that causes the skin on your feet to dry out, you should see a doctor or podiatrist to diagnose the problem and get a prescription for treatment. If, on the other hand, the dryness is due to other causes, there are natural remedies and professional products that you can try to relieve discomfort and irritation.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Using Natural Remedies
Step 1. Try a sugar scrub
Sugar is a natural product that helps fight dryness and soften hardened or cracked skin. You can make a very simple exfoliant by mixing your favorite sugar with a small amount of olive or other oil. You can also add essential oils - in addition to softening your feet, you'll make sure they smell good.
- To make the scrub, mix 150 grams of granulated white sugar, 70 grams of muscovado sugar and half a cup of olive oil in a glass jar. To perfume it, you can also add a tablespoon of vanilla extract.
- You can make a soothing peppermint scrub by mixing a cup of Epsom salts, 60 milliliters of olive or sweet almond oil, and 10-15 drops of peppermint essential oil in a glass jar.
Step 2. Take a foot bath once a week
It will help moisturize your feet and soften dead skin cells. After the foot bath, exfoliate them well with a pumice stone to help remove dead cells: the skin will be so soft and fresh.
Avoid using Epsom salts for foot baths, as they can dry out your feet even more. Instead, add half a cup of apple cider vinegar to warm water and soak your feet for 10-15 minutes
Step 3. After a shower or bath, use the pumice stone
It is made of volcanic rock and is effective in eliminating dead skin cells, especially that of the feet. Prepare a foot bath with warm water and pour in a handful of Epsom salts. Leave your feet to soak for a few minutes, then massage them with the pumice stone. Epsom salts will help soften dead skin cells, making them easier to remove.
Exfoliate your feet every night or several times a week. Using the pumice stone consistently also allows moisturizers to penetrate better and soften hardened or cracked skin
Step 4. Apply coconut or olive oil
Use an all-natural moisturizer to soothe and soften your feet. Avoid creams containing alcohol, as they can dry out and irritate the skin. You can also use petroleum jelly or cocoa butter.
Apply a generous amount of coconut or olive oil before going to bed, then put on your socks to make the treatment even more effective and prevent your feet from drying out overnight
Method 2 of 3: Using Professional Products
Step 1. Use a cracked heel product
It is available in cream or stick form and helps moisturize dry, cracked heels. Apply it in the morning to increase skin elasticity, before you start walking and moving. Repeat the application in the evening to keep your feet hydrated at night.
- This product can make your heels slippery, especially when you put your shoes on without socks. In this case, apply a small amount to the edges of the heels and the broken parts.
- If you don't want it to get on your hands, you can make application easier by choosing a stick product.
Step 2. Buy an electric foot file
It has the function of smoothing the feet, so it is very effective in removing dead cells. Just hold the handle and pass it over your feet, preferably in the bathtub, so that dry skin doesn't dirty the floor. At the end of the procedure, remove the dusty residues with water. Try to get used to using it twice a week.
Most electric files cost around 30-40 euros. If you are looking for a quick way to get rid of dead skin cells from your feet, this is a good solution
Step 3. Ask your doctor for information on foot creams and ointments
Home remedies can help eliminate dead skin and prevent irritation, but an expert can recommend over-the-counter medicated creams or ointments to speed up the healing of dry skin.
There are many over-the-counter creams that can help relieve dryness. Your doctor may also prescribe a stronger cream or ointment, it all depends on the severity of the situation
Step 4. If you are concerned that you have athlete's foot or eczema, talk to your doctor
If you notice the symptoms of athlete's foot, such as a feeling of irritation or burning in the feet, peeling or cracked skin, bleeding and pain, you should contact your doctor to prescribe a targeted treatment. He will recommend a topical or oral antifungal.
You should also observe if you have the classic symptoms of eczema, such as flaky skin, painful skin cracks, and possible discharge or bleeding. Your doctor should help you determine the cause of the problem. It may be due to an irritant you use at work, or to a substance found in your shoes or socks. At that point, he will prescribe you a steroid cream or ointment
Method 3 of 3: Change Personal Hygiene Habits
Step 1. Wash your feet every day
Hygiene plays a key role in having healthy skin. Soap is important for washing, but it can irritate and won't help remove dead skin cells caused by dryness. Instead, wash them thoroughly with warm water to promote good hydration. Hot water (between 34 and 40 ° C) promotes circulation, giving a feeling of relief and freshness to the feet.
Always wash the soles of your feet and the spaces between your toes properly (use a sponge to reach them). If you prefer not to bend over in the shower, choose a sponge with a long handle
Step 2. After a shower or bath, dry your feet thoroughly, even in the spaces between the toes
This way you can prevent infections from developing and reduce bad odors or bacteria.
Step 3. Wear comfortable shoes that don't squeeze or rub your feet
Tight, uncomfortable footwear can cause painful bumps and distort the shape of the toes. They can also irritate the feet, causing skin blisters and cracks to form. Try to bring comfortable shoes of the right size every day, especially if you are always on your feet during the day.
- If you wear high shoes, look for heels that are wide, stable and no taller than 5 centimeters. Make sure they leave enough room for the toes, as the shoes should not shrink until they are well past the toes. You should also regularly alternate the heights of the heels, so as to avoid shortening the Achilles tendon.
- Avoid wearing flip flops and completely flat shoes: they do not support the arch of the foot well. Also try not to walk barefoot, so as to prevent the development of flat feet. To have healthy and strong feet, limit the use of shoes that do not support the arch of the foot.
Step 4. Alternate shoes and change socks daily
Try to alternate shoes so as not to wear the same shoes every day, even if you have two identical pairs. You will prevent the formation of bad smells and infections.
Always wearing clean socks will prevent irritation and infection, which could cause skin dryness and cracking
Step 5. Drink plenty of water to maintain good hydration
It is one of the best ways to have healthy skin, including that of the feet. If possible, drink whenever you feel the need: thirst is a signal sent by the body to tell you that you are dehydrating. Try to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day.
Step 6. Be careful when getting a professional pedicure in a beauty salon
Make sure employees sterilize and clean all metal tools before use, and only go to salons known to have high standards of hygiene.
