Top tips to combat dry skin on feet and cracked feet
Overview
Our feet carry us for hundreds of miles throughout our lives, so the skin that protects them deserves just as much care and attention as the rest of our body. That said, their hard work is often repaid with dry or cracked skin – but that doesn’t need to be the case! In this article, we’ll explore some common causes of dry skin on feet and effective solutions.
Common causes of dry, cracked feet
Sandals
Summer is when we want our feet to look their best, but wearing sandals can actually be the cause of skin dryness and cracking. This is due to the extra pressure sandals put on the feet which causes the heel to veer sideways. As a result, the skin on the heel can become thick, dry and even look yellowish in tone.
Diet
It may not be the first thing you think about, but your diet can affect the healthy appearance of your feet and may be the cause of extreme dryness. If you’re deficient in important vitamins and minerals such as iron and zinc, you may be more prone to skin health problems especially around the heels.
Genetics
You may take really good care of your feet with creams, pedicures and visits to the podiatrist, but find that the dry skin on your heels just keeps coming back. If this is the case and you’ve ruled out underlying health problems, it’s probably just a case of genetics. This means that your good habits are even more important, and you may need to increase cream application to twice a day.
Age
Age is another reason that the skin on your feet may have started to become drier. This is because the skin loses a percentage of its elasticity and essential proteins such as collagen during the natural ageing process. It’s advisable to switch to a richer foot cream as you get older and to also increase the number of times you apply it.
Treating dry skin on your feet
The good news is it's really easy to treat dry skin on your feet from the comfort of your home - although we're not opposed to a pedicure if you're feeling fancy!
But if you're looking to get rid of dry skin on your feet in just a few steps, we'd suggest this simple routine:
Step 1: Start with a relaxing foot soak
Soak your feet for about 5-10 minutes in lukewarm water with a moisturising soap of your choice. Try not to do this for longer than 10 minutes, as this can cause further drying of the skin.
Step 2: Use nail clippers
Cut the nail back so that you are left with 1mm of white line and the nail edge meets the tip of your toe. Then, use a rubber hoof to gently push your cuticles back. Try not to do this with too much force as it can cause inflammation of the cuticles. Then, trim the excess skin very gently.
Step 3: File your nails
Gently file the top edge of the nail tip, in a gentle circular motion. This will keep your toes looking tidy and make wearing shoes more comfortable.
Step 4: Exfoliate and hydrate the skin
End your footcare routine by exfoliating and hydrating the skin. This will protect the skin’s natural barrier and help lock in hydration. Discover the CeraVe foot cream below which does both, recommended by a Podiatrist.
Consultant Podiatrist Ghazaleh Rahimi's Recommendation
Hear what Consultant Podiatrist, Ghazaleh Rahimi, has to say about the CeraVe Renewing SA Foot Cream:
"A fast-absorbing, non-greasy foot cream. The formula contains salicylic acid and 3 essential ceramides to gently exfoliate and soften the dry, rough skin, and protect the skin's natural barrier."
FAQs
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What are the best products for dry, cracked feet?
Dry, cracked feet need daily exfoliation and hydration.
Discover our deeply hydrating CeraVe SA Renewing Foot Cream. This fast-absorbing, non-greasy foot cream also contains salicylic acid and 3 essential ceramides to gently exfoliate and soften dry, rough skin. Apply your foot cream of choice in the morning after your shower and again before bed so it has optimum time to absorb into the feet.
Alternatively, if you would prefer a two-step routine, try an exfoliating cleanser in the shower, such as CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser. This contains salicylic acid to gently buff away rough skin. Follow this with a rich moisturiser, such as the CeraVe Moisturising Cream developed for dry to very dry skin. This contains 3 essential ceramides and hyaluronic acid to effectively hydrate the skin and protect the skin’s protective barrier. This non-greasy cream was formulated with our patented MVE Technology to ensure a continuous release of hydration for up to 24 hours.
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How can I treat dry skin on my feet at home?
To treat dry skin on your feet at home, you can soak your feet; clip and file your nails; and exfoliate and hydrate your skin. Try CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser to gently exfoliate, followed by CeraVe SA Renewing Foot Cream to hydrate.
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When should you seek professional help for dry, cracked feet?
If you are caring for your feet regularly with foot creams and exfoliation, and the dry, cracked skin is still not improving, you should visit a doctor or podiatrist. This is because chronic dryness on the feet can be a sign of underlying health conditions such as diabetes. Cracks in the feet can also become infected and you should seek immediate medical attention if you feel unwell, have a fever, or the cracks become inflamed and infected. -
How can I prevent dry, cracked feet?
You can help to prevent dry, cracked skin on the feet by wearing supportive, well-fitting shoes and socks as much as possible. Shoes with thin soles such as flip-flops and sandals can exacerbate cracks on the feet and cause them to open further. You should also moisturise your feet twice a day once when you come out of the shower in the morning, and again before bed.
Don't let hydrated skin stop at your feet! Explore our body moisturisers to shop the complete range of CeraVe products designed to hydrate and nourish your entire body. Find the perfect solution for all your skincare needs and achieve soft, healthy looking skin from head to toe. Shop now and learn more!