Feet are often underappreciated, especially considering that they keep us moving every single day. However, with them being so overworked, it’s not uncommon for tired feet to become dry and sore, leaving them desperate for some pampering. We’ve already guided you through how to remove calluses from home, so this time we’re discussing the benefits of moisturising your feet and what is the best foot moisturiser for your feet…
Why Should You Keep Your Feet Moisturised?
Keeping your feet well-moisturised is crucial to prevent a myriad of foot-related issues, including dryness, cracking, and the rapid buildup of calluses. When the skin on your feet is deprived of adequate moisture, it loses its flexibility, leading to painful cracks and breaches in skin integrity. These openings not only make your feet prone to soreness and discomfort but also serve as gateways for microbial infections. Viral, bacterial, and fungal invaders can easily penetrate these cracks, leading to infections that are both uncomfortable and unhealthy.
Moreover, if you don’t maintain a regular foot moisturising routine using a quality foot cream, like the ones recommended by podiatrists, your skin’s natural barrier—which includes the protective oily layer—becomes compromised. This exacerbates the problem of dry feet, making them more susceptible to developing harsh conditions such as athlete’s foot, plantar warts, or eczema.
By choosing the best foot moisturiser for dry feet, you not only restore the lost hydration but also reinforce your skin’s defences against external aggressors. Using products formulated specifically for the thicker skin of the foot, such as those containing hyaluronic acid and ceramides, can significantly improve the condition of your feet. These moisturisers work by exfoliating dead skin cells and sealing in moisture, ensuring that your feet remain soft, supple, and free from calluses.
How To Care For Your Feet…
There are plenty of steps you can take to ensure that your feet are in their best condition.
Socks…
Always ensure to wear socks where possible, as when the skin is bare it tends to dry out more quickly. Socks will help to keep moisture and hydration in the skin for longer, resulting in less cracking.
Daily Maintenance…
A lot of people think that feet can be easily maintained by putting on a bit of moisturiser once a week, however, this won’t cut it. Your feet need daily maintenance to keep them soft, supple and in great condition. Ensuring they are completely dry after showering or bathing and moisturising at least once a day should keep them healthy.
Foot Specific Moisturiser…
It’s so important to moisturise your feet, but you can’t just use any old moisturiser on them and expect it to work well. Your foot skin is the driest part of your skin, so the moisturiser you use needs to be suitable for that.
When choosing a foot moisturiser, it’s crucial to opt for a product specifically formulated for the thicker, often tougher skin on your feet. Below are the key features that make a foot moisturiser effective:
Specialised Formulation: The best foot creams are specially designed to penetrate the dense and often calloused skin of the feet. Seek out products that are explicitly tailored for treating rough, dry, or cracked skin.
Hydrating Ingredients: Essential for any superior foot moisturiser are potent hydrating agents such as glycerine, urea, hyaluronic acid, and shea butter. These components are vital for attracting and locking in moisture, keeping the feet soft and well-hydrated.
Exfoliating Properties: As the feet commonly develop calluses and hard skin, ingredients that facilitate exfoliation are particularly beneficial. Opt for foot creams containing salicylic acid, lactic acid, or alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), which help to gently remove dead skin cells and encourage smoother skin.
Barrier Enhancement: Ingredients like ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids are indispensable in foot creams as they help to repair and fortify the skin’s natural barrier. This not only prevents moisture loss but also shields against external irritants and microbes.
Non-Greasy Texture: Given that feet are frequently confined within footwear, a non-greasy formula that absorbs quickly is essential. This ensures that the skin doesn’t feel slippery after application, making it safer to walk around.
Antimicrobial Features: For those with cracked heels or a predisposition to infections, selecting a moisturiser with antimicrobial or antifungal properties is advisable to guard against pathogens.
Soothing Ingredients: Components like menthol or tea tree oil can provide a cooling and soothing sensation, which is particularly relieving if your feet are swollen or achy after a long day.
Free from Harmful Chemicals: Ideally, foot moisturisers should avoid harmful additives such as parabens, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances that can irritate sensitive skin.
By ensuring your foot moisturiser meets these criteria, you can significantly enhance the health and appearance of your feet. Whether you’re implementing a daily moisturising regimen or seeking a therapeutic solution for severely dry and cracked heels, selecting the right product is paramount for effective foot care. Look for the best foot cream for dry, cracked feet to ensure your feet remain in prime condition, and consider recommendations from podiatrists and dermatologists when making your choice.
What Foot Creams Do Podiatrists Recommend?
Recommended by podiatrists and developed with a team of dermatologists, the CeraVe Renewing SA Foot Cream is a great choice of foot cream. Containing hyaluronic acid, salicylic acid and three ceramides, this effective moisturiser exfoliates and smoothes cracked skin. It’s also great for use when removing calluses, providing protection to fresh skin.
Salicylic acid is a great chemical exfoliant, naturally stripping away the loose skin and leaving a smooth surface. Hyaluronic acid is a gel-like substance which retains water, allowing the skin to become ultimately hydrated.
If you have been following all of our advice and recommendations and you still feel that you need professional treatment for your feet, you can book in with us for a session.
