Manage and care for your dry feet
How to keep your feet smooth and soft
We all have different types of skin structure from oily to dry and this will impact how dry the skin on your feet is. As we age our skin also becomes thinner and less elastic. On our feet the fat pad that protects the sole of our foot also becomes thinner, resulting in increased skin stress causing a build up of dry damaged skin.
Heat and humidity can come from many different sources. It may be that your feet are too hot in your shoes, the water you wash them in is too hot or simply the environment you live in. If your feet become too hot, they will sweat and this draws moisture away from the skin, leaving them dry and flaky.
An underlying skin condition may be causing your dry feet, in which case it is always advisable to get them checked out by your doctor or podiatrist:
While using a good quality moisturising cream containing shea butter, aloe or urea on a daily basis will be nourishing for your feet, your choice of socks is more important than you might realise. Socks that are made from a soft, breathable fabric such as cotton, wool or bamboo will help stop skin irritation and allow your feet to breath. This will prevent them from sweating and drying out.
You could also try a pair of moisturising socks – just like a face mask but for your feet! For the best results put them on at night just after you have washed and cleansed your feet to lock in the maximum amount of moisture.