Best Foot Creams For Heels And Elbows

Our feet are one of the most used, but also one of the most neglected and ignored parts of our body. Every day they work tirelessly supporting our weight from one side to the other, and in return, they do not receive any pampering.

In winter, feet spend most of their time deprived of fresh air and moisture, while in summer they can be too exposed to the elements. However, we don’t pay attention to our feet until they start to bother us or hurt us.

To this lack of attention must be added the fact that the skin of the feet is drier and thicker than that of other parts of the body, due to the fact that the feet support three times the body weight and the friction between our feet and the ground. can cause them to dry out.

The problem with dry skin is that if nothing is done to remedy it, it leads to the appearance of cracks, itching, pain, calluses, calluses, and even more serious infections and health problems can develop .

Luckily, preventing and repairing dry feet is as easy as regularly applying a foot cream, a very effective product that cannot be missing from your toiletry bag.

The hardest part, however, is choosing which foot cream to buy from all the options on the market. Like any other skin care product, you need to look at the ingredients to find the best cream for your feet.

To save you work, we’ve put together a list of the 10 best foot creams you can buy right now.

Nezeni Cosmetics Cracked Heels and Elbows Cream

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If you need to ensure the care of the skin of the feet and arms in one step, Nezeni Cosmetics Cracked Heels and Elbows Cream presents this irresistible option with double function combined in a single product.

Cracks in the heels can be uncomfortable and even painful. As a result of dry skin, they can also be unsightly, with thickened areas of skin sometimes appearing yellow with brown calluses around the edges of the heel.

But its properties make it possible to soften, hydrate and protect rough, rough and callused skin on the hands, elbows, knees and feet, without diminishing the repairing effect on all these different skin types, but with the same importance.

Its natural components also exercise the function of improving blood circulation, providing rest to tired feet, and preventing the formation of wrinkles typical of the hands, with the passage of age.

The presentation of this moisturizing cream is practical, comfortable and simple; Its flexible plastic container makes application easy and prevents spill accidents from accidental drops.

As for the consistency of the cream, it is not too thick, which makes it easier for it to penetrate through pores and cracks more effectively.

Hydration and exfoliation with urea

Its essential ingredient is urea (luckily for us, it is produced synthetically in laboratories), known and used for its keratolytic and moisturizing properties. In other words, it provides the skin with a combination of hydration and gentle exfoliation at the same time.

Urea is part of the natural hydration factor (NMF) , essential for maintaining the health, function and hydration of the horny layer of the skin. But like many other natural compounds in our skin, urea decreases with age, making us more susceptible to dryness and wrinkles.

What else does it do when applied to the skin? In addition to reducing transepidermal water loss and gently exfoliating, it helps strengthen the skin’s defense mechanism and creates a lipid barrier (among other things).

When combined with glycerin , another humectant that works to hydrate the skin by drawing water from the air to the outer layer of the skin, a protective layer is formed that helps prevent the loss of moisture from the skin, ensuring that moisture is retained for longer.

Aloe vera is added to this effect , a very popular ingredient in all areas of our life, due to the wonderful properties it possesses. Since it is a completely natural medicinal or healing silver, it is no wonder that this cream is excellent for nourishing your feet.

For its part, the wonderful bisabolol acts as an anti-inflammatory that helps calm the skin. And what’s more, it can help the skin absorb other active ingredients more effectively, making it a great combination of actives.

Finally, the menthol produces a sensation of cooling and freshness on the skin, relieving the painful sensation of irritation. This sensation is invigorating and invigorating, and also has a distinctive mint smell.

Its anti-irritant properties guarantee that prolonged or frequent use of this cream will not produce any counterproductive effect, no matter how delicate the skin may be.

Fragrance-free formula

Many people suffer from olfactory sensitivity, so highly scented creams are out of the question. Nezeni cream is fragrance-free for the convenience of all users. It won’t leave your hands smelling like foot cream after hydrating each night.

It’s basically fragrance-free, but a slightly minty undertone can be detected.

Relieves itching

A nemesis for all who have dry or cracked feet skin, is the constant sensation of itching . No matter how much they scratch, the itch won’t go away. Luckily, Nezeni Cosmetics cream eliminates itchiness, while healing your feet.

This is great news, as scratching can worsen dryness and cause reddened areas, as well as cracks and peeling.

Easy application

A good foot cream has to be easy to apply. This is the case of Nezeni cream, whose texture is very easy to spread, apply and absorb.

To achieve the best results, the ideal is to wash and dry the area beforehand. Then the cream is applied, if it is on the feet, concentrating the action of gentle circular massages throughout the affected area and then spreading it throughout the foot, so that it penetrates the pores.

To apply it to the hands and elbows, gently massage is done, especially in the visible part and the one that tends to wrinkle more easily. Gentle pressure on the fingertips is recommended to maintain moisture in the cuticle, preventing the formation of hardened skin around the nails.

It should be used twice a day , to ensure softness and rest to the feet, before and after each day.

WHERE TO BUY CREAM AND PRICE

L’Occitane Shea Foot Cream

This cream provides an instant luxurious sensation, largely thanks to all-natural ingredients that include 15% shea butter and essential oils .

You will have no doubt about the origin of this cream; the evocative fragrance of the Haute-Provence region of France reaches your senses in the first application.

It’s super hydrating, absorbs quickly, and we love that it feels comforting, calming and restorative, bringing your feet back to life at the end of a hard day.

It is a great short-term solution for drier skin, since the regular application of this cream restores the skin cells, by moisturizing it, adding relief to fatigue and relaxing the stiffness of the muscles.

The formula is rich in shea butter. The butter extracted from the nut of the shea tree, has as an essential property cell restoration, penetrating through the pores, deeply moisturizing the skin and preventing new alterations in the natural texture of the skin.

It is of special mention that the moisturizers in shea butter are the same moisturizers produced by the sebaceous glands in the skin . Therefore, the positive biochemical and physiological effect of shea butter on skin lesions makes this cream ideal for wound healing.

Much more than shea

In addition to the precious shea butter, the mixture is composed of lavender essential oil , with antiseptic properties that eliminate and prevent fungi and infections, caused by excessive sweating and the recurrent use of closed shoes.

And by essential oil of peppermint , which provides a cooling effect by cooling stiff muscles from the practice of extreme activities, or rigid positions that generate tension and fatigue.

For its part, arnica extract eliminates irritation in the most delicate and sensitive skin. While coconut oil can work wonders on dry and itchy skin. And not only does it leave your skin nourished and smooth, it also smells amazingly good.

The formula is also free of parabens and phthalates, and has a light, pleasant lavender scent.

Visibly healthier skin

For best results, it is recommended to soak your feet in lukewarm water before applying the cream, to remove any dirt, and increase the flexibility of tense and tired tissues and muscles.

Once dry, apply the cream abundantly, with gentle movements, applying light pressure to the most damaged areas. This will allow the cream to penetrate deeply, so that it correctly performs its repairing and nourishing function.

After a few minutes, you will begin to experience positive changes. The skin will be softer to the touch , the cracks will fill in, and the feeling of fatigue will disappear.

L’Occitane cream has the endorsement of time in the market, which makes it one of the best options to eliminate roughness and hardness from the skin of the feet, and an icon in terms of body cosmetics, with results tested by thousands of users.

O’Keeffes Healthy Feet Foot Cream

Many foot creams provide the hydration that the skin needs, but they have no way to protect or prevent that moisture from being lost over time.

That is not the case with Healthy Feet, as its formula creates a barrier around the skin to ensure that the moisture you receive is permanent and long-lasting. This is thanks to glycerin, a natural ingredient with the ability to attract and retain moisture .

It also has a high proportion of Allantoin , an effective ingredient to help the skin heal and renew, famous for its soothing properties, as it softens the skin and allows it to absorb more moisture.

To increase the skin’s renewal process, it helps in the removal of dead skin cells in the upper layers, while making it softer and smoother.

The concentrated, non-greasy, odorless formula stimulates the skin’s natural repair process by hydrating the skin, adjusting the pH balance, and retaining moisture.

Ideal for diabetics

People with diabetes have extremely sensitive feet, which means they have to take much more care of that part of the body. Any change in your feet can lead to serious problems.

O’Keeffes Healthy Feet Foot Cream will prevent any serious changes (calluses, cracks, peeling), maintaining the pH and moisture balance.

Quick and easy to apply

A moisturizing product that also promotes skin elasticity , hydrates, softens, protects, and prevents cracking of the skin. Furthermore, it is allergen free.

Best used after bathing and exfoliating the skin, just before going to bed. With regular use, this cream will provide you with incredibly smooth skin , which explains why it is such a popular product with those with dry feet.

Its formula works in a very short time, so you won’t have to wait weeks or even months like with other foot creams. Most people begin to see improvement in their dry, cracked feet in just a few days.

Weleda Foot Balm

Weleda Balm revitalizes and refreshes tired and aching feet, leaving them soft, firm and relaxed.

If you have the need for a complete foot balm, with which to treat all your foot ailments at the end of a long day, then the Weleda option is what you need. Refreshing, comforting, and slightly antibacterial to keep unpleasant odors away.

Characteristics:

  • It offers a mixture of healing vitamins that together with the hydrating actives, guarantees the natural restoration of the skin without chemical agents.
  • Olive oil, together with lanolin, provide immediate softness, eliminating roughness and roughness typical of drier skin.
  • Its creamy and non-greasy texture is easily absorbed.
  • The refreshing sensation is instantaneous,

100% natural ingredients

Your feet will receive all the care and nutrition it deserves with these ingredients:

The olive oil contains antioxidants that fight free radicals and an ingredient called squalene, which is extremely moisturizing. Moisturizes the thick skin of the feet and heels, in addition to nourishing the skin. As for the cuticles, olive oil keeps them moist and soft to promote strong and healthy nail growth.

The lanolin is a super moisturizer. Basically it locks in moisture. It prevents water from evaporating and makes even the driest skin soft and smooth.

The myrrh extract is a powerful antioxidant that can combat oxidative damage, has soothing properties, and antibacterial (Myrrh has been used for centuries to heal wounds and prevent infection).

The Calendula has anti – inflammatory and antibacterial healing properties; It is rich in antioxidants such as carotenoids, tocopherols, or vitamin E, another antioxidant with amazing abilities to soften the skin. Studies reveal that the extract of this floral herb can stimulate collagen production, which is important for proper skin regeneration.

And fine kaolin clay leaves skin smooth, and soothes sensitive skin. With its slightly abrasive texture, kaolin clay makes a good exfoliator. Removes dead cells and flaky skin, keeping skin smooth and soft. In addition, it is a great deodorant, neutralizing the bad smell of the feet.

Deodorizer

Weleda Foot Balm also deodorizes, preventing odor caused by humidity and constant wearing of closed shoes. Clay surely has something to do with this.

Ideal for tired feet

It is ideal for swollen feet from staying in the same position for a long time or using high heels, as it provides relief from muscle tension or the action of calluses, which will disappear with frequent use.

It is recommended to soak your feet in warm water after the day. This provides rest and prepares the skin, softening the calluses and roughness, so that it is easier to remove the dead skin with the use of a file or pumice stone.

Then you have to dry your feet well, so that the cream penetrates the skin surface without any difficulty, and using circular movements, massage is applied so that the product penetrates more deeply.

Concentrate on the most damaged areas, applying the product several times a day if necessary, and you will see results almost immediately, at least your feet will feel softer and more hydrated.

Foot Magic Foot Cream with Cocoa Butter from Palmers

Palmers Cream is a must-have for revitalizing, soothing and smoothing tired, dry and cracked feet. Its formula with skin-loving ingredients like cocoa butter, vitamin E, peppermint oil and shea butter, helps hydrate and soften dry skin and rough areas , while nourishing and softening the tired and sore feet.

It works quickly to soothe dry, chapped skin and is one of the best for sensitive skin. Widely recommended to give immediate softness to the skin of the feet, ideal as an emergency solution.

The texture of this cream is smooth and leaves no residue, as the absorption is immediate.

Cruelty-free ingredients

It has a good amount of natural anti-inflammatory and antifungal ingredients to heal and prevent further problems. In addition, its ingredients and products are not tested on animals.

  • Cocoa Butter – A rich natural moisturizer that leaves skin silky smooth, transforming even the roughest and driest areas into smooth, buttery skin.
  • Vitamin E : a powerful antioxidant that helps improve the appearance of scars, stretch marks and blemishes on the skin, giving a more uniform and toned appearance.
  • Mango Butter : A unique bioactive compound in mango, called “mangiferin” is responsible for mango butter having antioxidant, antibacterial, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. It is also a great moisturizer that acts in depth.
  • Peppermint oil : calms and has a cooling and numbing effect on the skin.

This combination of ingredients guarantees softness and freshness to the skin of the feet, while deodorizing, avoiding excessive sweating that generates the bad smell on the feet.

A magic weapon for dry feet

Its texture resembles balm, and its name describes it well, it is true magic for dry feet, which are repaired and hydrated in just a couple of days.

The product is very easy to use, you just have to apply it to the soles of your feet, heels, ankles, and any area that is dry, with a circular motion, focusing on the roughest parts of the skin.

For best results, it is advisable to wash your feet with warm water first, then drying them very well. And once the cream is applied, put on some cotton socks so that the action of the product is much more intensive.

Isdin Podos Ureadin Moisturizing Gel Oil

For tired, dry and cracked feet, Isdin hydrating gel offers an immediate solution of relief and hydration , moisturizing the skin and eliminating calluses, roughness and cracks, caused by a lack of hydration.

While it does a good job of exfoliating skin and smoothing calluses, where it really shines is hydrating extraordinarily dry and painfully cracked skin.

This foot cream keeps well under extremely hot and arid environments, as well as during winter, and can be used by diabetics as well.

You really appreciate how quickly this foot cream absorbs into your skin, totally non-greasy, making it easy to apply at any time of the day.

We like that it can be used preventively and doesn’t have a strong fragrance, so you can apply it at any time.

Key ingredients

  • Urea10% . This naturally-derived compound quickly and effectively heals dry skin, while promoting skin barrier function and permeability. Interestingly, urea shows anesthetic qualities, so it can be used for local foot pain relief.
  • Lactic acid . This AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid) encourages skin to shed its old dead cells, revealing the glow of healthy skin cells hidden underneath.
  • Bacillus ferment . A good enzymatic exfoliator that removes dead cells from the skin to smooth the surface.
  • Allantoin . It is considered an effective moisturizing ingredient, and its mild, non-irritating qualities make it an excellent addition for those with sensitive or easily irritable skin. Furthermore, allantoin is a known keratolytic, which means that it can increase the water content of cells while also helping in the process of peeling the outer layers of the skin.
  • Arginine – An antioxidant that helps increase collagen production. It also causes blood vessels to relax, thereby increasing blood flow and reducing foot pain.
  • Hyaluronic acid . Hydrates and soothes dry skin due to its ability to extract and retain a thousand times its weight in water.
  • Panthenol . It acts as a humectant by infusing water into cells, retaining moisture deep within the skin’s tissues. And when used regularly over a period of four weeks or longer, it takes on an anti-inflammatory function, relieving itchiness, while helping soothe dry skin.

Mild odor

One of the things we love about this cream is its mild aroma . There are too many highly scented creams that don’t bother to hide the drug-like smell created through the mixture of ingredients that make them up.

Of course, what we really like is that it works to heal dry, chapped skin, while relieving odor and itchiness. And most users find that it is not only effective, but also works quickly.

You can safely apply it on dry, cracked and rough skin . The manufacturer suggests exfoliating the skin first and putting on socks after applying, either to protect the floor or to get the most out of the cream.

Caudalie Beauty Foot Cream

If you are looking to obtain the benefits of botanical active ingredients recognized for their antioxidant and moisturizing properties, with a formula specially designed for the most damaged feet, Caudalie’s Beauty Cream is the best option.

Its specialty is intensive care for very dry and damaged skin ; for this reason, it has the following characteristics:

  • Softens the skin, even in the most affected areas such as the heel, from the first application.
  • Prevents the formation of corns and roughness in the lateral area of ​​the heels.
  • It deeply moisturizes the skin throughout the day, thus preventing cracking and itching.
  • Does not leave a greasy film.

The best natural ingredients

The ingredients in this foot cream have been carefully chosen to provide an optimal moisture level.
It is a product with 93% of natural origin , and like all Caudalie products, the formula is without parabens, without phenoxyethanol, without phthalates, without mineral oils and without ingredients of animal origin.

But what it does have are the best natural ingredients:

  • Organic and fair trade shea butter , emollient and moisturizing, with exceptional healing properties for the skin.
  • Ginkgo biloba extract , with anti-inflammatory properties that are very useful to reduce inflammation, and rich in vitamin E, which helps prevent skin problems.
  • Grapeseed oil , a great antioxidant agent that regenerates and nourishes the skin.
  • Sesame oil , which protects the skin from external aggressions and deeply nourishes it.
  • Polyphenols , another powerful antioxidant that slows down aging.

Visible results from the first moment

With your feet very clean and dry, apply the cream, paying special attention to the most affected areas and then all over the skin, waiting for it to be absorbed before putting on your shoes.

It is necessary to repeat the application twice a day to obtain the expected results. From the first day you will be able to notice the difference in the skin of the feet, which will begin to look fully hydrated, without the appearance of aged feet that cause cracks and roughness, even when you use your feet to the fullest.

After two weeks of constant use, the skin will have fully regenerated.

Burt’s Bees Coconut Foot Cream

Coconut oil is well known for protecting against microbial infections, as well as being a powerful antioxidant, and is the main ingredient in Burt’s Bees foot cream.

This formula helps to nourish and repair the hard and cracked skin of the feet, restoring the most battered skin and, with frequent use, guaranteeing prevention to avoid the new formation of cracks, calluses and roughness, thanks to its deep moisturizing action.

The mixture of its natural ingredients, restores and softens the skin of the feet, while providing a sensation of freshness and rest to the muscles of the foot, making it essential for every day of work or sport, which requires prolonged standing. .

Natural ingredients

In total, the formula has 99.4% natural ingredients . The star ingredient is coconut oil , which as we all know, is one of the best ingredients to revive dead skin.

But besides the coconut, the cream has many other interesting ingredients that will leave your feet like new:

  • Olive oil : provides intense nutrition and vitamins.
  • Oat oil : rich in vitamins A, E and B, antimicrobial, anti-fungal and moisturizing.
  • Lanolin : a great emollient that locks in moisture in the skin and prevents it from evaporating, while providing an environment rich in protection for skin cells.
  • Quillaja bark extract : Contains a good amount of saponins, which have cleansing and water-fixing properties for the skin.
  • Rosemary extract : Natural deodorant, antioxidant, increases skin elasticity, and has anti-inflammatory benefits.
  • Rapeseed oil : contains a high level of essential fatty acids, which are beneficial for hydrating the skin.

Melts on the skin

Although a priori it has a fairly solid texture, once you start applying it to your feet, it melts like butter, and dry skin absorbs it immediately .

Many other foot creams just stay on the surface and hydrate just the outside (the visible part), but Burt’s Bees cream does more than that. Your feet will drink it like water on a hot summer day.

Easy application

After the day, it is recommended to immerse your feet in warm water, to relax them and soften calluses while loosening dead skin.

In order to guarantee the expected effects, it is advisable to follow the application guidelines of the brand, which recommends passing a foot file before applying the product, which will help loosen dead skin.

After drying your feet very well, rub the coconut cream, generously, massaging in a circular motion, applying a little pressure to the most damaged areas, so that it penetrates well through the pores.

The ideal is to wait for the skin to absorb the cream, and then cover the feet with cotton socks to increase the repairing effect , which will be noticeable after the first applications.

Simon & Tom Antibacterial and Repairing Foot Cream

For the treatment of the most delicate and very damaged skin, Simon & Tom present a sophisticated blend of natural oils from the East, represented in the properties of Argan and Tea Tree , which with their natural oils make a difference in the treatment of the skin of the feet.

Its components have the properties to restore dry and scaly skin, typical of dermatophytosis (popularly known as athlete’s foot), which is produced by a fungus that is generated by moisture in the feet, very common in athletes; so its use is highly recommended for this condition.

Its repairing effect is almost immediate , and your feet will return to their normal appearance, achieving immediate relief in cracked areas and all kinds of irritations on sensitive skin.

Good natural ingredients against dryness

Simon & Tom’s foot cream is made with natural ingredients, like all the products of this firm. This property guarantees that the skin will be treated without chemicals that can cause side effects on delicate and sensitive skin.

The Argan oil organic Morocco is the ingredient responsible for moisturize and soften rough areas and cracked, because it is full of omega fatty acids, vitamin E and linoleic acids, all of which are perfect for all skin types.

Today, tea tree oil is known for its virtually endless number of uses, especially for the skin. It has become an increasingly popular active ingredient thanks not only to its natural antiseptic action but also to its powerful abilities to combat athlete’s foot itself, as well as inhibit its ability to replicate.

The mint helps provide a cooling sensation to the skin, but his most valuable contribution is that it can help relieve muscle aches and reduce itchy skin, and even has antimicrobial and antifungal properties, making it an ingredient very Useful.

Other ingredients that act to help regenerate cracked and damaged skin are vitamins, A, E and omega-6 fatty acid.

Exfoliating properties

Its exfoliating properties help to renew skin cells , becoming an agent for the prevention and maintenance of smooth and hydrated skin.

Its texture is easily absorbed, thus achieving optimal results in the detachment of calluses, repair of cracks and general moisturizing of the skin of the feet. Say goodbye to roughness and athlete’s foot fungus!

It is advisable to wash your feet well and immerse them for a few minutes in warm water, in order to rest them and soften the skin. And repeat the application of the cream every day , to eliminate the fungus and keep the skin hydrated and free of calluses.

Neutrogena ultra-hydrating foot cream

Neutrogena is one of the most popular brands for hand and foot care for its quality and effectiveness. In addition, their products work on all skin types.

Their ultra-moisturizing foot cream is one of those special products that treats the main problems that feet have: cracked heels, roughness and lack of dehydration .

Neutrogena promises to stimulate the skin’s natural healing process, hydrating it and regulating its pH balance. It has been a staple foot cream among people with super dry or rough feet, as well as those who suffer from pressure marks and calluses.

Its formula works wonders (especially if used regularly), and it does not leave any greasy residue. This foot cream will keep your feet hydrated for up to 24 hours, making it the perfect product for those who don’t like complicated and lengthy beauty rituals.

Highly hydrating formula

A cream rich in glycerin . Don’t let the word glycerin scare you off, it is a natural compound whose function is to lubricate and hydrate the skin. It is the ideal ingredient for anyone sensitive to skin care products.

Glycerin draws water into itself, thus leaving skin with an overall hydrating and smooth effect. And it has the ability to signal the surface cells of the skin to mature more quickly. It is especially effective on the most difficult difficult spots, such as corns.

It also includes allantoin , an ingredient found in the metabolism of most organisms (animals, plants, bacteria). In addition, allantoin can improve the shedding of dead skin cells, thus preventing cracking.

This cream uses vitamin B5 and vitamin E, which are very beneficial for the health of the skin. Vitamin B5 is known to help the skin retain moisture, keeping it more supple; while vitamin E has antioxidant properties that prevent the aging process that occurs naturally in the skin.

Adding these two ingredients to your foot care routine is sure to have excellent results.

Visible results in 3 days

You only have to apply it once a day, thanks to its extensive hydration. And in 3 days, you will already be able to notice the results. If you suffer from cracked heels, this is especially important.

In addition, you can also use this cream on the ankles and legs, as it will be beneficial to keep it soft and flexible.

What does a foot cream do?

A good foot cream renews and repairs damaged and dry skin, softens rough and hard skin, protects from moisture loss by creating a long-lasting barrier, and helps prevent a wide variety of foot problems , including itchy feet. skin, cracked heels, bacterial and fungal infections, as well as aches and pains.

Alternatively, there are foot creams that target a specific foot problem. The most common is dryness, for which you need a highly hydrating formula that is quickly and deeply absorbed, both in the upper and deeper layers of the skin.

But it can also be other types of problems, such as cracked heels, excessive sweating, bad smell, or fungal infections.

Why use a foot cream?

No one can argue that our feet get us where we need to go, doing great work every day of our life. Even if you are sitting, your feet are locked in a tight pair of shoes without much room to move.

But, generally, it is the part of our body that receives the least attention, until they begin to bother us , either with the appearance of calluses, itching or general dryness.

By the time you notice that your feet are giving you trouble, the problem is likely big. That is why it is important to use a foot cream not only when they bother us, but also to pamper and take care of them when they are in optimal condition, so that they continue like this for a long time.

Dry skin itches and can crack, exposing you to yeast infections, Athlete’s Foot, and many other unpleasant ailments .

That is why it is important to keep your feet well hydrated, so that they can do their job properly. And more than any other part of our body, the feet are essential to be able to perform most of the daily tasks. So take care of them!

What Causes Dry Feet?

There is a scientific reason why the feet are likely to be the driest part of the body. Our skin produces natural oils to stay hydrated and sealed, but the soles of the feet are one of the few parts of the skin that does not have oil glands .

Which makes sense: can you imagine trying to walk on greasy feet? This evolutionary tactic leaves our feet vulnerable to desiccation.

Dry feet also have the same causes as dry skin on the rest of the body. Non-moisturizing soaps, spending time soaking in hot water, too much sun exposure, and dry air, whether due to heat or natural weather, can cause the skin to lose too much moisture.

Shoes that fit too tight or too small, or those that don’t allow your feet to breathe, can also cause dry skin. And when your feet can’t breathe, they sweat. That moisture has to come from somewhere, and it comes from the water reservoirs in the feet.

In addition, there are many other factors that cause dry and cracked feet. There are environmental factors (hot summers and freezing winters), medical concerns (diabetes causes serious foot problems, as do cancer treatments), food and drink consumption (you may not be hydrated enough) and, of course, there is the daily effort of walking and standing .

However, there is only one way to eliminate dry, cracked, itchy, or sore feet: a regular care routine that includes a cream to hydrate, soften, and repair the skin on your feet , plus a regular exfoliation to remove dead cells.

What Causes Heel Cracks?

When our feet get too dry, our skin loses its ability to stretch properly and cracks, creating fissures that are painful and can easily become infected.

Most of the time, heel cracks appear when super dry skin is combined with wearing a shoe, sandals or clog with an open heel for a long time.

Shoes that do not have a heel do not give any support or compression to the heel of the foot. Without that support, the heel pad extends further than it would in sneakers, for example.

This spread causes the skin to bulge out from the side. This puts the skin on the edges of the heels under a lot of stress, and when the skin is dry, it can break open and cause a fissure.

If you don’t have a medical condition that could make this a more serious problem (such as diabetes), and your feet are not infected, a good moisturizer for feet should be enough to heal cracked heels with regular use.

How do you know if it’s dry skin or athlete’s foot?

One tricky point is that athlete’s foot can sometimes look a lot like just dry skin. Both this common fungal infection and dry skin can cause scaly, dry, and itchy feet.

It can be difficult to tell unless athlete’s foot has actually progressed. I’m not a doctor and I definitely can’t say anything with authority, but the litmus test is if you have dry skin between your toes . Because that is not normal dry skin and you need a doctor to see you, or at least use antifungal creams.

This is important because if you have athlete’s foot, moisturizers will only make your problem worse. If you are using moisturizer on your dry skin for a couple of weeks and the dryness is getting worse, you need to reassess the situation.

What to look for in a foot cream?

The effectiveness of a foot cream largely depends on its composition . There are many different ingredients that can be used to achieve good results, and these range from natural and organic to those that have been developed by a scientist with the goal of achieving a certain result.

There is no foot cream like it. Ingredients can vary from product to product, and they have a great impact on the overall effectiveness of the product.

Some formulas use high concentrations of humectants like glycerin and allantoin to hydrate the dryness that causes cracked heels. Products with these ingredients will be especially effective.

But you can also consider an all-natural foot cream, filled with tea tree and peppermint oils to hydrate your feet with organic ingredients.

These are the most valuable ingredients you can find in foot creams:

  • Urea : If you have extremely thick skin on your feet, or you suffer from corns and calluses, then you will want to choose a foot cream that includes urea. This is a widely used ingredient, especially successful when used to heal heel cracks.
  • Neem Oil : If your foot problems include fungal infections like athlete’s foot, you may want to opt for a product that includes Neem Oil. It is an anti-inflammatory oil that is great for fighting infections.
  • Shea Butter : If you are looking for smooth skin, then look for Shea Butter. This is an ingredient that is obtained from the shea tree, and it is an excellent antioxidant and moisturizer that also has anti-inflammatory and healing properties. It promotes the elasticity of the skin, so the skin will always look nice and smooth with its help.
  • Coconut Oil : It is a natural product that has become very popular in recent years, which is mainly due to its many beneficial properties. Coconut oil not only nourishes and hydrates the skin on your feet, it also has many beneficial healing properties.
  • Aloe Vera : One of the oldest remedies when it comes to treating inflammation, burns and pain; Aloe Vera is a great option if you need relief. If you opt for a foot cream that includes this ingredient, you can get rid of itching, pain, burning, and other annoying symptoms.
  • Jojoba Oil : It is one of the most popular moisturizing agents that exists today, thanks to its ability to imitate natural fat and balance the skin’s oil production. Being also considered as an emollient, it is able to retain water in the skin, keeping it hydrated for longer.
  • AHAs : Alpha hydroxy acids are natural, food-derived acids used in chemical peels. Creams that contain this ingredient will help remove dead skin that has built up so moisture can penetrate where you need it.
  • Lanolin : In its pure form, lanolin is one of the best and fastest solutions for severely dry and cracked heels. Being an emollient, it can help treat calluses and accumulated dry skin on the feet. However, this is an animal product, so vegans may want to avoid it.
  • Tea tree oil : Tea tree oil foot creams are ideal for feet with a fungal infection and certain injuries. Due to its healing and antibacterial properties, it can help fight harmful bacteria that may be breeding on your feet.
  • Eucalyptus Oil : Great antibacterial and deodorant ingredient, helps prevent infections and prevent foot odor.

Apart from these, many other ingredients are also excellent for keeping your feet soft and silky. These can include vitamin E, allantoin, lavender oil, or glycerin.

People with diabetes should look for foot creams with Retin-A, ammonium lactate, L-Arginine HCL, and lidocaine to help treat wounds, and keep feet clean and free of infection-causing bacteria.

Most of the products have some fragrance. This can range from sweet floral perfumes, to the scents of its natural ingredients, and even peppermint and menthol used in foot creams to provide a cooling effect. However, you may prefer to invest in a product that is odorless.

For those who suffer from olfactory sensitivity, have skin that is prone to irritation from added odors, or simply prefer to achieve a distinctive scent through the use of perfume, rather than foot cream, choose a fragrance-free product.

If you know that you are allergic to a certain ingredient, or if your skin is very sensitive, it is a good idea to choose products that have been labeled hypoallergenic. And before you buy any product, be sure to read the ingredients to be sure the product is not causing you harm.

If you discover that you are having an unwanted reaction to a product, stop using it immediately.

But the composition of the cream is not the only thing you should look at when choosing foot cream.

Are you worried about the price? It’s not that the more you pay, the better the cream will be . As our reviews show, many reasonably priced cosmetics include quality ingredients and are highly effective.

That said, more expensive creams likely contain more natural, hypoallergenic ingredients, as well as essential oils to help soothe pain, prevent infection, and ease inflammation.

Do your homework before you buy, as some of the so-called luxury foot creams that can cost you € 50 or more don’t do more for your feet than those that cost less than € 10.

Also pay attention to the format and quantity of the product , as well as the amount you need to apply. Some foot creams come in 100 ml tubes or containers, while others contain two or three times that amount.

With some products, you will only need a drop the size of a pea, while others require a more generous application several times a day.

How to use a foot cream in your foot care routine?

Feet love a little care and attention, but just a little! The feet are robust, but they are also very delicate and complex. They have 26 bones, 250,000 sweat glands, and if feet could dream, they would be dreaming of warm, clean, dry socks and a good daily moisturizer.

Excessive foot care is as bad as none, and can cause ingrown toenails, athlete’s foot, and many other problems.

So how do you give feet what they want, make them soft and supple, and take care of dry or hard skin without making things even worse? With a weekly foot care routine.

WASHED

Starting with the basics, if there’s one thing you need to make sure to do regularly, it’s to wash your feet carefully. In the shower, apply a pH-friendly soap or shower gel to all areas of the feet , including between the toes and the heel.

This will reduce bacteria, sweat, and help remove dead skin as well. It can also exfoliate dead skin, keeping the skin smooth and removing all dead cells.

EXFOLIATION

While your feet are still damp, use a pumice stone and gently rub the tough skin or, alternatively, apply a foot scrub . Don’t rub the pumice stone if your feet feel sore or tender.

NAIL CUTTING AND FILING

Now is a great time to trim those nails while they are soft from soaking in the bathroom. Cut them straight and not too close to your toes , or too enthusiastically. Especially in the corners, it can cause ingrown toenails, which are very painful and in severe cases may require surgery to correct the problem.

A good cut, along with a file, will keep them short enough to feel comfortable, and will help prevent the build-up of sweat and fungus under the nail.

HYDRATION

While your feet are still damp from bathing, massage them with a moisturizing foot cream. Apply a small amount and take your time massaging your feet , heels and toes gently but thoroughly.

When your feet feel a positive tingle of relaxation, you can stop. Since with a foot massage the product reaches everywhere, and because the feet do not like too much moisture, it may be a good idea to remove the excess cream after the massage, drying them with a towel.

Ideally, do it at night. With this you will get flexible, soft and beautiful feet in the morning.

The most important thing about foot care is to do it regularly . Gently apply pumice stone (or rather, use an exfoliating product that gently exfoliates the feet) and massage them with moisturizer once a week; and dab a little moisturizer on the soles of your clean, dry feet every night, or at least 2 to 3 nights a week.

Important things to know about washing and hydrating your feet

  • Try to spend a few minutes each night, before bed, taking care of her feet . Wash them first in warm water, then pat dry, and apply a foot cream.
  • Put on cotton socks after the cream . Some specialty foot creams recommend wearing light socks after applying the moisturizer. These socks can help keep your feet a little warmer, which means that the cream will absorb better in dry areas. After applying the moisturizer, lift your feet for a few minutes with your socks on, but only for a few minutes, and when you remove your socks, remove the excess moisturizer with a thick towel. Remember that regular socks are not good for this, they will only remove the cream before it has a chance to work. You need some thin cotton socks.
  • Don’t apply moisturizer between your toes . And when you dry your feet after washing, pay special attention to that area, as this is where the moisture creates the perfect conditions for athlete’s foot and other infections to reproduce. Moisturize only the soles of your feet and heels.
  • Don’t over-soak your feet . Use warm water, rather than hot, so as not to remove the skin’s own natural oils. If you have athlete’s foot, use warm or cold water instead, and do not apply moisturizer, but rather alcohol or a special antifungal foot ointment.
  • The feet must be kept warm, dry and comfortable . Don’t go overboard with the moisturizer. A small amount goes a long way, and let your feet absorb it completely before putting on your socks or shoes.
  • Feet and nails need balanced care . It can be tempting to trim your toenails down to a bare minimum, but this can lead to fingernails getting buried. And it can be just as tempting to carry the pumice stone everywhere to get rid of tough skin every moment, but this can cause pain and breakage of the skin, leaving your feet open to infection. So if you use a pumice stone, use it gently and regularly once a week or every month, and if tough skin is a particular problem, consult a specialist podiatrist.

Tips to prevent dry and cracked feet problems

Prevention is better than cure. And you can learn to prevent the problems of dryness and cracks in the feet, you just have to:

  • Avoid going barefoot or wearing uncomfortable shoes, that do not have a heel, or even heels. The shoes you wear that have a sturdy, wide heel that supports and cushions your heels.
  • Do not stand for long hours, or sit cross-legged for too long.
  • Avoid taking long and very hot showers.
  • Do not use harsh soaps that can strip the skin of its natural oils.
  • Avoid extreme cold or heat.
  • Use custom (orthopedic) shoe inserts to cushion your heel and equalize weight distribution.
  • Wear good quality or clinically tested padded socks. And silicone heel cups to keep the heel hydrated and help prevent the heel pad from expanding.
  • Moisturize your feet regularly to prevent them from drying out even faster.
  • Inspect your feet daily, especially if you have diabetes or another condition that causes dry skin.
  • Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
  • Use a pumice stone after showering at least once a week to help prevent thickening of the skin. But avoid removing corns yourself if you have diabetes or neuropathy.

It is also important to know that foot skin problems can also be a symptom of psoriasis, diabetes, vitamin deficiency, fungal infections, dermatitis, pregnancy or old age.

Final note

It has become clear that hydrating the skin of the feet is key to avoiding more serious problems in the future; so if you don’t have a foot care routine yet, it’s essential that you start now.

Not all foot creams are the same, and that is why Nezeni Cosmetics foot cream is our favorite, as it has very good ingredients, and it works perfectly hydrating and repairing cracked heels, and the skin on the elbows as well.

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Kathie Sand always saw the world of beauty as the terrain on which to build her professional career, a goal that was clear to her when she was only 15 years old. Her great concern to expand knowledge led her to settle in Paris where she studied hand in hand with the best beauty professionals and with the most advanced techniques for skin care.

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