If there’s one thing most people can agree on, it’s that nobody likes dry, cracked feet.
Dry skin is less elastic, making your feet more prone to cuts and tears. Because our cells tend to reproduce more slowly as we age, dry skin becomes an even greater challenge the older we get.
But the good news is, you don’t have to live with dry feet. By moisturizing on a regular basis, you can enjoy softer, more youthful skin at any age. From applying a daily foot cream to enjoying a refreshing foot soak, here are some easy ways to say goodbye to rough, dry feet for good.
Apply Foot Cream or Moisturizer Daily
Foot creams are typically thicker in texture than the moisturizers we use on our faces, hands and other areas. Some brands may also help control odor and reduce the risk of infection.
Active ingredients to look for include salicylic acid, lactic acid or urea. Other ingredients that help keep skin soft include shea butter, beeswax or coconut oil. If your skin is still rough and dry after using over-the-counter products, your dermatologist may recommend a prescription-strength foot cream. You may also wish to moisturize twice a day if your feet are severly cracked or painful.
Moisturizers tend to work best when skin is just slightly damp. This is why it’s a good idea to apply foot cream after a shower or bath. After washing, pat dry with a clean towel and apply the cream to your soles and heels. Don’t apply lotions or creams between your toes, as excess moisture here may increase the risk of athlete’s foot or other infections. After applying moisturizer, allow your feet to dry before putting on socks and shoes.
Wear Clean Socks
If you’ve ever wondered whether putting on socks can help keep your feet soft, the answer is yes. The key is to put them on right after applying your foot cream or lotion. This helps to hold in moisture while keeping dirt and dust out. Socks help your feet stay clean and avoid infection.
Be sure to always wear clean, dry socks. Take them off if they get wet from, say, stepping in a mud puddle or from sweating. Leaving wet socks on may increase the risk of infection. For some people, an antiperspirant powder helps to keep feet clean and dry while wearing shoes and socks.
Soak Your Feet Weekly
Soaking your feet every one to two weeks is another great way to pamper yourself while keeping your skin soft and smooth.
It’s easy to create a foot bath by adding epsom salt to a tub or bowl of warm water. After soaking for about 10 minutes, gently buff your feet with a pumice stone to slough away dead skin cells. Don’t buff too aggressively or use a razor or other sharp object. Doing so could lead to cuts, bleeding and even infection.
As with most good things, be careful not to oversoak your feet. It’s best to use warm water, as hot water may strip away natural oils and make dry skin even worse. If you have athlete’s foot or another infection, use cool water and don’t apply a traditional moisturizer afterward. Use an anti-fungal ointment instead until the infection heals.
Other Tips for Soft Feet
In addition to applying moisturizer, here are a few more easy ways to show your feet a little TLC for softer, younger-looking skin.
- Exfoliate before moisturizing. Use a pumice stone in the shower or tub to slough off dead skin while your feet are wet. Another great way to exfoliate is with Baby Foot Exfoliating Foot Peel, which lets dead skin peel away naturally and easily. As your skin becomes softer with consistent care, the less frequently you’ll need to exfoliate.
- Soften your feet between exfoliation treatments with a soothing foot mask, such as Baby Foot Moisturizin Foot Mask. It helps prevent drying and cracking from reappearing.
- Treat your feet to a relaxing massage. Apply baby oil or other moisturizing product, gently massaging them to relax your foot muscles. This is especially enjoyable at the end of a long day.
- Wear comfortable, well-fitting shoes. The most important features to look for are good arch support and a fit that is neither too tight nor too loose. If possible, avoid wearing the same pair of shoes two days in a row. Alternating pairs allows them to “breathe” for better comfort.
As you can see, it’s easy to keep your feet soft by moisturizing regularly. And check out Baby Foot’s full line of amazing foot care products to enjoy healthy feet year round!
