Dry feet are a real nuisance, in addition to the aesthetic aspect, they can also be related to health problems.
Far beyond an aesthetic problem, dry feet can also be a health problem. After all, when the skin is very dry, cracks tend to appear, which can cause a lot of discomfort and pain in the feet.
Feet are very important parts of our body. And although they are the ones that carry us everywhere, every day, we don’t always pay due attention to them. And dry feet are proof of that. Despite this, this problem can be related to several causes, the most common being a lack of hydration.
When this happens, the skin on the foot appears whitish, becomes rough and begins to peel and crack. Therefore, depending on the depth of the cracks, it can even bleed, causing a lot of pain. When this happens, the need to hydrate your feet becomes even more evident, and try to find out the source of the problem, which may even be linked to health problems.
Fortunately, this problem that affects so many people has a solution, and it is very simple and can be done at home. Therefore, today we will better understand the cause of dry feet and how to treat the problem. Let’s go!
Main causes of dry feet
Dry feet can be the result of a number of things, from health problems, habits to excessive care.
- Walk barefoot: This is a very common habit, but not good for your feet. When you walk barefoot, you end up leaving your feet more exposed to impurities, which causes your skin to lose its natural moisture and become drier.
- Open shoes: Another point that leaves the feet more exposed is the frequent use of open shoes, such as flip-flops and sandals. This means that the feet also receive all the impact when walking. In this way, it contributes to the skin becoming overloaded, and combined with dryness, results in the dreaded cracks.
- Dehydration: Our body needs hydration, just like our skin. It is thanks to hydration that the skin produces natural oil to maintain softness and protection. Therefore, if the body is dehydrated, it is natural for the skin on the body and feet to dry out more easily. However, it can also be a specific problem in the foot area. Due to overexposure to impurities, low production of sweat and sebum on the feet, there may be a decrease in the skin’s natural moisture, resulting in dryness.
- Excessive exfoliation: The habit of sanding and exfoliating your feet is highly recommended for removing layers of dead skin cells and even treating dryness. However, doing this too frequently can make the problem even worse.
- Illnesses: Some diseases such as diabetes and hypothyroidism are also related to dry feet. In the case of diabetes, the skin becomes dehydrated due to damage to the nerves that produce sebum and sweat. In the case of hypothyroidism, as the thyroid regulates the sweat glands, dryness can be caused by low sweat production in the feet.
How to treat dry feet
Knowing the causes, and that this is a very common problem that affects many people, treating dry feet can be very simple. And you can maintain a foot care routine at home. Ideally, do this daily, but if not, at least twice a week.
1 – Climbing feet moisturizer
Start your care routine for dry feet by taking a foot bath. This will soften the skin and open the pores. This way, the absorption of the moisturizing cream will be deeper, acting on all layers of the skin.
- First, put warm water (it can’t be too hot) in a basin, in an amount that is enough to completely cover your feet.
- Then add 1 or 2 tablespoons of any moisturizing cream you have at home.
- Mix the cream well in the water until it dissolves completely.
- Finally, soak your feet in the basin for 5 to 10 minutes. This time is enough to soften the skin and absorb the cream.
2 – Dry your feet well
After doing the foot bath, it is essential to dry your feet well, in order to avoid the proliferation of fungi, especially between the toes. To do this, dry your skin with gentle movements, don’t use too much force, because when you rub the towel, you can irritate your skin and make your feet even dryer. The ideal is to just remove excess water with a towel and let your feet dry freely.
3 – Exfoliate
Exfoliation may be optional, but should only be done when there are no more cracks, just thick, dry skin. If you choose to do this, after drying your foot, use a foot file or pumice stone. And so, make light movements on the heel to remove excess dead skin. Then just remove excess skin with a towel or rinse again in warm water.
4 – Hydration
Finally, the most important part of treating dry feet: hydration. After your feet are dry, apply a moisturizing cream, preferably for your feet. Choose a cream with highly moisturizing properties and is thick, this way the degree of hydration will be greater.
After applying the cream, to further enhance hydration, put on a sock. The ideal is to do this process before bed. This way, your feet will be able to better absorb all the nutrients in the cream while they rest.
Tips to avoid dry feet
Foot treatment and care is simple and basically depends on good hydration. But beyond that, there are some things you can do to avoid having dry feet.
- Stay hydrated, drink at least two liters of water daily;
- Have a healthy diet, this contributes to the better functioning of your entire body;
- Avoid walking barefoot for a long time;
- Give preference to closed shoes;
- Do not exfoliate and file your feet every day;
- Avoid taking very hot baths;
- Try to control your body weight;
- Hydrate regularly;
- Investigate and seek treatment for organic problems, such as diabetes and hypothyroidism.
Homemade hydration recipes
As hydration is the key to preventing dry feet, let’s find out some homemade recipes to enhance the recovery of your feet.
Olive oil
Olive oil is a great moisturizing ingredient, which can be used on both hair and other parts of the body. Therefore, mix a spoonful of moisturizing cream with a spoonful of extra virgin olive oil and apply it to your feet. For hydration to be even more effective, do this before bed, and cover your feet with cling film and wear socks. This way, the hydration results will be even more intense.
Vaseline and saline
The procedure here is the same as for olive oil, only now with Vaseline. Vaseline is great for creating a barrier against the cold and other external aggressions. This way, it can provide more elasticity to the skin. For even better results, add a spoonful of saline solution to the mixture.
Bepantol
Bepantol is another old acquaintance of hydration tips. And this is no coincidence, as the ointment is rich in dexpanthenol, which helps with cell renewal and skin nutrition. To moisturize your feet, apply a thick layer of ointment and cover with cling film and socks. This will provide better absorption of the product.
Aloe and vera and honey
We have already talked about the various benefits of aloe vera here. Also known as aloe vera, this plant is widely used for hydration purposes, and can also be used on the feet. Thus, in combination with honey, it becomes even more effective, promoting cell renewal and increasing skin elasticity.
For this hydration, mix a spoonful of ground aloe vera with a spoonful of honey and apply it to your feet, at least three times a week. Ideally, you should also do this at night.
coconut oil
In the case of severe cracks that have already developed into injuries, coconut oil can help. Make a mixture with the oil and extra virgin olive oil and leave it on your skin overnight. Because it has high nutritional power and accelerates healing, coconut oil can better treat wounds.
Anyway, what did you think of this article? Take the opportunity to learn how to revitalize dry hair.
Sources: Ratraca Livre Doctor Shoes Tua Saúde
Featured image: Doctor Feet
Images: Lifestyle at the Minute Doctor Shoes Nivea Makeup Tricks
