Photo credit: 123RF/Juriah Mosin
Have you noticed that your feet are rough with cracks on your heels? Or, maybe the skin on your feet is flaky or peeling? These are signs of dry cracked feet.
Winter air can be especially drying when humidity levels in your home or office are low. Overly dry skin on your feet can lead to daily itchiness, a burning feeling and difficulty walking. With all the support your feet provide you every day – like helping you get to where you want to go, it’s important to take care of your dry cracked feet to help keep them healthy and beautiful.
7 Steps to Smooth Dry Cracked Feet
Pamper your dry cracked feet by trying these tips:
Step 1: Soak Your Feet
Fill a pan or tub with warm water and ½ cup of bath salts. You can also add some rose petals or crushed lavender to the water for fragrance. If you want to increase the circulation in your feet, add a few drops of peppermint essential oil to the water. If your feet are really dry and itchy, place some tea tree oil crystals in the water. Soak your feet for 15 to 20 minutes in the warm infused water.
Step 2: Gently Scrub Your Feet
After you’re done soaking your feet, gently scrub them with a loofah or soft foot brush. If you have any cuts or sore spots on your feet, skip this step until they’re healed.
Step 3: Remove any Calluses or Rough Skin with a Pumice Stone
Photo Credit: Silk Feet
To remove dry, tough skin on your heels or other areas, gently rub them with a pumice stone or Silk Feet device.
Another option is to use an exfoliating foot scrub to help keep your feet softer. For a homemade exfoliant, mix together ¼ cup of honey, ¼ cup of raw or natural sugar and 2 tablespoons of olive or grapeseed oil. Apply the exfoliant to your clean feet and massage into your skin. Pay special attention to your heels and any calluses. Wrap your feet with a warm, moist towel and elevate them for about 10 to 15 minutes. Wash off the exfoliant with warm water.
Never use razors or callus scrapers to remove dry, rough skin. They can cut the skin, leading to an infection. If your calluses are really bothersome, see a podiatrist.
Step 4: Wash Your Feet with a Mild Soap
After soaking and exfoliation, thoroughly wash your feet with a mild soap. Dry them with a soft towel.
Step 5: Apply a Hydrating Cream to Your Feet
Place a liberal amount of a good moisturizing cream in your hands and massage the cream into your feet to soften any rough patches. Thicker foot creams that contain shea butter, cocoa butter or humectants like lactic acid are especially hydrating and can soften the skin. To increase circulation, add peppermint, pine, camphor or rosemary essential oils to the lotion. Make sure to apply the lotion to the tops of your feet, up and around the ankles, along the sides, over your heels, in between your toes and over each toe nail.
Step 6: Massage the Feet While Applying Lotion
Massage your feet, or have someone else do it for you while applying foot cream. Grip the foot with both hands. Slowly massage the sole of the foot with both thumbs. Start behind the toes and move toward the heel. Use long stroking motions. Apply extra pressure along the arch and at the ball of foot to release any tightness. At the end of the massage, gently pull and release each toe. Then repeat on the other foot.
Step 7: Apply Moisturizer to Your Feet Overnight
At least once a week before you go to bed, apply a thin layer of foot cream all over your feet and slip on a pair of cotton socks. The cream will moisturize your feet overnight for added softness.
Note: If you experience foot pain that persists or a foot sore that doesn’t heal, see your doctor for an accurate diagnosis and treatment. These can be signs of a more serious problem.
ezWalker® Custom Orthotics Provide Added Comfort
If you suffer from corns, calluses or other foot conditions, consider slipping a pair of ezWalker® Custom Fit Orthotics into your shoes. These custom-made, biomechanically correct orthotics can help reduce or eliminate your foot pain while providing your feet with the support they need to help you feel good all over.
For more information about ezWalker® Custom Orthotics, visit the WalkEZStore.com. Or, order your pair of ezWalker® Custom Fit Orthotics today for all day comfort and pampering.
Because … when your feet feel good, you feel good.®
Disclaimer: The information included in this article is for educational purposes only. It should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
