Tips

5 ‘Tips’ to Avoid Cracked and Dry Feet This Fall and Winter

The feet require meticulous care to prevent dryness and flaking. Just like any other part of the body, they deserve attention and nourishment to stay soft and supple.

Administrator

28 August, 2024

The dry, cold weather of the season can make your skin flaky and prone to cracking. This applies not just to your face but also to your feet, which can become unsightly and painful when walking.

So, take note of these five essential tips to care for your feet:

1. Moisturize After Soaking Your Feet

Soaking your feet is like giving them a facial, providing much-needed hydration, relaxation, and nourishment to keep them soft. To relieve dry, tired feet, soak them nightly. This promotes blood circulation and softens dead skin cells, allowing the foot cream you apply afterward to absorb more effectively. After soaking, gently pat your feet dry with a soft towel and apply the cream, massaging it from the top to the soles and from the inside out.

2. Regularly Exfoliate

Most women love their high heels, but these fashionable shoes can take a toll on their feet. Especially during the colder months, your feet may look great, but there could be a buildup of dead skin that you can’t see. Thus, the second crucial step in foot care is exfoliation.

Soak your feet in warm water for 10-15 minutes, then gently massage them with an exfoliating cream to remove thicker layers of skin on the soles and toes. It’s important to note that foot calluses develop over time, so if you can’t remove them all at once, avoid over-exfoliating. It’s best to exfoliate once or twice a week to maintain soft, smooth feet.

3. Foot Massage

Regular foot massages not only stimulate pressure points but also improve blood circulation, especially for those who often experience swollen feet.

When it comes to massage oils, mineral oil and salt are excellent choices. Apply them to your feet and then use various tools to massage. Mineral salt helps exfoliate dead skin cells during the massage, while mineral oil provides moisture and softness.

4. Wear Socks After Moisturizing

After massaging and cleansing your feet, apply a moisturizing cream. You can use Vaseline, hand cream, or body lotion. Then, put on a pair of socks to help lock in the moisture and enhance its absorption.

5. Apply Sunscreen When Outdoors

When heading out in the summer, you might forget sunscreen, but don’t neglect it! Just as you protect your face, it’s crucial to protect your feet from the sun during winter. Before going out, apply sunscreen with at least SPF15 to the tops and soles of your feet to shield them from UV rays and prevent premature aging.

Source: Vietnamnet

Frequently asked questions

Apply a thick moisturizer to your feet daily, especially at night before bed. Look for ingredients like petroleum jelly, shea butter, and glycerin. Wear socks, preferably cotton ones, to bed after applying the moisturizer to lock in hydration.

Exfoliate your feet once or twice a week to remove dead skin. Use a pumice stone or a foot file after soaking your feet in warm water for about 10-15 minutes. This will help get rid of calluses and dry skin, leaving your feet softer.

Tight shoes and synthetic socks can trap moisture and cause friction, leading to dry and cracked feet. Opt for breathable cotton socks and shoes with good ventilation and a comfortable fit.

Soak your feet once a week in warm water with a cup of apple cider vinegar or Epsom salt for about 15-20 minutes. This will help exfoliate, soften, and disinfect your feet, preventing infections and keeping them healthy.

Yes, applying natural oils like coconut oil, olive oil, or jojoba oil to your feet can help heal cracks and moisturize the skin. You can also use mashed bananas or avocado as a natural foot mask, leaving it on for 15-20 minutes before rinsing.