Everyone has probably had them at some point: dry and flaky feet. Especially in the cold season, we like to hide our feet in warm woollen socks, closed shoes or boots. But in spring at the latest, when the first rays of sunshine allow open shoes, the displeasure is great and our feet punish us with their appearance. Regular care is guaranteed to make things easier.
How and what do experts recommend? These are questions that we will address in more detail here, because sensitive, dry and cracked skin and feet need more than simple moisturizing – and they need it regularly! They need protection against harmful germs and support for the natural skin barrier. It doesn’t sound so difficult, but a look at our feet often shows us something else.
1. dry feet? Daily care is a must
We tend to forget to care for our feet after a shower or bath. After all, everything still feels so smooth and pleasant afterwards. But as the day progresses, the true moisture content of the skin becomes apparent. If the skin is dry and does not retain enough moisture, unsightly rough patches and even fine cracks become visible. For those who like it simple and uncomplicated, a simple and quickly absorbed mousse or gel is recommended. This means no long waiting times and the skin is supplied with sufficient moisture, while stressed skin is regenerated and protected. So there are no more excuses for skipping your skincare routine.
2. Dead skin flakes should be removed regularly
Dead skin flakes or rough patches do not belong on the feet. However, these can be easily removed with various aids, whether natural or purchased, such as a pumice stone or a scrub. But be careful not to injure sensitive skin. The handling requires a little practice! A pedicure can of course also be carried out professionally and is the safer choice.
3. remove calluses from the feet
If the skin is not only dry and flaky, but is also exposed to constant pressure or friction, this encourages the formation of calluses. This not only looks unattractive, but can also be painful. This is why appropriate aids should be used to remedy the situation. Once the callus has been removed, the skin must be well cared for and protected. Special care should be taken if you have diabetes (more on this in this article). Prevention is of course much easier. Calluses develop wherever the feet are exposed to particular stress. Reducing this stress can provide initial relief. Regular professional foot care and products with urea or aloe vera also help to prevent callus formation.
4. blisters on the feet need special attention
On the contrary, if the skin is subjected to heavy strain on one side, unpleasant blisters can form. Tight or new shoes are usually to blame. Constant friction causes areas of skin to become detached and tissue fluid often flows into small cavities. Correct handling is then crucial to prevent inflammation. This means: disinfect and then cover with a firmly adhering blister plaster. If problems occur, an expert should always be consulted.
5. the natural skin barrier should be strengthened
Once the skin barrier is disrupted, germs and bacteria have easy access. To prevent this, it is important to strengthen the natural protection in good time and above all regularly, for example with ingredients such as the microalgae active ingredient spiralin.
6. Ingrown toenails. What helps then?
Toenails are usually affected, but that doesn’t make it any less unpleasant or annoying. If a nail grows into the adjacent skin, the tissue can be injured and become inflamed. In this case, a professional pedicurist should be consulted to remedy the problem. In mild cases, a foot bath, disinfection and an appropriate ointment can help. The nail should always be cut straight at this point. And never cut too deeply or round off the corners.
7. Relaxing for the feet is also ideal
Just let your feet relax, put your high heels in the corner and walk barefoot, whether on the carpet, doing yoga or simply walking across the grass or along the sandy beach when the weather is nice. This is not only good for you, but also stimulates blood circulation. Our feet also need a spa treatment every now and then, so a little massage can work wonders. Massaging with circular movements and light pressure from the heel to the ball of the foot relaxes the feet and also strengthens the muscles.
8. a regular foot bath can also do no harm
Regular foot baths also offer relaxation, regeneration and care. Ideally, the water should be around 38 degrees and the bath should last 15-20 minutes so that the skin is not stressed, but instead creates pleasantly warm and soft skin on the feet.
9. and a good “climate”
It is also important that the skin on the feet can “breathe”. However, this is difficult to achieve in warm and often damp shoes, especially in winter. Especially in shoes that are impermeable to air, humidity or sweaty feet form, and additional moisture is extracted from the skin. Added to this is the often unpleasant odor that can arise. Simple tips can help here, starting with the simple routine of always drying your feet well, especially between your toes. Natural fibers instead of synthetic fibers ensure a good foot climate, and closed shoes should not be worn barefoot in summer.
10. Just leave the high heels in the shoe cupboard for once
Provide your feet with regular variety and thus relief. This simply means wearing “healthy” shoes, i.e. not too high, not too tight and not made of synthetic fibers. Breathable materials and relaxation help the feet to recover from the strain. Find out more about (cosmetic or medical) foot care in our ocean pharma guide.