6 tips to get rid of dry feet once and for all

Anyone who has dry feet knows how uncomfortable it is and, therefore, is always looking for measures that really help to improve this discomfort. But what exactly causes hangovers? Is there even treatment? And is there a way to avoid the problem?

Dermatologist Livia Pino, an effective member of the Brazilian Society of Dermatology and a postgraduate in Dermatology from the General Polyclinic of Rio de Janeiro, comments that the feet (as well as the hands) are hairless and, therefore, lack the natural lubrication of the skin, leaving them naturally drier. “Also, some genetic issues and some conditions and diseases can make skin drier than others. Walking barefoot or wearing flat sandals, for example, usually makes the foot thicker and drier,” she says.

Sara Bragança, a doctor with a degree in Dermatology, explains that there are several causes for dry feet. Among the most common are: walking barefoot, frequent use of open shoes, obesity, vascular problems, mycoses, lack of hydration, hypothyroidism. “Heredity is also an important factor, in addition to bad eating habits,” she says.

Juliana Jordão, postgraduate doctor in Dermatology, Titular Member of the Brazilian Society of Dermatology, Titular Member of the Brazilian Society of Dermatological Surgery, with Specialization in Lasertherapy and Photodermatology at the Skin and Laser Center of Boom in Boom (Belgium), emphasizes that the feet dryness can be caused by several factors, such as: the constant friction of those who walk barefoot; lack of habit of moisturizing the skin after bathing; excess weight that facilitates the appearance of cracks in the skin; and diseases that favor dryness, such as venous insufficiency (varicose veins) and diabetes.

Thus, it is not always possible to identify a single cause that justifies the person having hungover feet. But there are, yes, measures that help to combat the problem and also to avoid it. Check out the top ways to fight dry feet below!

1. Moisturize daily

Livia highlights that the feet should be hydrated daily, as well as the skin of the body. “I recommend putting the moisturizer on the bedside table, so you don’t forget and that way no one will run the risk of slipping,” she says.

Sara comments that hydration at night is the most recommended. “This is because, in addition to the moisturizer being in contact with the area to be treated longer, it reduces the risk of accidents (because the feet are slippery after hydration)”, she says.

Sara adds that products should preferably be specific to this area. Urea-based creams are the most recommended, according to the doctor.

2. Use specific products in the case of feet with cracks

Juliana points out that for scaly skin, creams with urea help a lot. However, for feet with fissures, it is recommended to avoid urea inside the lesions to avoid burning. “You should use a healing or repair cream (with dexpanthenol, among others) in the fissures to close them”, she says.

3. Sleep with cotton socks after hydration

A simple and very valid tip is, after moisturizing your feet before going to bed, put on a cotton sock and stay with it throughout the night. Or, wrap your feet in plastic wrap.

“When we occlude (cover) the moisturizing cream with socks or plastic film, we make the moisturizer better absorbed by the skin”, highlights Livia.

4. Exfoliate lightly and sparingly

Sara comments that exfoliation is important so that hydration is more effective and the feet are softer. “The frequency of exfoliation should be weekly, however, this exfoliation cannot be too vigorous,” she says.

Livia highlights that the feet should only be sanded or exfoliated at most once a week in case of Keratoderma (thickened thick part of the foot).

For Juliana, exfoliation should only be done once a month. “Intense exfoliation should be avoided, as the skin interprets it as an aggression and, when attacked, it reacts by thickening. For this reason, the habit of exfoliating too much or too vigorously creates a vicious cycle that leads to a progressive thickening of the skin,” she explains.

“You can even exfoliate with sugar or cornmeal grains mixed in a little liquid soap during the bath, once a month at most, and gently”, recommends Juliana.

Thus, the ideal is to know the particularities of your feet and exfoliate according to the guidelines of your dermatologist, since exfoliation is, yes, useful, but if done incorrectly and/or exaggeratedly, it can aggravate the problem (dryness of the feet ) instead of help.

5. Do not file your foot daily

As much as many people think otherwise, feet should not be sanded daily in the bath. “This can make the foot thicken more”, highlights Livia.

“In general, we recommend sanding carefully after soaking the foot in water because it is easier and less aggressive to the skin”, he guides.

6. Do not walk barefoot

Sara explains that the habit of walking barefoot makes the soles of the feet and especially the heels thicker due to direct friction with the dermis – which, as it is undergoing direct compression, needs to protect itself, and this protection is provided by the thickening of the dermis, leaving it more rough and dry.

In addition to these guidelines, it is very important to seek a dermatologist so that each case is treated individually. “The ideal is always to look for a dermatologist and see what is best for you. Some manifestations of dryness on the feet can be manifestations of genetic diseases, mycoses, etc.”, highlights Livia.

Products that can help you in the treatment

Check out examples of products that can help treat dry feet. The creams were selected based on the reviews of the bloggers.

Where to buy and the opinion of bloggers

1. Nativa SPA foot cream O Boticário

“It’s very creamy, even thicker, and it moisturizes a lot. I always apply it at night, before bed, and in the morning the skin is super soft.” – Diva stuff

2. Ekos chestnut for feet by Natura

“The chestnut one is a little more consistent and seems to be better absorbed by the skin. (…) The smell of chestnuts is very good, too delicious.” – Diva stuff

3. Biosecret silicone cream

“I love dual-purpose creams like this one from BioSegredo, as it’s a moisturizing lotion for hands and feet.” – Bruna Karla

4. Granado foot cream

“The product is made to be used with dry feet, right after contact with water (bath or basin) – I thought it was so different! As the texture is more liquid, you can gently massage the area.” – Diva stuff

5. Ligia Kogos urea cream

“I loved the result it gradually brings to the feet. As it is a cream with high concentration actives, it provides several treatments for the feet, such as cracks, roughness and fissures, and it also hydrates very well, leaving them soft and smooth from the first application.” – Became Trend

6. Dermopés Cream

“My feet became very soft, I had light cracks that bothered me a lot and they disappeared! I am very satisfied with this product, the appearance of my feet has improved a lot!” – Ellen Soares

7. Weleda foot cream

“It absorbs quickly into the skin and doesn’t leave that ‘greasy’ feeling, so it’s great to apply during the day if you have a drier foot. Liked it!” – Run Ladies

8. La Roche Posay Lipikar

“I found the moisturizer to be very potent and I also noticed that it seems to thin the skin of the feet. But you can’t apply the cream, put on shoes and go crazy because he’s kind of snotty. I usually only use it at night before bed, then the next day the skin is gorgeous!” – Diva stuff

Now all you have to do is choose which product(s) you will have as allies and take care of your feet, remembering that foot hydration should be done daily.

In case of doubt about the most suitable substances for each case (taking into account whether the foot is very or not dry, if there are cracks or not, etc.), the ideal is to consult a dermatologist, who will recommend the best products.

How to prevent dry feet

The tips to avoid dry feet are basically the same as those recommended for those who already suffer from the problem.

1. Hydrate your feet daily: even if you don’t feel that discomfort of having your feet dry, it’s important to hydrate them every day, after bathing or before bed, for example. “For prevention, common moisturizers with silicone, shea butter or vegetable oils are well indicated”, highlights Juliana.

2. Do not walk barefoot: the habit of walking barefoot should be avoided by those who do not want their feet to become dry, because, as dermatologist Juliana explains, continuous friction makes the skin of the foot thicken as a form of defense. .

3. Don’t sand your feet daily and don’t exfoliate always: it’s worth remembering that this habit of sanding your feet in the shower daily tends to make the foot thicken. So, even those who didn’t suffer from the problem, can start to have dry feet over time. The same care goes with exfoliation, which should not be done frequently or too vigorously.

4. Have a healthy diet: although few people realize it, bad eating habits can cause the feet (and other parts of the body) to dry out.

5. Maintain weight: it is important to be careful, as excess weight facilitates the appearance of cracks in the skin.

It is worth remembering that, in addition to daily care, consultation with a trusted dermatologist is very valid for people who already suffer from dry feet.