With the arrival of sandal season, you’re probably wondering how to get rid of dry skin on feet. But what causes dry feet in the first place? To know how to treat dry feet effectively, it’s essential to know what causes it. From cold-weather shoes to soaps and humidity, there are all kinds of culprits behind dry skin on feet.
Read on to find out how to get rid of dry skin on the feet and the best products and remedies for dry feet.
What Causes Dry Skin on Feet?
Why am I getting dry skin on my feet? There could be multiple reasons why. Here are some of the most common causes of dry skin on feet.
Standing and Walking
First of all, you need to remember that your feet bear your entire weight every single day. That consistent pounding and friction can lead to dead skin, calluses, and ultimately dryness. However, this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t stand, walk, or exercise. You definitely should. But to counteract the buildup of dead cells that occur as a result, it’s important to properly care for your feet.
Your Shoes
Or, it could even be your shoes. During the winter, your feet spend months enclosed in heavy boots and other cold-weather shoes that create an ideal environment for dry, flaky feet. This is because dead skin and calluses often form due to repeated pressure, rubbing, and friction. Skin also thickens in response to protecting the deeper structures beneath the skin’s surface, which can make your feet feel dry and rough.
Harsh Soaps
Over-cleansing and harsh soaps can also contribute to dry skin on feet. They strip the skin of important oils that keep your feet hydrated. Since the soles of the feet lack any oil glands, they’re naturally prone to dryness. Instead, the feet rely on sweat glands to stay hydrated. So, using harsh skincare products will only exacerbate the dryness.
Heat and Humidity
While feet don’t have oil glands, they do have sweat glands—and a lot of them. In fact, the feet have more sweat glands than any other part of your body. So when your feet are encased in trainers or shoes during the summer months, the hot, sweaty environment will draw out moisture from the skin which can lead to dry feet.
Cold Weather
The cold winter weather can strip your skin of its natural protective oils, leaving it feeling dry and dehydrated. What’s more, hot showers and indoor heating systems further dry out your feet by stripping skin of its moisture and reducing moisture in the air.
How to Get Rid of Dry Skin on Feet
“How do I get rid of deep dry skin on my feet” is a commonly asked question. Here are several ways you can treat dry skin on your feet and enjoy smootherskin this season.
1: Exfoliate Your Dry Feet
One of the main causes of dry skin on feet is the accumulation of dead skin cells. To treat excessive buildup, exfoliation is essential. By removing dead skin cells, skin feels softer and smoother. Plus, other products have a better chance of penetrating the layers of your skin when all those dead cells are buffed away.
Opt for a foot scrub to gently remove the buildup of dead skin cells and dry patches on your feet. Alternatively, or in addition to a scrub, cleanse your feet with a chemical exfoliant like glycolic acid, lactic acid, or salicylic acid. These acids dissolve the bonds between cells to reveal smoother, fresher skin.
Get the best of both worlds with Truly’s 24K Gold Black Soap Impurity Cleanser. With a base of sugar, it physically buffs away dead skin while salicylic acid chemically dissolves dead cells to unlock your smoothest feet. Plus, it contains charcoal to absorb excess sweat and sebum.
2: Buff Dry Feet With a Pumice Stone
Pumice stones are another great option for exfoliating dry feet. And they’re excellent for getting rid of calluses. For best results, soak your feet in warm water for 20 minutes then gently buff the soles of your feet with a pumice stone. Be gentle when doing this as overdoing it or applying too much pressure can irritate your skin.
If you find the pumice stone too rough, soak it in warm water before using it. Always follow up with a rich and hydrating foot cream.
3: Try a Foot Soak
How to get rid of dry skin on feet? Try a home remedy for dry skin on feet like a nice, soothing foot soak. Foot soaks help to loosen dry skin and prevent it by boosting blood circulation to the feet. You can do this weekly, or even more regularly, if your feet are super parched. Either way, it feels amazing and so will your feet!
For best results, fill a washing up bowl with warm water and add a few drops of lavender and peppermint oil, and epsom salts. These have exfoliating, soothing, and antimicrobial properties that can enhance the effects of your soak. Soak your feet for 20 minutes, then rinse off, pat dry, and moisturize.
Alternatively, add a few drops of Truly’s Cooka Concentrate into your foot bath. It’s formulated with a hydrating, antimicrobial blend of primrose, tea tree, lavender, and jojoba oil to deeply cleanse and nourish your feet.
4: Moisturize Your Dry Feet
How to remove dry skin on feet? Now that you’ve buffed and soaked your feet, add some moisture to your feet with a rich and nourishing moisturizer. Ideally, you want to look for products infused with emollients and humectants like shea butter, coconut oil, hyaluronic acid, and cocoa butter which draw in moisture—and lock it in. This way, your feet will stay soft and hydrated for longer.
Lather body lotion on your feet after a shower or bath, massaging it into the soles and heels of your feet. You can apply it morning and night—or whenever your feet feel dry.
What’s the best moisturizer for dry skin on feet? We’d have to say Truly’s Glazed Donut After Shave Glow Cream. It’s packed with hyaluronic acid and shea butter to seal in moisture along with niacinamide and vitamin E to soothe and condition your feet for long-lasting smoothness.
5: Sleep in Serums, Butters, and Silicone Socks
If you’re looking for ways to treat severely dry skin on feet then you might want to consider layering your moisturizers—and then slipping on silicone socks. Silicone socks alone will not cure dry skin on feet. They will trap moisture around the feet while you sleep but they need to be paired with hydrating skincare.
For best results, apply a hydrating serum followed by a body butter and then slip on silicone socks to seal everything in. When you wake up, your feet will feel noticeably softer.
Start by massaging in a few drops of Truly’s Glazed Donut Oil. It’s infused with nourishing plant oils like coconut and grapeseed oil to lock in moisture and soften rough skin. Then choose from our range of Truly Body Butters to take hydration to a whole new level. Our body butters are made with a base of shea butter, cocoa butter, and mango butter to intensely hydrate and soften your skin while healing and calming inflammation.
@trulybeauty #footfacial #skincare #beauty #datenight #glowup #feetroutine #makeover ♬ Speed Trap - theLMNOP
Best Products for Dry Feet
Now you know how to get rid of dry skin on feet we’ve rounded up some of the most lushest body butters to give your tootsies the TLC they deserve.
Truly’s Unicorn Fruit Whipped Body Butter
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Key Ingredients: Shea Butter, Acai Berries, Matcha, Coconut Oil | Scent: Cotton candy, raspberries, and bergamot
“This body butter is the best. My skin feels so smooth and the scent is amazing!” - Faith B.
Truly’s Coco Rose Fudge Body Butter
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Key Ingredients: Shea Butter, Mango Butter, Rose, Coconut | Scent: Delicate floral with hints of coconut
“This body butter is a feminine and spa-like addition to any self-care routine!” - Chloe
Truly’s Coco Cloud Moisturizer
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Key Ingredients: Mango Butter, Coconut Milk, Argan Oil | Scent: Creamy coconut and warm vanilla
“It’s super moisturizing and makes your skin feel hydrated, plump, and glowy all day.” - Ali
How to Prevent Dry Skin on Feet
Since you already know how to get rid of dry skin on feet effectively, let’s take a look at how to stop dry skin on feet before it starts. Here are some quick preventative steps you can take to prevent dry feet.
Exfoliate Regularly: Keeping your feet buffed prevents dead cells from accumulating, leading to dry, rough patches on your feet. It’s both a treatment option for dry feet and a preventative step.
Wear Shoes That Fit: Always wear comfortable, well-fitting shoes made of breathable materials. Avoid wearing shoes that are too tight or cause friction. Ensure your shoes fit properly to prevent friction and pressure that can lead to dry, cracked skin.
Drink Plenty of Water: Keep your body hydrated by drinking enough water throughout the day, as dehydration can contribute to very dry skin on feet.
Moisturize Daily: Apply a thick, rich moisturizer or foot cream daily. For extra hydration, apply a thick layer of moisturizer at night and wear silicone socks to lock in moisture.
Use a Humidifier: If you live in a dry climate or use indoor heating, a humidifier can add moisture to the air and help prevent your skin from drying out.
Avoid Harsh Products: Use gentle, fragrance-free soaps and avoid products with alcohol, which can be drying to your skin.
Stick to Lukewarm Showers and Baths: Turn the temps down in your shower or bath. Hot water strips skin of moisture, so make sure you keep your showers cool.
Now you know how to get rid of dry skin on feet, take our quiz to solve any other skin concerns you might have and look forward to the most luxurious, indulgent skincare imaginable. You can also take a look at our list of best lotions for dry skin if you’re still searching for the perfect moisturizer.
Photo by Marianna, Pexels
