Treatment for dry, cracked feet

We showed you how to step by step skin care routine for your face Arms, And even nailsbut now we extending TLC to our feet same. If you are struggling with dry, cracked feet, you know how difficult it is to make them smooth and soft. According to board certified dermatologist Dr. Dina Mraz Robinson, this is because our feet are hairless. "Lack of hair on the legs means they also lack sebaceous glands and the oils they produce making them naturally dry,” she says.

The lack of oil, combined with the friction and pressure supporting your body weight, is a recipe for perpetual dryness. To combat this, we've put together a step-by-step foot care routine to help keep your feet looking and feeling soft and hydrated. 

STEP 1: Wash and Soak

As with any skin care routine, the first step in foot care should always be cleansing. Wash your feet with a gentle shower product, such as Kiehl's Bath and Shower Liquid Body Cleanser. Then, prepare your feet for exfoliation by soaking them in warm water for a few minutes to remove dead skin cells from the surface of the skin. 

STEP 2: Exfoliate

Once your feet are clean, it's time to exfoliate. If you're experiencing a significant amount of buildup, Dr. Robinson recommends exfoliating with an at-home exfoliation such as the Baby Foot Mask. “From here, you want to maintain healthy skin by gently exfoliating it several times a week,” she says. While doing so, stay away from harsh exfoliating tools such as graters or razors. “It may give some instant relief, but it can actually cause infection and scarring,” she says. Instead, use exfoliating gloves to clean your skin in the shower. "After a shower, you can use a smooth pumice stone to clean the areas most prone to calluses, such as your big toe, arch, and heel."

STEP 3: Moisturize

No wonder moisturizing is the most important part of fighting dry and cracked feet. Dr. Robinson recommends moisturizing your feet in the morning and evening for best results. Try using a rich moisturizing formula. We recommend CeraVe Healing Ointment, a balm specially formulated for chapped, very dry skin. 

STEP 4: Seal in moisture

Dr. Robinson recommends putting on clean cotton socks immediately after moisturizing to lock in the moisture. Applying a thick moisturizer or balm and then putting on socks is a great way to treat dry, cracked feet, especially at night. And if these home solutions don't help, it's best to consult a dermatologist to rule out any underlying conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, or athlete's foot.