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When winter hits, we slather our faces with ultra-hydrating serums and rich moisturizers and layer on luxurious body lotions, but the skin on our feet often gets overlooked. You\u2019re not alone if foot care isn\u2019t on your radar until you notice cracked, rough skin below the ankles\u2014a common issue during winter\u2019s low-humidity months. So where do you start to rescue dry, peeling feet? We asked two board-certified dermatologists to walk us through the ultimate at-home foot-care routine for baby-soft results that rival a professional pedicure.<\/p>\n
Winter\u2019s drier air may be when cracked heels feel worse, but dryness, cracking and peeling on the feet can happen year-round. \u201cThe heel area has fewer oil glands than other parts of the body, making it particularly vulnerable to dehydration,\u201d explains Omaha, NE dermatologist Daniel Schlessinger, MD. Over time, that can lead to dry, thickened skin that hardens, adds New York dermatologist Marina Peredo, MD.<\/p>\n
According to Dr. Daniel Schlessinger, prolonged standing, walking barefoot or in open-back shoes, hot showers that strip natural oils, low-humidity environments, aging (which reduces the skin\u2019s ability to retain moisture), excess weight gain and certain medical conditions\u2014such as diabetes, thyroid disorders or psoriasis\u2014all contribute to cracking on the feet, especially the heels.<\/p>\n
Before committing to an at-home foot-care routine, it\u2019s important to rule out other, sometimes more serious causes of cracked skin. \u201cIf cracking is significant or associated with great discomfort, it pays to be seen by a dermatologist,\u201d says Omaha, NE dermatologist Joel Schlessinger, MD. \u201cIf feet are infected or it is possible that the cracking is actually a fungal infection, consider seeing a dermatologist to get an evaluation and possibly a culture for fungus or bacteria.\u201d<\/p>\n
Dr. Daniel Schlessinger adds we should be inspecting our feet daily for \u201cany signs of infection in cracks, as these can become serious quickly\u201d and may require professional treatment, prescription antibiotics or antifungal medications. A suspected allergy is also a reason to book a dermatology appointment.<\/p>\n
For minor cracking or peeling\u2014or once any underlying issues have been addressed\u2014follow this simple, dermatologist-approved five-step routine for healthy, smooth feet.<\/p>\n
Start by thoroughly cleansing, then soaking both feet in lukewarm-to-warm (not hot) water for five to 10 minutes. Dr. Peredo recommends adding \u201ca pinch of salt or a few drops of a nourishing oil, like coconut or olive oil, to help soften thickened skin.\u201d<\/p>\n
Product to try:<\/strong> CLn Body Wash ($22)<\/p>\n \u201cWhile skin is still damp, use a pumice stone, foot file or a chemical exfoliant containing urea or salicylic acid to gently remove dead skin buildup,\u201d advises Dr. Joel Schlessinger. He cautions against \u201caggressively filing dry skin, as this can cause microtears and worsen cracking.\u201d Dr. Peredo also likes foot-specific exfoliating masks once or twice a week to help maintain softness and prevent buildup.<\/p>\n Product to try:<\/strong> Baby Foot Exfoliation Foot Peel ($25)<\/p>\n For an effective, therapeutic foot moisturizer, both Dr. Joel Schlessinger and Dr. Peredo recommend thick, emollient-rich creams or ointments containing ingredients such as urea, glycerin or hyaluronic acid to help draw moisture into the skin. Ceramides are another all-star ingredient to look for to support barrier repair. \u201cApply while skin is still slightly damp to lock in moisture,\u201d adds Dr. Peredo.<\/p>\n Products to try:<\/strong> La Roche-Posay Lipikar Lait Urea 5+ Smoothing Lotion ($23), NeoStrata Problem Dry Skin Cream ($46), VOESH Solemate Heel Repair Balm ($19)<\/p>\n Next, seal in all that moisture to prevent water loss and allow deeper penetration of active ingredients. \u201cApply an occlusive layer, such as a healing balm over the moisturizer, then wear cotton socks overnight,\u201d says Dr. Joel Schlessinger.<\/p>\n Products to try:<\/strong> BodiPure Keratin Gloves & Socks Combo ($32), FixMySkin Healing Balm with 1% Hydrocortisone ($22.50)<\/p>\n Dr. Peredo and Dr. Daniel Schlessinger agree that the final step to smoother soles is wearing supportive, closed-back shoes throughout the day to reduce pressure and prevent moisture loss. \u201cAvoid walking barefoot, even indoors,\u201d says Dr. Daniel Schlessinger. He adds staying hydrated is essential, too, as \u201cinternal hydration supports skin health.\u201d Using a humidifier during the winter months can also counteract dry air that worsens cracking.<\/p>\n \u201cConsistency is key,\u201d says Dr. Daniel Schlessinger. \u201cResults typically appear within one to two weeks with diligent daily care, but severely cracked heels may require four to six weeks of treatment.\u201d<\/p>\n Product to try:<\/strong> VOESH Heel Hug Socks ($26)<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\nStep 2: Exfoliate<\/h3>\n
Step 3: Moisturize<\/h3>\n
Step 4: Seal<\/h3>\n
Step 5: Protect<\/h3>\n