Summer's warm temperatures mean strappy sandals and flip-flops, but dry, cracked feet can make you wish for a return to winter's boots. Dry air, age and medical conditions such as diabetes can contribute to dry feet. In addition to being uncomfortable, dry feet can peel and crack, which is both unsightly and opens the door to infection. Soothing your dry feet will protect them and make them sandal-ready.
Step 1
Add bath oil to your bath to help moisturize your feet. The University of Massachusetts Medical Center recommends a bath oil that doesn't contain a lot of perfumes that could irritate your skin. Be sure to dry your feet carefully when you get out of the tub to avoid slipping on the oil.
Step 2
Exfoliate your feet with a sugar scrub, or use a pumice stone or shaver made specifically for the feet. This removes the top layer of dry skin and helps eliminate flaking. The new skin will more readily soak up moisturizers. Exfoliating after your bath will make the dry skin easier to remove. Be careful not to exfoliate too deeply. If you experience pain or your foot starts to bleed, stop immediately. Don't use an exfoliater if you have diabetes, which can inhibit circulation in your feet.
Step 3
Rub your feet with a foot cream or lotion. Massage the cream into your feet before bedtime. The University of Massachusetts Medical Center suggests using a lanolin-based lotion. Lanolin holds in moisture.
Step 4
Slather petroleum jelly on your feet if you have really dry skin. Massage it in, but don't worry about wiping off the excess. Slip on a pair of cotton socks, and leave them on overnight while you sleep. The petroleum jelly will help soften your feet.
Things You'll Need
- Bath oil
- Towel
- Sugar scrub, pumice stone or foot shaver
- Moisturizing lotion
- Petroleum jelly
- Cotton socks
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