Dry, cracked feet can be uncomfortable and even painful. Simple everyday movements such as standing and walking can cause pressure and aggravation to your feet, making the condition worse. Lotions with the right ingredients can alleviate and heal your feet.
Aloe Vera
This plant with medicinal properties has a very high water content of more than 90 percent. The gel comes from inside the stems; apply it topically on affected areas. Aloe vera has soothing and healing qualities. It also helps slough off dead skin cells and moisturize the dry, cracked feet.
Calendula and Comfrey
Both of these are flower-based herbs and have skin-softening properties. Comfrey reduces redness and soothes irritated areas. Calendula can come in cream or oil form and heals dry skin. Allantoin, an ingredient in many skin care products, is derived from comfrey.
Urea
Urea plays a vital role for your skin's moisture balance and suppleness. It is 1/3 of a natural moisturizer already infused in the outer layer of skin. Urea helps reduce roughness, tightness and calluses. It also contains a localized anesthetic that helps relieve your skin from irritation and itchiness. Urea naturally lives within your body; however, synthetic urea can help to rehydrate your feet.
Lanolin
Lanolin is an emollient and comes from sheep's wool. Its substance fills the spaces in the cracks of skin cells and has staying power. Lanolin has a blend of oil and wax and supplies a protective coating to your skin. If it is included in your lotion, make sure it is natural and safe.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is used for a variety of symptoms and has many healing properties. It is a natural substance and an antioxidant. It protects the skin from environmental damage and heals soreness, irritated skin and itchiness. Vitamin E is a humectant, a substances that attracts water to the skin and locks in moisture.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Moisturizers 101: Options for Softer Skin
- DermNet NZ: Urea
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing Third Edition"; Phyllis A. Balch; 2000
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