Dry skin on the feet is a dermatological disorder called xerosis cutis or asteatosis by dermatologists, although it is more commonly known as winter itch. This condition is most common during winter, when humidity in the air is low, although dry skin on feet can affect people of all ages at any time. Extreme cases of dry skin can result in chapped skin.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Changing Bath Habits
Step 1. Change the frequency of your shower
When you take a shower, the natural oil layer on your skin is removed. These natural oils can not only keep the skin moist, but also protect your skin from damage that will make it even more dry. If you shower too often, the oil that is lifted will be more than the oil that can be produced by the skin, resulting in dry feet.
- Try to shower every two or three days. If you have to shower more often, use cold water and only soap the dirtiest parts of the body (such as the armpits).
- Bathing too long or too often can also cause problems. Each time you shower, take no more than 10 to 15 minutes, and bathe no more than once a day.
Step 2. Take a warm bath
Another thing that also has a big influence in removing the skin's natural protective oils is the temperature of the water you use for bathing or bathing. Very hot water can remove all the natural oils of the skin and make it dry. Switch to using warm water only, if you want to deal with irritation on your feet.
Most people don't have a water thermometer to use during a bath or shower, so how do you know if the water isn't too hot? Use these considerations, if you can't use the water to bathe the baby, then you shouldn't use it either. Check the water temperature using the most sensitive part of your skin (like the inside of your wrist) or use as cold water as you can
Step 3. Avoid harsh soaps
Soaps intended for oily skin or soaps with an imbalanced pH can exacerbate the condition of your sensitive skin. Look for soaps intended for "sensitive skin" or soaps that are equipped with moisturizers.
One study found that Dove soap, especially Dove White and Dove Baby soap, was the most pH balanced soap for sensitive skin
Step 4. Treat your skin gently
When you shower, pay attention to gently care for your skin. Your skin is very sensitive and the skin on your feet is very thin and prone to breakage. Treat the skin gently to help the healing process and prevent the problem from recurring.
- Exfoliate your skin every time. Exfoliating is a great treatment for your skin, it just has to be done gently and not too often. Baking soda paste or a washcloth alone is enough to remove dead skin cells, while tools like a loofah or pumice stone can actually make your skin problem worse.
- Use a new razor and gently shave the hair on your feet, if you're used to doing this. A dull razor can irritate your skin and make the problem worse, or even create new problems for your skin.
Step 5. Let your skin dry on its own or pat it dry
You should also dry your skin gently after bathing. Rubbing a towel roughly against your skin can make it too dry by irritating the skin, as well as removing too much of its natural moisture. Allow your skin to dry on its own, if you can, or pat your skin dry with a clean, dry towel.
Part 2 of 3: Moisturizing Skin
Step 1. Apply moisturizer right after showering
As soon as you're done showering or bathing, apply a thin layer of moisturizer. This moisturizer can help replace the natural oils that are picked up in your shower, and can help lock in the moisture that's absorbed during your shower.
If you don't have time to shower but want to moisturize your feet, wrap your feet in a warm, wet cloth for 10 to 20 minutes. This wet cloth will moisturize and open the skin pores, so that the moisture in the cloth can be absorbed properly
Step 2. Try to use a lanolin based cream
Lanolin is one of the few products known to have long-lasting effects on the skin. Lanolin is a natural product made from wax produced naturally by wool-producing animals, such as sheep, which is specially designed to protect the skin.
- Apply a generous amount of a lanolin cream like Bag Balm on your feet every day for one week. After a week has passed, you can apply it in moderation every 3-4 days.
- You can also apply this cream on your feet at night, and then put on old pajamas, so the lanolin can be absorbed while you sleep.
Step 3. Use oil
Baby oil, coconut oil, body oil; whatever you can use. All kinds of oils can really help restore the normal condition of your skin. However, using oil is not always the best long-term solution. When shaving, this oil can cause irritation and clog hair follicles, so that your leg hair will grow inside the skin. Thus, you should not rely solely on this treatment. However, to help your skin heal while you change your habits, or to protect your skin during extreme cold, oils are a great choice.
Step 4. Avoid most moisturizing products
Many other moisturizing products have little effect on your skin. Many of them will only provide a sticky layer on the surface of your skin. Look for moisturizing products that contain ingredients that are known to be beneficial for the skin, such as humectants and emollients, and don't buy other types of creams because they are just waste.
- You need a product that contains ingredients like lactic acid, propylene glycol, and urea.
- Another ingredient you should avoid is fragrance. Many chemical fragrances can irritate your skin, so you should avoid them.
Part 3 of 3: Caring for the Whole Body
Step 1. Drink more water
When you don't drink enough water, your skin will be one of the first organs to be affected. Dehydration can quickly dry out the skin and lead to a number of other health problems. Drink plenty of water every day so you can protect your skin and the rest of your body too.
The amount of drinking water that is sufficient is definitely different for each person. The suggestion of eight glasses a day is just a rough estimate
Step 2. Protect your skin from cold temperatures
When the air cools, the moisture naturally evaporates into the air, so the air becomes drier than normal. When the air is dry, the moisture from your skin is drawn out (to help achieve a balanced state). This is why your skin is always much drier in winter. Protecting your skin from cold temperatures, by wearing protective clothing and applying moisturizer to your skin can prevent dry skin.
To protect your feet, try wearing socks or other light layers under your pants during the winter. This layer can help protect your skin, because denim pants are not able to keep the skin warm and protect it
Step 3. Keep the humidity in your home
Hot, dry air will pull moisture away from your skin, so the more humid air in your home can help your skin retain moisture. Turning on a small humidifier in your bedroom at night can make a big difference, and if you can install a humidifier in one of the larger rooms in your home, it can also help.
Just make sure that your house is not too humid. Because this can cause mold growth, which is also bad for health
Step 4. Avoid excessive sun exposure
The sun's rays have a very strong effect on your skin. In addition to putting you at greater risk for skin cancer, sunlight can also irritate the skin and cause it to dry out. Wear clothes that are light but can protect your skin while outdoors, such as linen pants. If you can't or won't protect your skin with clothing, at least apply sunscreen. Use a broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen and be sure to apply as directed. SPF 15 should be enough to protect your skin.
Step 5. Change your diet for essential skin nutrients
You may already know that vitamin C is built to fight disease, or that your muscles need protein, but did you know what your skin needs to stay healthy? Your skin also needs special nutrients to stay healthy, so make sure your diet contains adequate amounts of these three key nutrients: vitamin E, vitamin A, and omega 3 fatty acids.
- Food sources rich in this nutrient include sardines, anchovies, salmon, almonds, olive oil, carrots, and kale.
- You can also take supplements, although your body may not always absorb them as well as nutrients found naturally in food.
Step 6. Try dry brushing your skin
Buy a natural fibrous brush that isn't too harsh so you don't hurt your skin. Brush your feet back and forth, being careful not to brush them too vigorously. Next, take a bath and apply good quality coconut, almond, or grapeseed oil. Lotions can irritate your skin, so avoid using them. Your feet will feel more moisturized afterwards.
If you have other health concerns, talk to your doctor before starting to dry your skin
Step 7. Talk to your doctor
If you've tried all of these techniques but are still having trouble with very dry skin, you might want to talk to your doctor. Check for other diseases that can cause this condition. Symptoms of some diseases can include dry skin, and some medications have the side effect of causing dry skin. So it's important to see a doctor to make sure your dry skin isn't caused by a medical or pharmacological problem.
