Our feet are under constant pressure, not just from the strain of our body weight, but from every day activities, such as walking and exercise. Considering how much we rely on our feet, it is surprising how many of us neglect them, especially in winter when our feet are not out on display.
It’s been found that about 20% of all adults have experienced cracked skin on the feet at some point. Dry skin and cracked heels are more common than dry skin on other body parts because the feet on the skin is twelve times thicker than on the rest of the body. This is why it is essential to use products specifically designed for the feet and cracked heel repair and maintain a good foot care routine.
Follow our straightforward guide to understand the causes of dry, cracked heels and how to treat them effectively. Treat yourself to summer ready feet!
What is the most common cause of cracked heels?
The weather has a significant impact on the skin. If our skin is dry, it loses its elasticity and becomes more susceptible to breaking. Damp skin can also lead to cracks opening. In the winter we are exposed to moisture from the rain and snow and tend to wear thicker footwear to withstand this cold weather. However, thicker shoes do not allow for adequate ventilation, so the moisture becomes trapped, causing cracks to emerge.
Aside from the impact of the weather, there are several common causes for dry, cracked heels. These include medical conditions such as diabetes, fungal infections such as Athlete’s Foot and other common factors: wearing ill-fitting shoes, standing/walking for long periods of time, etc.
How to treat dry, cracked heels?
Start by removing hard skin from feet and reducing callus build up by using a foot file twice a week. Not only does it remove the dead, dry skin easily, but it will also leave the feet feeling soft and smooth. It is essential that foot filing is done on dry skin regularly for long-lasting results. Filing on wet skin often results in removing too much skin, thus weakening the tissue and making the feet more prone to infection.
Don’t underestimate shallow cracks – it is important to treat them as soon as possible to avoid them deepening and becoming more painful! In order to prevent surface cracks and split skin on the heels from expanding, apply the Cracked Heel Sealer, an easy and innovative treatment for deep cracks in the feet. The sealant forms a thin, clear barrier on the surface of the crack and the quick dry formula helps to hydrate and moisturise, leaving the skin feeling smooth all day.
Finish your pampering session with the Cracked Heel Balm, our foot cream for cracked heels which can be used daily. This nourishing balm is formulated with Lactic and Salicylic acids to exfoliate the dry skin, and also with Coconut Oil, Cacao Seed Butter and Manuka Honey to moisturise and treat the feet.
Once the cracks have healed, use the Conditioning Foot Cream as a daily foot moisturiser to hydrate the feet, and help reduce the build-up of hard skin. This will help to prevent new cracks from emerging and keep the feet looking and feeling their best.