How to Find the Best Foot Cream

When it comes to dry skin, our feet always seem to be in need of a little extra attention. The feet are especially susceptible to becoming dry; not least because they literally bear the weight of our bodies every day, but also because they rely solely on sweat secretions to stay hydrated. In order to prevent uncomfortable dryness and unsightly cracked heels from developing, it’s important to find the right moisturiser. 

Fear not—a good foot cream can do wonders (notice we said good). But what makes a good foot cream?

What makes a good foot cream? 

With so many options on the market, it can be difficult to know which product is best (hint: it’s not always reflected in price). 

To be effective, a moisturiser needs to be able to penetrate the skin to repair and hydrate damaged skin. When it comes to effectiveness, it’s all about the ingredients. Ingredients are especially important in a foot cream because the skin on the feet is thicker than on other parts of the body. Not only that, but between being cooped up in restrictive footwear, climate, friction, pressure, age, nutrition and genetics; the skin on the feet is put through a lot.

What ingredients should I look for?

Various moisturising agents work in different ways. For example, some ingredients draw moisture in from the environment by attracting water molecules (humectants), whilst emollients are effective at helping already dry and damaged skin become more flexible. 

The most effective moisturisers contain a high concentration of both of these different types of ingredients, like O’Keeffe’s For Healthy Feet. When it comes to choosing a cream especially for the feet, it’s worthwhile to look for a thick moisturiser containing a high concentration of glycerin, a powerful humectant that helps draw and lock in moisture. Another key ingredient to look out for is allantoin. Allantoin functions as a skin-conditioning agent that is particularly effective at softening the thicker skin of the feet. 

When it comes to relieving dry skin on the feet, how you moisturise is as important as finding the right product. Incorporate the use of a quality foot cream into your daily routine after bathing or showering. It’s also important to regularly exfoliate. By soaking your feet in warm water and removing dry or hardened skin, your feet will be better able to absorb the moisturiser.

By using a high quality cream and establishing a daily moisturising routine; dry skin on the feet will quickly become a thing of the past.