Dry feet

Why do feet dry out more easily?

Dry skin can be found all over the body, but there are two reasons why the skin on our feet is particularly susceptible to dryness. There are no sebaceous glands on the soles of the feet, but there are numerous sweat glands. These two factors increase the probability of dry skin. The likelihood and extent of dry skin on the feet is also determined by genetic factors: Many people simply have skin that is naturally drier than others. Being prone to dry skin can also be intensified by metabolic disorders such as diabetes – the feet of diabetics therefore require very special care and attention. If the skin on the feet loses too much moisture, it begins to flake and itch, and – at an advanced stage – cracks begin to form. Dry skin on the feet then not only becomes a painful problem, it also harbours the danger of inflammation and infection.

Stages and symptoms of dry skin

  • Slightly dry skin – when the skin is slightly dry, you notice a slight feeling of tautness or you suffer from patches of rough skin
  • Dry skin – if the skin continues to lose moisture, it becomes rougher, brittle and flaky. It also itches
  • Very dry skin – if dry skin does not receive care, it can become damaged, and also extremely taut and cracked

These are the causes of dry skin on the feet:

In addition to genetic predisposition, various influences – both internal and external – can aggravate the dryness of skin on the feet. Incorrect skin care habits and a lack of care are right at the top of this list: Although our feet are extremely hard workers, we hardly ever show them the attention they actually deserve. Other external factors that can intensify dryness are cold and heat, air-impermeable shoes and – on holiday, for example – sun and water. Internal factors can include reduced moisture absorption, hormonal fluctuations and not least a person’s age. As we rely on our feet throughout our lifetime, isolating the specific cause and finding relevant potential solutions are worthwhile.

Our needs increase as the years progress

Over the years, the skin all over the body becomes naturally drier – and this is also noticeable on the feet. Do you know that the skin changes so much later in life that it places entirely different demands on skin care? It is unable to store moisture as effectively and loses an increasing amount of lipids, and therefore suppleness as well. Its ability to regenerate also decreases. And so it is especially important that mild cleaning lotions and rich skin care products – for example, those with specific moisturizing factors such as urea – are used for more mature skin, with the aim of balancing out the increased loss of grease and moisture and reducing the risk of cracking.

The right care for dry skin

Dry feet need special attention. Please follow the advice below – your feet will be grateful!

  • Gentle body care: Clean your feet with lukewarm water. Avoid taking baths for too long or in water that is too hot. Use mild, moisturizing skin care products that nourish and are as unperfumed as possible. Avoid irritation by using products that do not contain alcohol 
  • Dry your feet thoroughly with a separate towel after washing – particularly between the toes! If you find it easier, you can also blow-dry between the toes. Please observe relevant safety measures and make sure that the air from the hairdryer is not too hot  
  • Anything that benefits your skin in general will also help your feet: Drink an adequate amount and avoid alcohol and nicotine as far as possible
  • Protect your feet against the cold. Wear woollen socks in the colder season and treat your feet to some nourishing care more often than usual 
  • Whenever possible, walk around barefoot or at least wear open-toed shoes, and wear fresh socks made of breathable natural materials every day
  • Change your shoes as far as possible every day so they can dry out adequately afterwards

These measures combined with a suitable skin care product will compensate for the skin’s loss of moisture and grease.

Foot care for dry and very dry skin

Dry skin on the feet needs special care. It is important to provide dry skin with an intense supply of lipids and moisture. Regular care is vital in order to achieve a good result. If skin care products are pleasant to use and are rapidly absorbed by the skin, this increases the probability of everyday use. Our foot care products for dry skin are tailored perfectly to these needs. They provide dry skin with lipids and moisture, while being pleasantly gentle to apply and rapidly absorbed by the skin without leaving behind an annoying greasy film. This makes it more enjoyable to care for the skin every day.