The Benefits of Using Lotion on Your Feet
Our feet take a beating day in and day out. We stand on them, walk on them, and cram them into shoes. With so much wear and tear, it's no wonder that our feet often feel dry, cracked, irritated, or just plain uncomfortable.
Using lotion regularly on your feet provides nourishment that can relieve many of these issues. Lotions hydrate skin to prevent cracking, soothe irritations, and make skin feel smooth and comfortable. And healthy, happy feet make standing and walking much more pleasant!
Hydration for Healthy Skin
One of the biggest benefits of using lotion on your feet is keeping skin hydrated. Hydration is key for maintaining skin elasticity and comfort.
When feet become very dry, thick calluses and cracked heels are common problems. Dryness causes skin cells to become rigid and inflexible. Skin then becomes prone to flaking, peeling, cracking and thickening.
By regularly applying lotion, feet stay supple and resilient. Lotion seals in moisture, preventing stiffness and brittleness. Well-hydrated skin is less likely to build up thick layers of dead cells prone to cracking.
Softening Hard Skin and Calluses
If you already suffer from calluses, dry heels or thickened skin on your feet, lotion can help soften and diminish these areas over time. The emollients in lotions penetrate and lubricate even the toughest skin.
Apply lotion liberally after bathing when your skin pores are open and ready to receive moisture. Over time, gentle exfoliation from soaking and scrubbing with regular lotion application will reduce callus thickness.
Moisturizing Cracked Heels and Cuticles
Cracked heels and dry, cracked cuticles around toenails are common foot problems. As skin loses elasticity, cracks form. These cracks allow germs inside where they can cause pain, irritation and infection.
When applied twice daily, lotion keeps these areas supple and less prone to cracking. For already existing cracks, thick foot creams containing lanolin, glycerin, Vitamin E or shea butter quickly penetrate to smooth and protect broken skin.
Soothing Foot Irritations
A variety of foot skin conditions like athlete’s foot, eczema, psoriasis and contact dermatitis cause itchy, inflamed, irritated skin. While these conditions require specific medical treatment, lotion can provide soothing relief.
The emollients in lotions reduce irritation and the urge to scratch. Meanwhile, the protective barrier lotion provides allows skin some respite to begin healing.
When choosing a lotion, avoid alcohol and fragrances. Opt for soothing natural ingredients like aloe, calendula, jojoba oil or oatmeal.
Choosing the Best Lotion for Feet
With lotion aisles stocking endless products, finding the right foot lotion can get confusing. Check out these tips on what to look for based on your specific foot needs.
For Sensitive Skin
Those prone to irritated, itchy skin need hypoallergenic formulas free of common irritants. Avoid fragrances, dyes, alcohol, alpha hydroxy acids and retinol in foot creams.
Great options for sensitive skin include aloe-based gels, lotions with colloidal oatmeal and calendula creams. These natural ingredients have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties to calm while nourishing.
For Extremely Dry, Cracked Feet
Parched feet require thick, ultra-hydrating formulas. Petrolatum, lanolin, mineral oil and glycerin all prevent water evaporating from skin and offer longer-lasting moisturization.
Urea, a compound naturally found in skin, also binds moisture to rough areas. And salicylic acid softens and gently exfoliates thick, scaly skin.
For Fungus-Prone Feet
Fungal infections thrive in the moist environment inside shoes and socks. Using a lotion with anti-fungal ingredients helps prevent recurrent athlete’s foot.
Tea tree oil, tolnaftate, clotrimazole and terbinafine are all proven to treat and prevent fungal overgrowth. For even more protection, dust antifungal foot powder inside shoes.
For Cold Feet
Feet are often the first area of the body to get cold. Improving circulation to the extremities provides warming relief.
Foot creams containing menthol, camphor and mint oils produce a cooling then warming sensation by stimulating nerve endings. Ginger and capsicum extracts also increase blood flow for cozying comfort.
Tips for Using Lotion on Feet
Apply After Bathing
Bathing softens skin and opens pores to absorb moisture better. Apply lotion within just a few minutes after washing to lock hydration into clean skin.
Use a pumice stone while skin is damp to gently remove dead cells. Then smooth on lotion generously, especially to calluses and cracked areas.
Exfoliate Regularly
A build-up of dead cells prevents moisture from reaching new skin underneath. Use a foot scrub once or twice a week to slough off dull surface cells.
DIY scrubs with ingredients like coconut oil, brown sugar, oats, salt, coffee grounds or citrus peels work beautifully. Follow with a rich moisturizer.
Try Overnight Heel Treatments
Extremely dry, cracked feet benefit from intensive overnight TLC. Look for thick, ointment-type products meant for overnight application. Seal the treatment in place with cotton socks.
In the morning, soak feet to soften skin before gently scrubbing away dead cells. Your feet will look rejuvenated by morning.
Don’t Forget Toenails
Toenails also grow thicker and more fungus-prone inside sweaty shoes. Rub lotion onto the nail bed and cuticles after trimming nails straight across to prevent ingrown problems.
Moisturize Before Bed
Slather feet faithfully every night, whether they feel dry or not. The intensive overnight treatment allows moisture to penetrate deeper as you sleep.
If your feet tend to sweat at night, avoid heavy creams which could clog pores. A lighter, non-comedogenic lotion works better.
Get into the daily habit of pampering your feet with lotion. In just a week or two the improvements will amaze you. Happy, hydrated feet feel ready to face anything!
FAQs
How often should I apply lotion to my feet?
It's recommended to apply lotion to your feet at least once or twice per day, especially before bedtime. Consistently moisturizing helps keep skin hydrated and prevent dryness and cracking.
What kind of lotion is best for very cracked heels and calluses?
Look for heavy-duty foot creams containing intense moisturizers like lanolin, petroleum jelly, glycerin, and urea. Salicylic acid also helps gently exfoliate thick, scaly skin on heels and calluses.
My feet often feel irritated and itchy. What lotion ingredients will help?
If you have sensitive or irritation-prone feet, use lotions with soothing natural ingredients like aloe vera, oatmeal, calendula, and jojoba oil. Avoid fragrances, dyes, alcohol, and acids that could further irritate skin.
I have fungal infections on my feet regularly. What can I do?
Using an anti-fungal foot lotion containing ingredients like tea tree oil, tolnaftate, or clotrimazole can help treat and prevent fungal overgrowth. Wearing clean, dry socks and shoes is also key.
How can lotion help with cold feet in winter?
Look for foot creams with warming ingredients like menthol, ginger, mint, camphor, or capsicum extract. These stimulate blood circulation to better warm up cold feet.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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