During winter, it gets really cold, so you can’t afford to go about your daily activities in open shoes. But because your feet are trapped inside bulky boots most of the time, they will likely get dry and crack from dehydration. Since we don’t want that for you, we’ve compiled a list of things you can do to prevent dry feet during winter.
1. Wear Light Socks
Woolen socks may be appealing in the winter because of their warmth. But because they’re made of dense material, they’re more likely to cause your feet to dry out due to heat and friction. What’s your best bet? Pick up lighter socks, such as cotton socks. For indoor use, however, avoid walking barefoot. When you do so, you generate a lot of friction between your feet and the ground. As a result, you increase the risk of having dry, flaky skin on your feet. Instead, wear your slippers with socks.
2. Use Foot Cream
Applying a foot cream hydrates your feet and helps minimize moisture loss. This helps to reverse the effects of dry, rough feet. In addition to treating itchy feet and pain, foot cream also helps restore the strength and smoothness of your feet. While it may not seem like a big deal, ignoring dry feet can be detrimental down the line. Especially when your heel cracks, you expose yourself to bacterial and fungal infections. However, with foot cream, you can speed up healing and prevent future injury.
3. Drink Plenty of Water
When you notice you have cracked heels, don’t just run to foot products; drink plenty of water too. Your body needs water to survive, and if you aren’t drinking enough water, your body will pull moisture out of your skin to help make up for it. The U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine recommends that men drink around 15.5 cups (3.7 liters) of fluids a day for men and around 11.5 cups (2.7 liters) of fluids a day for women. While some of your daily fluids can come from other drinks, it’s important to predominantly drink water.
4. Use a Pumice Stone
After taking a foot bath, it’s advisable that you use a pumice stone to exfoliate. This reduces the likelihood that calluses or dry skin will form. Although calluses may provide some protection, if they get too thick, they might lose their flexibility and fracture when you move.
As you enjoy the benefits of these products, ensure you keep them clean. If you use a pumice stone regularly, ensure you soak it in a liquid cleaner or bleach, then rinse it thoroughly every few weeks. This is because the cracks and fissures that make it an effective skin file may accumulate dead skin and provide a breeding ground for germs.
5. Wear Comfortable Shoes
Prevent calluses from forming on your feet by wearing shoes that fit properly. Poorly fitting shoes may irritate and dehydrate the skin. In the winter, wrap your feet with cotton socks before wearing boots. This will result in a better skin texture!
Our feet often get the least attention compared to other body parts when it comes to skincare. And while they are often overlooked, this shouldn’t be the case as it could lead to infections when neglected. Use these tips to take care of your feet and prevent getting dry feet during winter.