Foot Care
They take you everywhere and you’d be lost without them, yet many people neglect their feet.
Whether you are struggling with a particular foot problem, such as cracked heels or dry skin, or you simply want to take better care of your feet, the below guide will tell you everything there is to know about foot care.
Read on to discover:
- What is foot care?
- Why is foot care important?
- What are the different types of foot care products?
- What is the best foot cream for very dry skin?
- What is the best foot cream for aching feet?
- What is the best cooling cream for the feet?
- What is the best foot repair cream?
- Our top summer foot care tips
- How to care for your feet all year-round
- Foot care FAQs
What is foot care?
Foot care is a broad term used to describe any actions taken to care for your feet. This can include keeping them clean, checking them for any issues such as cuts, sores or swelling, and making sure the skin on your feet is in optimal condition.
Foot care can be carried out at home by yourself as well as by a qualified podiatrist. If you have any health conditions such as diabetes that affect blood flow, you need to be even more vigilant when it comes to the wellbeing of your feet.
Why is foot care important?
The feet are the foundation of the body, and the heath of your feet is directly linked to your overall health, so you need to make sure you are taking care of them.
Some of the most important reasons why you should take foot care seriously include:
Quality of life
Your quality of life can be significantly impacted on if you do not take care of your feet. Simple activities that you take for granted, such as going to the shops, walking in the park or carrying out the housework, can all become difficult if you neglect your feet.
In turn, this can have a detrimental effect on your mental health and can increase your risk of suffering from mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety and stress.
Physical health
If you do not practice good foot care, you leave yourself at risk of developing painful foot conditions, such as heel fissures and cracked skin. However, it is not just your feet that can be affected by poor foot care but your entire body.I
f you are struggling to put pressure on your feet or you feel pain when you stand, then you are much less likely to partake in the recommended amount of daily exercise, which can lead to more serious health problems. These include heart disease and diabetes.
What are the different types of foot care products?
There are so many different types of foot care products on the market, which can make it difficult to decide which one is best for your feet.
To make things simpler, we have detailed the most common foot care products and their uses below:
Foot creams
Foot creams are one of the most popular foot care products available and are designed to keep your feet hydrated, nourished and moisturised. Foot creams are sometimes referred to as a deep foot moisturiser and can be bought at most supermarkets and pharmacies. You can also buy it online by searching for the best foot cream for sore feet.
Foot creams tend to be thicker than other types of skin creams, as the skin on the feet is rougher and thicker than on other parts of the body.
Foot powders
Foot powders are most commonly applied to the feet to prevent bad foot odours and to absorb sweat. These are often used to treat Athlete’s foot or to prevent fungal infections.
Foot scrubs
Foot scrubs are used to exfoliate the skin and help to remove dead skin cells, which can help to prevent corns and calluses from developing on the feet. They can also be used to prevent infections and keep foot pain at bay.
Foot sprays
Foot sprays are similar to foot powders and are most commonly used to banish bad odours from the feet. You can also get foot sprays that are designed to soothe and cool skin that is red, inflamed or sore.
Foot soaks
As the name suggests, foot soaks involve soaking the feet. These can be used to soothe aching and tired feet, to get rid of the build-up of dry skin and dead skin cells and to leave the feet feeling soft and smooth.
Scented foot soaks can also help to banish bad odours, so make sure you get a good foot soak for dry feet.
Foot masks
Foot masks are intended for use on very dry skin and are typically applied to the feet overnight. A good-quality foot mask can help detox the skin on your feet, draw out impurities, boost circulation, eliminate foot odour, exfoliate and moisturise.
What is the best foot cream for very dry skin?
Very dry skin on the feet can lead to painful foot problems, such as foot fissures, cracked heels, corns and calluses. Therefore, you need to make sure you are using a quality foot cream if you suffer from dry skin on your feet.
The best foot cream for dry feet is a Swedish foot cream called CCS Foot Care Cream. This leading hypoallergenic foot cream is designed to soften and moisturise hard, rough and callused skin and is the best thing to mositurise your feet with. It contains active ingredients including urea, lactic acid, glycerine and eucalyptus oil, all of which help to soften dry skin and banish bad odours.
When it comes to applying feet softening cream, massage your foot dry skin cream into the skin twice a day and cover with a pair of socks.
What is the best foot care product for aching feet?
If you suffer from aching feet, then a foot soak or foot mask are the best treatments for you. Foot soaks, which can be bought over the counter or made at home, are designed to soothe and calm both the skin on your feet and your feet muscles, whereas a foot mask is a multi-tasking foot care product that aims to hydrate, soothe and exfoliate the skin on your feet.
Foot masks are one of the best overnight foot moisturiser treatments and can transform your skin in as little as 12 hours.
You may also want to look for a foot cream that can be used to massage your aching feet. The best foot massage cream should contain humectants such as urea and glycerine and occlusives such as ceramides and shea butter.
What is the best cooling cream for the feet?
If you have spent too much time in the sun or your feet are feeling the heat, a cooling foot cream is just what you need to cool and soothe hot, inflamed or irritated skin.
The best cooling cream for the feet should include aloe vera, as this is one of the most effective natural ingredients for cooling the skin.
What is the best foot repair cream?
If you are suffering from very dry skin on your feet or you have a skin condition such as eczema or psoriasis, then you need a foot cream that is designed to repair and protect the skin on your feet.
Look for an emollient moisturiser for feet that contains ingredients such as shea butter, Jojoba oil, ceramides and coconut oil, all of which have restorative properties.
If you have cracked heels or any sores on your feet, avoid foot creams that contain fragrances, as these can irritate the skin and cause burning or stinging.
Our top summer foot care tips
During the summer months, your feet can take a battering. A combination of rising temperatures, unsupportive footwear and time spent in the pool can all wreak havoc with the skin on your feet.
Fortunately, with a little bit of TLC, you can keep your feet soft, smooth and irritation-free throughout the summer.
- Do not go barefoot
- Avoid open-heeled footwear
- Apply an SPF cream to the feet
- Do not wear wet footwear
- Change your socks regularly
- Stay hydrated
- Keep your feet clean and dry
- Examine your feet for cuts, sores or other issues
- Apply a moisturising cream daily
- Exfoliate weekly
How to care for your feet all-year-round
If you want to keep your feet in optimal condition all year round, then follow the below foot care tips:
Clean your feet daily
If you want to avoid infections, bad odour and other foot problems, then you need to make sure you are cleaning your feet at least once a day. Wash your feet using warm water and a gentle soap and make sure that you dry them thoroughly using a clean towel.
If you are going to apply a foot cream or moisturiser, make sure that you do this while your feet are still slightly damp, as this helps your skin to better absorb the cream.
Moisturise daily
To keep your feet smooth, soft and free from cracks and splits, you need to make sure that you are moisturising them daily. Look for a deep foot moisturiser for feet, such as CCS Foot Care Cream, that contains ingredients such as urea, salicylic acid and glycerine.
Avoid moisturising between the toes as this can lead to foot problems such as Athlete’s foot and foot fungus.
Wear supportive footwear
One of the most common causes of foot problems is ill-fitting or unsupportive footwear. Shoes that are too tight, too loose or ones that are open-backed are not good for your feet and can lead to issues such as heel fissures, blisters and corns.
You should always wear socks and ensure that you put clean socks on daily.
Trim your toenails
If you don’t trim your toenails regularly, you put yourself at risk of developing foot problems such as ingrown toenails, foot pain and fungal nail infections.
The best way to trim your toenails is straight across the nail. You can then smooth the edges with a nail file or emery board.
Check your feet
Vigilance is key when it comes to good foot care, and you need to take the time to regularly check your feet. Look for anything unusual such as a change in your toenails or cuts in the skin.
If you have diabetes, it is even more important that you check your feet, as untreated foot problems can lead to serious complications in diabetics.
Frequently asked questions
What is a good foot soak for dry cracked feet?
One of the best foot soaks for dry cracked feet is an Epsom salts foot soak. Epsom salts work to exfoliate the skin on your feet and to remove dead skin cells. Soak your feet for 10-15 minutes for best results.
What is the best foot cream for dry cracked feet?
The best foot cream for dry cracked feet should contain ingredients such as urea, glycerine and lactic acid. CCS foot care cream is a highly effective skin softener for feet and acts as a deep foot moisturiser for feet. Apply twice a day, in the morning and at night, for best results.
What is the best foot cream for dry feet?
The best lotion to soften feet as well as hydrate, moisturise, and restore the skin on your feet is the CCS foot care cream. It is specially formulated as the best non-greasy foot lotion that targets and treats dry skin. This cream can be applied as often as you need it and is hypoallergenic, which means it is suitable for use on sensitive skin.
What is a good foot soak for dry feet?
Both Epson salts and vinegar are effective foot soaks for dry feet, as these natural ingredients have the ability to soften dry skin and gently exfoliate dead skin cells. You can also buy foot soaks over the counter and they often contain fragrances designed to eliminate bad foot odours and leave your feet smelling fresh.
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