Dealing with dry, cracked skin on their feet is something that almost every woman goes through.

As dry skin begins to harden on your heels or toes, you might find it starting to crack and peel. This cracking and peeling process can make your feel look unappealing. It can be rather disgusting to take your socks off in the evenings and find out that your feet are starting to flake.

And sometimes, that dry skin cracks enough that it starts to get painful and sore.

If you’re tired of your dry, cracked, achy feet, it is time for some much-needed foot pampering.

Know the causes of dry feet

While dry feet can sometimes be a sign of a medical condition, there are also many everyday explanations as to what is causing your dry feet.

Most of the time, dry feet are a result of pressure. The friction of your skin rubbing against your shoes or socks causes it to dry, harden, and eventually crack. If your shoes don’t fit properly, they can add even more pressure to your skin and make your dry feet worse.

Another common reason is that your feet lack moisture. If your skin isn’t getting enough moisture, it eventually starts to dry out and harden. At the same time, however, you want to avoid leaving water on your feet for prolonged periods of time. This can remove natural oils from your feet, which will make them even drier.

In some cases, dry skin can be a result of an underlying medical condition. Diabetes and thyroid diseases can cause the skin on your feet to dry and crack. Foot pain can occur known as peripheral neuropathy due to diabetes. Insoles for neuropathy can help alleviate some of this pain. Athlete’s foot can also cause scaly skin.

If you’re concerned that your dry feet are a result of a medical condition, you should see a medical professional to figure out your next steps.

How to get rid of dry feet

Getting rid of dry and cracked feet can be challenging if the skin has built up over time. If you do notice a build-up of dry skin, the first step you’ll want to take is soaking your feet.

You can soak your feet in the tub or you can pamper yourself with a high-quality foot spa. Once your skin has softened, gently rub a pumice stone or foot file across it.

This should cause your dry skin to start flaking. Don’t rub hard enough that it hurts or bleeds. This could cause cuts on your feet that could get infected. Instead, just rub gently at the top layer of dry skin. Afterward, run your feet under water to get rid of any skin flakes, and then carefully dry your feet.

Finally, you’ll want to moisturize your feet with something chemical-free, such as aloe or coconut oil. Some people find that moisturizing their feet right before bed and then wearing a pair of socks all night helps.

You may need to repeat the soaking, rubbing, and moisturizing process before all of the dry skin is gone, especially if you have a build-up of dry skin.

Best ways to prevent dry feet

Once you’ve gotten rid of all that dry skin, your next steps should be to figure out ways to prevent dry skin. While it can be hard to completely stop dry skin from ever returning, you can at least prevent it from building up.

The first thing you’ll want to do is make sure that you’re wearing shoes that fit properly and that are comfortable. Find shoes that provide support and don’t create unnecessary pressure on your feet.

You’ll also want to make sure that you’re regularly washing your feet with a gentle soap. After you’re doing washing them, make sure to properly dry them with a towel. This helps prevent water from getting trapped on your skin, which can cause your skin to dry out.

Next, regularly use a moisturizer that is free from chemicals on your feet. Keeping your feet properly moisturized can help keep them from cracking. There are certain moisturizers meant specifically for dry feet. In a pinch, you can also use Vaseline to moisturize them.

Final thoughts

If you practice proper foot hygiene and wear the right type of shoes, it should help keep your feet healthy. But if you do notice dry skin starting to build back up, make sure to immediately remove it.

If you’re struggling to get rid of your dry feet or your skin seems to be getting thicker despite your best efforts, check with your doctor to make sure there isn’t an underlying medical condition.