An effective foot care routine can be both simple and luxurious. Here’s how to structure it per Shaily Mehrotra, CEO and Co-founder at Fixderma. The focus is not on just one part, but overall beauty, skin maintenance and wellness.
1. Cleansing and Soaking
Begin with warm water soaks once or twice a week. Adding natural salts or mild antiseptics like tea tree oil can help soften the skin and reduce bacterial load. Soaking relaxes muscles, reduces inflammation, and preps the feet for exfoliation.
2. Exfoliation
Exfoliation removes dead skin cells, smooths rough patches, and improves product absorption. Ingredients like alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) particularly lactic acid and glycolic acid are gentle yet effective chemical exfoliants. They help slough off dead skin while retaining moisture.
For physical exfoliation, pumice stones or gentle scrubs with fine granules can be used, but should be handled with care to avoid abrasions, especially in diabetic or sensitive skin.
3. Moisturization and Repair
Moisturizing is the cornerstone of any foot care routine. The heels and soles have fewer oil glands, making them more prone to dryness. Ingredients like urea, shea butter, glycerin, and panthenol are excellent for deep hydration and repair.
- Urea is particularly effective in treating cracked heels and calluses as it softens keratin and increases moisture retention.
- Glycerin acts as a humectant, drawing moisture into the skin.
- Shea butter and coconut oil provide occlusive benefits, sealing in hydration and supporting skin barrier function.
For night-time care, applying a rich moisturizer and covering the feet with cotton socks helps boost absorption and prevents transepidermal water loss.
4. Protection and Prevention
Fungal infections like athlete’s feet are common, especially in humid climates or among individuals who wear closed shoes for extended periods. Antifungal agents such as clotrimazole, tolnaftate, and tea tree oil offer effective protection when used regularly.
Sprays or powders with mild antibacterial and antifungal ingredients can be used on clean, dry feet to maintain freshness and hygiene. Ingredients like camphor, menthol, and aloe vera can add soothing and cooling benefits, especially during summer months.
Read the full story that first appeared in Style Speak’s July issue here:
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