Foot Repair Cream

Why do heels become dry and cracked?

The formation of hard skin and roughness can be due to two main causes:

• As skin ages, it tends to become dry, less elastic, and rough, possibly presenting with hyperkeratosis. The collagen and elastin fibers in the cellular matrix become less soluble and less elastic, respectively; as well, the skin's hydration is reduced becoming more fragile especially on the back and sides of the foot, decreasing its ability to resist pressure.
• The thickening of the skin or hyperkeratosis is a response to keratin dysfunction and chronic excessive pressure or friction on the skin. It can be caused by excessive irritation from ill-fitting shoes or by abnormal pressure if there is a foot deformity, mechanical strains from faulty footwear, abnormal foot mechanics, and high levels of activity.

Both lack of moisture, hyperkeratosis, and the reduction in skin elasticity promote the formation of fissures which may occasionally produce lesions that could become infected.

How to prevent or improve hard and cracked heels?

Here are some of the general measures recommended:

• Footbaths, massage and pedicure. Taking care of the feet through warm baths with salts, massaging with appropriate creams, and proper cleaning of the foot and nails are essential to prevent or improve roughness and hard skin.
• Proper footwear. Tight shoes are the main cause of most hard skin, so it is recommended to wear shoes that are wide or adapted to the width of the foot, to wear sandals or sports shoes without laces sparingly (they can induce shearing forces on the edges of the load-bearing area of the sole to produce the so-called "margin hard skin" or "heel fissures"), the use of soft insoles or toe separators, among other measures.
• Hydration and skin repair. There are specific products with ingredients that act on four levels: exfoliating action (that softens the hard skin layer), soothing, moisturizing, and repairing.
• Consult a specialist for better guidance on foot care.

What is the best foot cream for cracked heels?

The combination of ingredients that combine exfoliating , soothing, moisturizing, and repairing activities is ideal. For instance, the combination of Shea butter, Sunflower or Coconut oil, Raspberry extract or Green Mint, and Salicylic acid, can provide fantastic feet care, especially for reducing hardness and preventing cracks.