Best Foot Care Products for Cracked Heels and Dry Skin
Dry, cracked heels can be both uncomfortable and unsightly, but fortunately, there are numerous products designed to help. From moisturizing creams to exfoliating masks, these treatments can restore your feet to their soft and smooth state. Below, we’ve compiled a list of the best foot care products recommended by dermatologists and users alike to treat dry, cracked heels year-round.
Key Takeaways
- CeraVe Healing Ointment is known for creating a barrier that prevents infection and is suitable for sensitive skin, although it can feel heavy or sticky.
- O’Keeffe’s Healthy Feet Foot Cream is a top-rated product on Amazon, praised for its effectiveness in treating extremely dry, cracked feet.
- PediFix Visco-GEL Heel-So-Smooth Heel Sleeves are a popular choice for both treating and preventing cracked heels, available for purchase at around $28.99.
- Dr. Scholl’s Dry, Cracked Foot Repair Ultra-Hydrating Foot Cream is highly recommended for daily use to maintain soft skin, though it might not be strong enough for severe cases.
- Dr. Frederick’s Original Moisturizing Heel Socks are designed to lock in moisture and encourage skin repair, offering breathability for all-day wear.
CeraVe Healing Ointment
CeraVe Healing Ointment is a top quality premium foot care product that stands out for its ability to create a barrier on your heels, sealing in moisture and preventing infection. This gentle, skin-repairing ointment is a favorite among experts for its effectiveness in restoring the skin’s barrier with ceramides and hydrating hyaluronic acid.
Pros
- Creates a barrier to seal in moisture
- Prevents infection
- Contains ceramides and hyaluronic acid
- Suitable for sensitive skin
Cons
- Can feel heavy/sticky
Price
| Retailer | Price |
|---|---|
| Amazon | $11.97 |
| Target | $13.99 |
| Ulta | $10.99 |
National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance
This ointment has received the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance, making it suitable for those with sensitive skin.
O’Keeffe’s Healthy Feet Foot Cream
O’Keeffe’s Healthy Feet Foot Cream is a popular choice for those suffering from extremely dry, cracked feet. This cream is known for its guaranteed relief and affordability, making it a standout option for many. Available for around $8 on Amazon, it has an impressive rating of 4.6/5 stars.
Key Benefits
- Prevents infection
- Fragrance-free
- Good for sensitive skin
Key Ingredients
- Urea
- Glycerin
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Affordable
- Effective for extremely dry and cracked feet
Cons:
- Some people dislike the greasy texture
User Reviews
An Amazon reviewer says: “O’Keeffe’s for Healthy Feet Foot Cream has been a game-changer for my extremely dry and cracked skin on my feet. It’s an inexpensive solution that provided relief just in time for my vacation. The cream’s effectiveness and affordability make it a standout choice. If you’re dealing with dry and cracked feet, O’Keeffe’s is a budget-friendly option that gets the job done. Highly recommended for its guaranteed relief and wallet-friendly price!”
This gentle, skin-repairing ointment is a favorite among our experts because it creates a barrier on your heels to seal in moisture and prevent infection. The formula has ceramides to restore your skin’s barrier and hydrating hyaluronic acid, according to the brand. The ointment has the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance, which means it’s suitable for sensitive skin.
PediFix Visco-GEL Heel-So-Smooth Heel Sleeves
The PediFix Visco-GEL Heel-So-Smooth Heel Sleeves are designed to provide protection to the Achilles tendon and help protect the heel from further damage. These sleeves are perfect for those who need bottom and back heel protection.
Key Features
- Provides protection to the Achilles tendon
- Helps protect the heel from further damage
- Ideal for bottom and back heel protection
How to Use
- Slip the sleeves onto your heels after applying lotion.
- Wear them throughout the day or night to keep moisture locked in and encourage skin repair.
- Ensure they fit snugly but comfortably for the best results.
Customer Reviews
Customers appreciate the breathability and effectiveness of these sleeves. They say it works fine for bottom and back heel protection, providing much-needed relief and comfort.
Dr. Scholl’s Dry, Cracked Foot Repair Ultra-Hydrating Foot Cream
Dr. Scholl’s Dry, Cracked Foot Repair Ultra-Hydrating Foot Cream is a top choice for those suffering from dry, cracked heels. This hydrating foot cream provides all-day moisture for dry, cracked skin. It contains urea, a multi-purpose ingredient that helps soften and exfoliate thick, dry skin on the feet. Plus, no elbow grease is required–this cream rubs easily into the skin without leaving a greasy residue.
Gehwol Lipidro Cream
The Gehwol Lipidro Cream is an excellent choice for those looking to balance the natural moisture levels of their skin. It’s perfect for everyday use and is highly recommended by foot care experts. The cream’s ultra-moisturizing ingredients, including urea, glycerin, and avocado oil, make it ideal for preventing dryness and maintaining soft, smooth feet.
Key Ingredients
- Urea
- Glycerin
- Avocado Oil
Pros
- Balances natural moisture levels
- Prevents dryness
- Maintains soft, smooth feet
Cons
- Might not be strong enough to treat calluses or cracked heels
- Can feel heavy/sticky
This cream is the best for keeping your heels and balls of feet soft, making it a great addition to your daily foot care routine.
Dr. Frederick’s Original Moisturizing Heel Socks
Dr. Frederick’s Original Moisturizing Heel Socks are a fantastic solution for those suffering from cracked heels. They work well, are easy to put on and adjust, and heal cracked heels effectively. These gel socks are designed to be worn after applying lotion to your heels, helping to lock in moisture and encourage skin repair. Customers appreciate the breathability they offer, making them comfortable to wear throughout the day and night.
Slip them on after lotioning up your heels to encourage skin repair and keep moisture locked in.
Key Ingredients
- Lactic acid
- Petrolatum
Fragrance
- No added fragrance
Customer Reviews
"My heels had some deep, painful cracks from dryness. I exfoliate regularly, but I could never keep moisture locked in, so my heels always looked dry and gross. I wore this lotion with socks to bed for about a week and noticed a difference in just a couple of days. Now that I have ‘healed’ my heels, I will use this about once or twice a week to keep them soft. Great product, and I highly recommend it."
Deep-Healing Foot Cream
Key Ingredients
- Urea
- Salicylic acid
- Malic acid
Fragrance
- None
Customer Reviews
"I bought Foot Rescue because I had some cracks on my heels and some calluses on the side of my feet next to my big toe. After two uses, I saw tremendous improvement in the texture of the skin on my feet. They look and feel the softest they’ve been in years! Another benefit I noticed was that this stuff completely got rid of my foot odor!"
Price
| Product | Price |
|---|---|
| Deep-Healing Foot Cream™ (#P3069) | $28.99 |
Deep-Healing Foot Cream is a top pick for anyone dealing with rough, dry skin. The rich formula deeply hydrates and nourishes even the driest skin, leaving your feet incredibly soft and smooth after just one use.
Exfoliating Foot Peel Mask
Exfoliating foot peel masks are a popular choice for achieving baby-soft smooth feet. These masks contain a blend of exfoliants designed to soften and remove dead skin that accumulates on the thick surface of your feet. They are particularly beneficial for those who want smoother skin and for people with calluses from running or standing for long hours. However, if you have any open wounds or cracks, it’s best to avoid using foot peels as the exfoliating acids can irritate and slow down the healing process.
How It Works
The process of using an exfoliating foot peel mask is simple but effective. Over the course of 1 to 2 weeks, the mask works its magic by causing layers of dead skin to peel off, revealing the soft skin underneath. It’s not the most glamorous process, but the results are worth it.
Benefits
- Softens and tenderizes the skin on your feet
- Removes tough, dead skin
- Helps with calluses
Precautions
- Avoid if you have open wounds or cracks
- Not suitable for bacterial or viral infections
Over the next 1 to 2 weeks, you’ll start to really see them work their magic, as layers of dead skin literally peel off your feet to reveal baby-soft skin underneath.
Conclusion
Taking care of your feet, especially when dealing with dry, cracked heels, is essential for overall health and comfort. With a plethora of dermatologist-recommended products available, such as CeraVe Healing Ointment and O’Keeffe’s Healthy Feet Foot Cream, you can effectively treat and prevent this common issue. From moisturizing creams to exfoliating foot masks, the right products can make a significant difference. Remember, consistent care is key, so incorporate these treatments into your daily routine for the best results. Your feet will thank you!
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes dry, cracked heels?
Dry, cracked heels are commonly caused by a lack of moisture. Other factors include prolonged standing, wearing open-back shoes, and certain skin conditions like eczema.
How can I prevent cracked heels?
To prevent cracked heels, keep your feet moisturized, avoid walking barefoot, wear supportive shoes, and exfoliate regularly to remove dead skin.
Are there any home remedies for cracked heels?
Yes, home remedies for cracked heels include soaking your feet in warm water and using a pumice stone to remove dead skin. Applying thick moisturizers or natural oils like coconut oil can also help.
How often should I use foot cream for best results?
For best results, apply foot cream daily, preferably after a shower when your skin is most receptive to moisture. Consistent use is key to preventing and treating dryness.
Can cracked heels lead to more serious problems?
Yes, if left untreated, cracked heels can lead to deeper fissures, which can be painful and may become infected. It’s important to address the issue early to avoid complications.
Are foot peel masks safe to use?
Foot peel masks are generally safe to use, but it’s important to follow the instructions carefully. Avoid using them if you have open wounds or infections on your feet.
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