What Causes Dry Skin on Feet?

Dry feet and cracked soles are unpleasant, yet exceedingly common. Have you ever wondered – what causes dry skin on feet? If you know the reasons for dry and dehydrated feet, you can take appropriate steps to tackle the problem accordingly.

What causes dry skin on feet? Find out:

Hot Water

If you are habituated to taking showers and baths with very hot water, it can cause feet to become dehydrated and dry. The longer you stay in, the worse the dryness gets!

Harsh UV Rays

UV rays don’t just harm skin on your face, neck, or arms, but they damage the skin on your feet as well. Most of us tend to forget applying a sunscreen on the feet, despite the fact that the skin on top of the feet is thin and delicate.

Lack of Moisture

The skin underneath the feet is often dry, rough, and chapped, especially around the heels, because this area has a relatively small number of sweat glands. If your skin is particularly dry, then cracked skin appears more easily due to less elasticity. Moisturise, Moisturise, Moisturise!

Winter Months

The cold and chilly winds create a dry environment that is brutal on the feet, as it strips the skin of moisture. Moreover, indoor heating systems also reduce moisture in the air, which dries out the feet even more.

Exposing Footwear

Did you know that open-back sandals or shoes allow fat under the heel to expand sideways and increase the possibility of cracks on your heels? Thus the skin becomes extremely dry!

Ageing

Thick, dry, scaly skin loses its elasticity with age, and as such cracks can have higher incidence as you become older.

Lack of Hygiene

Failing to keep your feet properly clean can lead to cracked heels, peeling skin, and flaking.

Now that you know what causes dry skin on feet, figure out a good skincare routine to treat it and prevent further dehydration.