Our feet serve as the foundation of our entire body in terms of support, balance, posture, and overall well-being; however, they are often the most neglected part of our body. We have skincare routines, face, mouth, & hand care routines, nail & hair care routines, but seldom do we hear about foot care routines. It is now the time to explore the importance and benefits of foot cream and what it contributes to the overall health and comfort of your feet.
What is foot cream?
Foot cream helps keep the feet hydrated, preventing dry skin and heels. Regular foot cream treatment helps to prevent cuts and sores as well as the infections that could occur if these are not taken care of correctly or are ignored. Using foot cream will leave the skin feeling silky smooth and soft.
Benefits of Foot Cream
1. Keep your feet moisturised. Dry and cracked skin on the feet can be uncomfortable and painful. Foot creams provide intense hydration and moisturization to dry and rough skin on the feet that helps soften the skin, preventing cracks and fissures, and promoting smoother and healthier feet.
2. Protection. If your feet are exposed to harsh winds and sun, you can get cracks, cuts, and calluses. Foot creams containing exfoliating agents, such as salicylic acid, can help reduce the thickness of calluses. Regular use of foot cream can minimise callus build-up, improving foot comfort and appearance.
3. Relaxation and stress relief. After a long day of work or walking and standing, your feet can get tired and achy. Massaging your feet with a foot cream infused with ingredients like menthol, camphor, or peppermint oil helps relieve foot fatigue, refresh tired feet, and promote a sense of relaxation.
4. Anti-fungal and Antimicrobial Properties. Warm and humid environments, poor air circulation, and contaminated surfaces are some of the causes of fungal infections, such as athlete's foot, which can lead to itching, redness, and discomfort. Applying foot cream with antifungal ingredients like clotrimazole or tea tree oil, which possess antimicrobial properties help prevent and treat fungal infections, maintaining foot health.
5. Improved Circulation. Foot creams enriched with ingredients like arnica, ginger, or ginkgo biloba can promote blood circulation in the feet. Improved circulation enhances the delivery of essential nutrients and oxygen to the foot tissues, reducing swelling and discomfort.
6. Keep your feet pretty. Moisturising your feet is like moisturising your face for a flawless complexion. Foot creams help enhance the texture, softness, and overall skin health of your feet, resulting in prettier, soft and younger-looking feet.
When to use foot cream?
How to use foot cream?
Bear in mind that applying foot cream is only one of the ways to take care of your feet. Taking care of your overall health is still a number 1 priority. Refer to the image below for happier and healthier feet.
Figure 1: American Diabetes Association
Closing
By following these foot care practices, you can maintain the health, comfort, and appearance of your feet and minimise the risk of foot-related issues.
References:
- Puzanowska, B., Pasikowska, B., Szyller, K., & Kościelniak-Nielsen, Z. (2019). A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a topical gel for reducing callus thickness. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 18(1), 170-174. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.12487
- Kaul, S., Meena, M., & Makkar, P. (2019). Comparative in vitro efficacy of tea tree oil and clotrimazole on Candida species isolated from patients with onychomycosis. Journal of Foot and Ankle Research, 12(1), 10. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13047-019-0327-2
- Chao, S. C., Young, G., & Oberg, E. (2016). The effect of peppermint oil on symptomatic treatment of pruritus in pregnant women. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 22(6), 475-479. https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2015.0099
- Fiume, O., Cañadas, F., Serrano, G., & Baños, L. (2018). Arnica montana gel in osteoarthritis of the knee: an open, multicenter clinical trial. International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 40(3), 326-331. https://doi.org/10.1111/ics.12462
- Hou, A., Cohen, B., Hsieh, D., Schlesinger, T., Draelos, Z., & Daniels, S. (2015). Moisturizers: what they are and a practical approach to product selection. The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 8(6), 37-51