Winter is approaching, and many people will find their heels become dry and rough. This not only affects the appearance but may also hide potential health problems! To help everyone have healthy feet, we specially consulted the director of the Ginza Keiskin Clinic for the correct method of heel care. Let's learn about the causes of rough heels and how to effectively care for them!
Four main causes of rough heels
★Dryness leads to insufficient oil and moisture. Low temperatures and dry air in winter easily cause heels to lose moisture. Since the heels, palms, and eye areas lack sebaceous glands, these areas are more prone to dryness. When the skin's protective barrier is damaged, moisture evaporates, causing heels to become rough and even cracked.
★Cold affects metabolism. Cold environments disrupt blood circulation and skin metabolism, leading to a buildup of dry keratin, forming a thick, hard skin layer. Unhealthy diets, stress, and lack of sleep can also exacerbate this problem.
★Potential fungal infection. If heels do not improve after moisturizing, it may be a sign of a fungal infection (athlete's foot). This infection is common in non-breathable shoes and public places, and sometimes it does not come with itching, which can easily be overlooked. Early medical attention can prevent the condition from worsening.
★Excessive pressure on the heels. The soles of the feet bear 30% of body weight, while the heels bear 70% of the weight. People who are overweight or engage in high-intensity exercise frequently will place greater strain on their heels, which can lead to thicker, harder skin, or even cracks.
People Who Are Overweight or Frequently Engage in High-Intensity Exercise Tend to Develop Thickened Skin on Their Heels (Photo: Taken from Women's Health)
How to make heels smooth and tender?
★Regular exfoliation. Exfoliating every three days is ideal. If the skin is not too rough, once a week is also fine. Be careful not to rub too hard to avoid irritating the skin and causing more roughness.
★Adequate moisturizing. After exfoliation, moisturizing is essential! Choose hand creams, lotions, or body lotions containing hyaluronic acid or ceramides to effectively lock in moisture. For people with thicker calluses, petroleum jelly is also a good choice.
★Warmth is key. Besides exfoliation and moisturizing, warmth is equally important. Wearing socks is the simplest way to keep warm, especially for people whose hands and feet get cold easily. Wearing socks while sleeping can effectively maintain warmth.
How to Make Your Heels Smooth and Soft? (Photo: Taken from Women's Health)
Beautiful heels require your careful care! With regular exfoliation, moisturizing, and keeping warm, your heels can stay smooth and tender throughout the winter, and bid farewell to cracked heels. Let's work together to make our feet shine with health in every season!
Source: Women's Health
