Hard, Dry, Rough & Cracked Skin

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Explore products that exfoliate, deeply moisturize and repair the dry skin on your feet so they look and feel smooth, soft and healthy

Hard, Dry, Rough & Cracked Skin FAQs

Why are my feet so dry?

It’s common for people to experience dry feet. Unlike most areas of the body, the skin on the soles of the feet don’t contain sebaceous glands, the glands that product moisturizing oils. This leaves the skin in this area more vulnerable to dryness. Other factors can also contribute to dry feet, including:


• Dry, cold weather — Humidity levels in the air tend to be especially low during the winter months when the weather is often dry and cold.

• Harsh bath products — Certain soaps and body washes contain harsh ingredients, which can strip moisture from the skin, leading to dryness.

• Long, hot baths and showers — Hot water deprives the skin of moisture. The longer the skin is exposed to hot water, the greater the chance of dryness.

• Health conditions — Certain dermatological conditions, such as psoriasis and eczema, can increase the risk of dry skin. Other health conditions, such as diabetes, can also contribute to the problem.

• Age — Over time, the skin becomes less effective at retaining moisture, leaving it more vulnerable to dryness.

• Athlete’s foot — A common fungal skin infection, athlete’s foot can cause dry skin along the bottoms and sides of the feet.

How to get rid of dry skin on feet?

There are a number of steps you can take to help get rid of dry skin on the feet, including:

• Moisturize — Always apply a moisturizer after you wash and towel dry your feet. This can help seal in hydration and reduce the risk of dryness. Look for a moisturizer formulated especially for feet. Dr. Scholl’s® Dry, Cracked Skin Ultra-Hydrating Foot Mask is a unique, deep moisturizing treatment designed just for the feet. The formula is packed full of rich, soothing hydrators to restore the skin’s natural moisture balance.  

• Wear socks — Going barefoot or wearing open-toe shoes can contribute to dry feet. Wearing socks can help hold moisture in and protect the skin of the feet from environmental aggressors.

• Choose a gentle cleanser — Many bath products contain drying ingredients that rob the skin of essential moisture. When you shower or bathe, opt for a gentle soap or body wash. Consider a formula that contains moisturizers to hydrate while you cleanse.

• Limit bath and shower time — Hot water can dry the skin, so limit your time in the bath or shower. Try showering or bathing in warm, rather than hot, water.

• Treat underlying conditions — If your dry skin is due to a medical condition, it’s important to seek treatment. Since athlete’s foot can contribute to dry skin, you can address symptoms by treating the infection. Dr. Scholl’s Instant Cool Athlete’s Foot Treatment Wipes contain a proven effective antifungal medication to clear up athlete’s foot. Dr. Scholl’s Instant Cool Athlete’s Foot Treatment Spray is another effective treatment option.

How to get rid of rough feet?

Many people successfully get rid of rough feet with a combination of exfoliating and moisturizing. Pamper your feet weekly following these steps:

1. Soak your feet in warm water for 10-15 minutes in order to soften rough skin.

2. Gently buff away rough skin using a pumice stone or foot file. Dr. Scholl’s Hard Skin Remover Nano Glass Foot File uses an innovative technology for safe and easy removal of dead, rough skin from the soles of the feet. The comfortable grip handle make the job even simpler.

3. Pat the feet dry using a towel and apply a moisturizing foot cream. Dr. Scholl’s® Dry, Cracked Foot Repair Ultra-Hydrating Foot Cream contains a proprietary blend of healing and hydrating ingredients to soften and soothe rough, dry skin. The formula restores lost moisture, leaving the feet smooth and soft. The benefits last for a full day.


You can also choose to hydrate and exfoliate in one step. Dr. Scholl’s® Ultra Exfoliating Foot Lotion gently eliminates hardened layers of dead skin with alpha hydroxy acids while Epsom salts and essential oils hydrate and calm. 

How to heal cracked feet overnight?

It’s not usually possible to heal cracked feet overnight since it can take time to repair damaged skin. However, there are ways of addressing the issue and achieving smooth, healthy feet. After your daily shower or bath, apply a repairing cream or balm formulated just for the feet. Dr. Scholl’s Severe Cracked Heel Repair Restoring Balm glides on easily to moisturize and fill in cracks, creating a protective barrier. With regular use, the balm restores healthy skin, leaving the feet smooth and hydrated. You might also consider wearing cotton socks to bed after applying your moisturizer. Socks can help hold the hydration in, providing additional healing benefits for cracked feet.

Why are my feet so dry and cracked?

Dry, cracked feet are a common problem. The bottoms of the feet are prone to dryness since the skin in this area doesn’t produce natural oils. Dry air, hot water, harsh soap, and other factors can also contribute to dry feet. 

When the heels of the feet are dry, the skin can become thick with hardened layers of dead skin. The heels also experience a great deal of pressure from standing and walking, making them vulnerable to cracks. Friction from shoes can also make dry, cracked feet worse.

 

Dry, cracked skin can also be a symptom of athlete’s foot, an infection caused by various fungal organisms.

 

If you’re unsure of the cause of your dry, cracked feet, see your doctor. They can evaluate your feet and make treatment recommendations.

 

Don’t let your dry feet determine which shoes you can wear. Self-care is one of the best ways to prevent dry, cracked skin on your feet. Consider the following tips:

• Make sure you wear shoes that fit properly, and replace them as needed. They shouldn’t be too tight or too loose. Shoes that don’t fit well can cause friction, which can lead to dry, cracked feet. Improper shoes also often lack support. 

• Avoid going barefoot whenever possible, especially when walking on hard surfaces and when spending time outdoors.

• If you must walk around barefoot indoors on hard surfaces such as tile and wood, wear some form of slipper or foot covering to protect your feet. 


Dr. Scholl’s® offers a number of pampering foot products that can help address dry, cracked skin. These include: 

• Dr. Scholl’s® Ultra Hydrating Foot Mask contains a rich essential oil complex to soothe irritated, dry skin on your feet

• Dr. Scholl’s® Ultra Hydrating Foot Cream repairs and moisturizes, helping to heal dry, cracked skin on your feet

• Dr. Scholl’s Severe Cracked Heel Repair Restoring Balm features an intensely hydrating proprietary blend that softens, hydrates and moisturizes dry, cracked heels

• Dr. Scholl’s® Ultra Exfoliating Foot Lotion contains alpha hydroxy acids to gently exfoliate extremely rough, dry skin on your feet, working to reveal new, smooth, healthy skin

• Dr. Scholl’s® Ultra Exfoliating Foot Mask features a rich multi-ingredient blend of essential oils and natural extracts to soothe and condition dry, irritated skin on your feet

Remember to keep your feet moisturized by applying creams and lotions that contain hydrating ingredients, such as shea butter and aloe vera. Finally, don't forget to pamper yourself with moisturizing treatments and pedicures when needed. With the right care, you can keep your feet soft and healthy for years to come.