It’s sweater weather!
Let’s not forget our feet as the temperature dips and the winds tighten their grip. Winters can be harsh on your skin, but if your feet are taken care of, that’s one less thing to worry about.
In this week’s piece, I’m going to walk you through the specifics of foot care in winters like ours. Let’s go!
Say goodbye to dead skin, please
Have you tried moisturising cracked or dead skin? Doesn’t it feel like taping a cracked pot? It’s not effective, is what I’m trying to say.
So, start your winter with a promise to scrub your feet (gently) with a good foot scrubber or a pumice stone (remember, gentle vibes only!). As a dermatologist with over 13 years of experience, trust me when I say this: dead skin isn’t just aesthetically displeasing; it can genuinely harm the healthy layers of your feet buried underneath. So ditch the crusty, cringe-worthy look and bring out the soft, healthy layers of your feet.
Soak (and soap) it like it’s hot
Picture a cold winter night. Your tired and cracked feet are soaking in a small tub of warm water with a pinch of salt. Life’s good, right?
This is like a mini detox for your feet. Soak your feet for 10 minutes, then wash them with your choice (or your dermatologist’s recommendation) of soap or shower gel. The result? Fresh and fantastic-feeling feet. Trust me, you’ll feel like you’ve earned a gold medal for the effort.
Scrub, scrub, scrub
Winters really are the villain origin story for your feet. Next station: Dry Skin Central? Not on my watch.
Exfoliation during winter is non-negotiable. Use a gentle foot scrub and go to town (gently!) on your feet, allowing your soft skin to shine through. Make this a weekly ritual, combining it with an “everything bath”: scrub, exfoliate, cleanse, shampoo, and condition. You’ll feel like the cleanest person on the planet, and your feet will feel like they could star in their own Marvel franchise.
Hydrate and hibernate
Foot masks have been popular for a while, and they do help remove dead skin to an extent. But they’re short-term fixes. If you’re looking for a long-term solution (because let’s face it, that makes winters easier), my strong advice is to *wait for it…*
HYDRATE! Yes, that thing I keep mentioning in almost every piece of mine.
Drink enough water. Often, cracked heels are a sign of dehydration. So, drink more water, add omega-3s to your diet, and cut back on coffee and alcohol.
Lock in that soleful moisture
Many of you have asked, “Will face moisturiser work on my feet?” The short answer is: no.
My advice? Get a foot-specific moisturiser and let your feet soak it up. If you don’t enjoy the slippery texture of moisturiser on your feet, try overnight moisturisers that avoid that issue. Keep your soles happy!
The right pair matters
Winters have a way of making you prioritise form over function. Be a smart cookie and opt for breathable fabrics like wool. This ensures that your feet feel like they’re in a warm, cozy hug.
If your feet come out of your socks looking like a pale prune, it’s time to upgrade your sock drawer. When it comes to footwear, choose waterproof, padded, and pro-circulation boots. Tight-fitting footwear is a no-go in winter, as it can numb your feet and cut off circulation. Remember, circulation is our friend. Don’t cancel it.
Clean feet = best vibes
A damp atmosphere is unpleasant, whether outside or inside. Damp feet *shudder* are excellent hosts for fungi. Wash your feet thoroughly during your showers and dry them completely with a towel.
Another tip: always wear slippers, even at home. Avoid being barefoot whenever possible, as fungi can crop up in unexpected places. Keep your feet clean and dry to cancel out fungi for good.
TOW my special winter footcare hack
Here’s my game-changing winter footcare hack: mix glycerin with a little bit of crushed camphor, then apply it to your feet 2-3 times a week. This concoction works wonders as an exfoliant, soothes your skin, and locks in moisture.
Foot care or skin care — it’s all self-care
Foot care isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s about feeling good with every step you take, knowing you’ve avoided cracked, painful soles during harsh winters. Cozy up with warm woollen socks, hydrate, exfoliate, and step into winter looking and feeling your best.
Happy feet shouldn’t just be a reference to an excellent movie. They should also describe your soles!
Dr Deepali Bhardwaj is a dermatologist, anti-allergy specialist, laser surgeon and internationally trained aesthetician. She tweets @dermatdoc. Views are personal.
(Edited by Prashant)