How to Soothe Dry Feet: The Ultimate Guide

As the temperature drops and the days grow shorter, many of us start to notice a common winter woe: dry feet. If your feet are feeling rough, uncomfortable, or even cracked, you're not alone. Dry feet are a recognised issue through the colder months, when cooler temperatures and dry indoor air can wreak havoc on our skin. In this guide, we’ll explore how to soothe dry feet, offering practical advice and expert tips to keep your feet feeling their best. As part of our drive to Care for What Moves You, we’ll deep-dive into top foot care tips, explore ingredients to look for and discover ways to restore balance to hardworking feet this fall.

Why Do Feet Get Dry? Common Causes and Contributing Factors

The changing seasons can bring about changes to our feet. Understanding why they might become dry is the first step in addressing the issue effectively. Here’s a closer look at the science behind why feet might get dry when autumn rolls around:

• Seasonal Causes: As summer transitions to autumn and winter, the air loses moisture, which can cause your skin to dry out. Indoor heating systems further reduce humidity levels, exacerbating the dryness.
• Lifestyle Factors: As our feet stay in socks and shoes when the temperature drops, reduced exposure to fresh air often dries out the skin further. Using harsh soaps can also strip the skin of its natural oils.
• Footwear: As always, footwear is important. Choosing styles designed to help you walk as nature intended is important, especially in cooler months.
• Lapse in Care: forgetting to care for feet only exacerbates the problem. In autumn and winter, it’s more important than ever to care for what moves you.

If you’re looking for ways to prevent dry feet this fall, take a moment to reflect on your environment and care routine to identify any potential causes. And if you’re already feeling that dehydration, let’s explore how to soothe dry feet effectively.

The Importance of Caring for Dry Feet

Proper foot care is crucial for both comfort and health. By dedicating a little time to your feet, you can achieve significant benefits, including:

• Alleviating Discomfort: Dry feet can lead to irritation and rough, weathered skin. Regular foot care can help prevent this, making it easier for you to move comfortably throughout your day.
• Preventing Complications: Keeping your feet hydrated and healthy reduces the risk of more serious issues further down the line.
• Supporting Overall Well-Being: Foot care is not just about physical comfort; it’s also about maintaining a mind-body balance. Taking time for yourself and your feet can help to enhance your overall sense of well-being.

How to Care for Dry Feet – A Step-by-Step Routine

Caring for dry feet can be as simple as taking a few small, enjoyable actions. Creating your own foot care routine is a great way to care for what moves you, and can help create mindful moments to check in with yourself. Follow these steps to effectively soothe and nourish your feet, repeating as necessary for your lifestyle:

1. Soak: Immerse your feet in a warm bath with bath salts and soak for at least 20 minutes. This helps to calm and soothe the skin, balance skin’s moisture levels and helps to remove impurities from the skin too. It also releases blocked energy or tension.
2. Exfoliate: Use a gentle foot scrub or pumice stone to remove dead cells and reduce calluses, preparing your skin for your foot care routine.
3. Pat Dry: Gently dry your feet with a soft towel, ensuring no moisture is left between toes.
4. Moisturize: Apply a generous amount of our Nourishing Foot Balm for rich skin moisturization and a softer and more supple skin from the first use. This balm smoothes dry feet and helps to prevent and reduce roughness, calluses and hard skin.
5. Enhance Hydration: For added moisture, add a few drops of Comforting Dry Oil to the Nourishing Foot Balm. This combination boosts hydration and leaves your feet feeling silky smooth.
6. Overnight Treatment: For very dry skin, apply a thick layer of Nourishing Foot Balm, cover the foot with a sock, and let it soak in.

Repeat as needed. A few times a week or every day - find a self-care schedule that works for you, to help maintain healthy, hydrated feet year-round.

What Natural Ingredients are Good for Dry Feet?

The skin on our feet has its own special needs. As experts in foot health, we know this. Understanding which ingredients will work best for this unique biome requires an in-depth knowledge of feet. And also of how to develop formulas that will best deliver results.

Every BIRKENSTOCK Care Essentials product is made with 100% natural origin ingredients. We developed each product with the highest quality natural actives, tested and balanced to deliver proven results. Here are some of the most potent ingredients to watch out for, in order to keep your feet hydrated.

Murumuru Butter: Protects skin against dehydration, strengthens the skin barrier

Murumuru is renowned for its intense moisturizing properties. A natural substitute for silicone, it’s packed with essential fatty acids and vitamins that deeply penetrate the skin, providing lasting hydration and helping to restore elasticity.
Find it in: Nourishing Foot Balm

White Willow Bark Extract: Softens the skin surface

This natural extract is celebrated for its gentle exfoliating properties, and is a natural substitute for salicylic acid. It’s also a natural anti-inflammatory making it ideal for reducing discomfort and enhancing overall skin health.
Find it in: Nourishing Foot Balm

Jojoba Oil: Protects the skin from long-lasting water loss

This versatile oil closely resembles the natural oils produced by the skin, making it an excellent moisturizer. It provides deep hydration without leaving a greasy residue, and its nourishing properties help to balance skin oil levels.
Find it in: Comforting Dry Oil

Sesame Oil: Improves the skin's overall appearance and elasticity

Rich in essential fatty acids, including linoleic and oleic acids, sesame oil improves skin moisture and elasticity. It is also anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial to soothe and protect the skin from external aggressors.
Find it in: Comforting Dry Oil

Essential Oils for Foot Care

As well as 100% natural actives, we developed every product with a blend of essential oils. Some of those oils function as effective active ingredients and some are known for their balancing effects. When our body is less stressed, it’s better able to maintain itself, so we’ve developed layered natural fragrance to enhance every care moment and deliver mind-body benefits.

Foot Care Tips for Healthy Feet All Year Round

To keep your feet feeling and walking their best through the year, a little goes a long way. Building regular care moments into your routine is a great way to keep your feet in optimal condition from summer to winter. Try out these tips:

• Regular Moisturization: Make it a habit to moisturize your feet daily, especially during the colder months, to prevent dryness and maintain softness.

• Proper Footwear: Prioritize the health of your feet with shoes designed to help you walk as nature intended.

• Hydration: Drink plenty of water to maintain skin moisture from within. Staying hydrated is essential for overall skin health.

• Self-Care Practices: Incorporate foot care into your broader self-care routine. Regular attention to your feet can contribute to overall well-being and is a great way to check in with the hardest working part of your body.

Putting Your Best Foot Forward: Foot Care for Every Season

Maintaining foot care is vital for your comfort and overall well-being, especially as the colder months approach. By following these expert tips and using our thoughtfully designed products, you can keep your feet healthy and hydrated throughout the year. Discover the benefits of our Nourishing Foot Balm and Comforting Dry Oil, crafted to provide your feet with the care they deserve and to enhance your self-care routine with natural, effective solutions.