Dry Skin on Feet: Causes and Effective Treatments

Why is the skin on my legs dry?

The skin on the legs, especially the feet and shins, has unique physiological characteristics that make it particularly vulnerable to dryness and dehydration. The main reason is the almost complete absence of sebaceous glands in these areas, unlike other parts of the body.

The sebaceous glands are responsible for the production of sebum, which forms a natural hydrolipidic mantle – a protective film that prevents moisture from evaporating from the skin's surface. Due to the deficiency of this protection, moisture is lost much faster. Over time, in response to constant exposure and lack of moisture, the stratum corneum of the epidermis compensatorily thickens, leading to roughness, the appearance of areas of hyperkeratosis, and severe flaking.

Aggressive external factors also actively affect the condition of the skin of the feet. Hard water with a high content of mineral salts, sudden temperature changes between the street and heated rooms, dry cold air in winter and air-conditioned air in summer – all this contributes to increased moisture evaporation and the destruction of the already fragile skin barrier.

Frequent use of alkaline soaps and aggressive detergents during hygiene removes the remains of natural lipids, and neglecting moisturizing immediately after water procedures, when the skin is most sensitive, only aggravates the problem of dehydration.

It is important to understand that the causes of dryness can be not only external, but also internal. Deficiencies of key nutrients, such as vitamins A (retinol) and E (tocopherol), essential for cell regeneration and protection, B vitamins, which are involved in skin metabolism, and essential omega-3 fatty acids, which are part of cell membranes and support the lipid barrier, directly weaken the skin's ability to retain moisture. Hormonal changes (for example, during menopause) and natural aging processes associated with a decrease in the synthesis of collagen and hyaluronic acid—the main structural components of the dermis responsible for its elasticity and hydration—have a significant impact. Impaired blood microcirculation in the lower extremities, often associated with a sedentary lifestyle or certain diseases, impair the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to skin cells, making it dull, thin and prone to dryness.

In addition, dermatological pathologies such as atopic dermatitis, eczema or psoriasis cannot be ruled out, which are characterized by a violation of the barrier function of the epidermis, intense peeling and increased sensitivity.

Dry skin on the legs: what to do

Eliminating dry skin on the legs is not a one-time procedure, but a complex and regular process that requires a systematic approach aimed at deep hydration, active restoration of the damaged protective barrier and reliable prevention of further moisture loss.

The foundation of care is proper and gentle cleansing. The use of aggressive alkaline detergents or ordinary soap leads to the destruction of the lipid layer and aggravates the condition. It is necessary to choose specialized gentle cleansing gels with a neutral or slightly acidic pH, without aggressive surfactants such as sodium lauryl sulfate.

Formulas with soothing and restorative components are ideal. For example, Cerafavit soothing shower gel provides gentle cleansing of the skin without disturbing its natural balance, without causing a feeling of tightness and irritation, which is especially important for sensitive and dry skin.

Immediately after water procedures, while the skin is still slightly damp, comes the critical moment for applying moisturizing and restorative products. During this period, the epidermis is most receptive to active ingredients. Products with a rich, full-bodied texture are essential, containing combinations of lipids (ceramides, phospholipids), natural oils (shea, jojoba, coconut), and prebiotics that support a healthy skin microbiome—the most important factor in its protective function. Cerafavit cream with ceramides works specifically to restore the damaged lipid barrier of the epidermis, effectively preventing transepidermal water loss and creating conditions for natural regeneration.

For additional protection and intensive nutrition at night or during periods of exacerbation of dryness, Cerafavit lipid-restoring balm is indispensable, providing deep saturation of the skin with essential fatty acids and creating a reliable shield from negative external influences.

Special attention is paid to the care of the skin of the feet, where roughness, calluses and cracks often occur. Here, products with keratolytic properties are needed, capable of dissolving dense horny layers. Urea (carbamide) is one of the most effective ingredients for solving these problems, possessing not only an exfoliating effect but also a powerful moisturizing effect, as it is the skin's natural moisturizing factor (NMF).

Uramax cream with 10% ureais ideal for daily softening and intensive moisturizing of feet, preventing the formation of cracks and calluses. In cases of severe dryness, hyperkeratosis, and the presence of significant keratinized areas, it is recommended to use the intensive Uramax formula with a high concentration of urea - 25%. This cream effectively removes dead skin cells, softens even the roughest areas, restoring elasticity and softness to the skin of the feet. To enhance the effectiveness of moisturizers and improve the penetration of active ingredients, it is recommended to gently exfoliate your feet once a week with a rolling cream or a fine scrub, avoiding aggressive mechanical action on dry and damaged skin. In addition to external care, supporting the body from within is of great importance. A balanced diet rich in vitamins A (found in liver, carrots, and pumpkin), E (vegetable oils, nuts, and avocados), B vitamins (whole grains, legumes, and eggs), and essential omega-3 fatty acids (fatty fish, flaxseed oil, and walnuts) directly impacts the condition of the skin.

It's also important to choose breathable shoes made from natural materials and socks without synthetic additives to minimize the greenhouse effect and friction. During the cold season, it's essential to protect your feet from hypothermia and chapping with warm clothing, as low temperatures and wind significantly increase dehydration and provoke peeling.

A regular, comprehensive approach that combines proper home care with effective dermatocosmetic products like Cerafavit and Uramax, and attention to overall health, helps restore comfort, smoothness, and a healthy appearance to your feet.