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DEXERYL supports you and take care of your dry skin each day
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DEXERYL supports you and take care of your dry skin each day
Discover our advice on treating dry skin on the feet and hands. Care, prevention and tips on how to restore soft, moisturised skin.
Summary
Hands and feet have fewer sebaceous glands than other body parts, such as the face, making them particularly vulnerable. Symptoms of dry skin can include flaky skin (dead cells that break off from the stratum corneum and 'peel'), cracks and sensations of burning, tightness or itching.
Like the face, hands are often exposed and rarely protected, making them particularly vulnerable to environmental stresses such as cold and UV rays. Moreover, they are regularly in contact with water and various irritating products, particularly in certain professions (healthcare, hairdressing, etc.).
Dry feet are often exacerbated by reduced function of the sweat glands in the plantar area, a common problem among older people or those suffering from diabetic neuropathy. In addition, when walking, the soles of the feet are subjected to friction from footsteps, which leads to a thickening of the stratum corneum. This thickening is accompanied by skin dryness, leading to cracks (superficial) and crevices (deep). Older people, athletes and diabetics are at greater risk of foot cracks.
External dehydration causes, such as the repeated use of hot water, alkaline soaps and other harsh cleansers, compromise the skin's natural barrier on the hands and feet. Exposure to dry environments, both indoors and outdoors, also exacerbates skin dryness. In the case of feet, wearing shoes with no instep at the back, such as flip-flops, is an additional factor in dryness.
Internally, various inflammatory dermatological conditions such as atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis and psoriasis can lead to dry skin. Genetic factors such as abnormalities in filaggrin metabolism can also contribute to dryness. Finally, changes in sebum production linked to hormonal factors or medication can exacerbate dry hands and feet.
Finally, use a humidifier, mainly when you use a heating or air-conditioning system.
Choose formulas that incorporate both hydrophilic and lipophilic ingredients.
Hydrophilic agents like glycerol and urea capture and retain moisture within the epidermis. They act as natural moisturisers or humectants, improving skin hydration.
Lipophilic components such as vaseline and oils (argan, almond, etc.) create a protective lipid film that prevents water evaporation while helping to restore the intercellular lipid matrix.
The drier your skin, the more lipid-rich your moisturisers should be.
For daily protection of dry hands, apply a nourishing moisturiser several times daily, especially after each hand wash. Choose repair creams that blend hydrophilic and lipophilic ingredients such as glycerine and urea, petroleum jelly, ceramides, or shea butter. You can also take a moisturising hand cream with you and apply it after each hand wash.
Gloves help prevent skin dehydration by stopping water and irritants from damaging the skin's natural barrier.
Use them before :
For an intensive treatment, apply a thick layer of nourishing skin care product before bed and cover your hands with soft gloves or socks.
If your hands remain dry despite these measures or you notice symptoms such as skin discolouration, bleeding, extreme redness, oozing or swelling, consult a healthcare professional. These signs may indicate an underlying skin condition.
Daily care and protection for dry feet involves using nourishing creams at least twice daily.
In the evening, adopt a skincare routine that includes a five-minute warm footbath to soften the skin, followed by a scrub with an exfoliating glove to remove dead skin cells and encourage cell renewal. Dry thoroughly before nourishing the skin on your feet with a moisturising cream and putting on cotton socks for the night to help maintain skin hydration.
For cracked or chapped heels, regularly use repair creams specially formulated for dry feet. They help relieve pain and prevent the formation of calluses. Apply the cream at least twice daily after thoroughly cleansing and drying your feet.
Choose moisturising ingredients such as glycerol and urea. Note that urea should not be used on open lesions.
To protect painful areas, use a "second skin" type dressing. Avoid wearing shoes without back support, which can aggravate cracks and fissures in the heel.
If the skin is very thick and callused, particularly on the heel and head of the first metatarsal, use a pumice stone or rasp once or twice a week. If your heels are cracked, consult a chiropodist for a professional assessment and targeted treatment.
DEXERYL Emollient Cream is your ally for dry skin on your hands and feet. Thanks to its formula, which contains no allergenic substances such as perfumes or parabens, it provides long-lasting hydration for daily protection of your skin:
Use DEXERYL daily to keep your hands and feet nourished, moisturised and protected.
References
1. Augustin M and al. Diagnosis and treatment of xerosis cutis - a position paper. J Dtsch Dermatol Ges. 2019 Nov;17 Suppl 7:3-33.
2. Baalham P and al. Xerosis of the feet: a comparative study on the effectiveness of two moisturizers. Br J Community Nurs. 2011 Dec;16(12):591-2,594-7.
3. UFSP. Crevasses au pied : définitions et traitements. Union Française pour la Santé des Pieds. 2024 [Internet]. Disponible sur : https://www.sante-du-pied.org/vos-pieds/conseil/crevasses-comment-la-soigner/
4. AAD. Dermatologists’ top tips for relieving dry skin. American Academy of Dermatology Association. 2024 [Internet]. Disponible sur : https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/dry/dermatologists-tips-relieve-dry-skin
5. Brusi C, Patel R. How to Heal and Prevent Dry Hands. Healthline. Apr 2023 [Internet]. Disponible sur : https://www.healthline.com/health/dry-hands
