Ingredients for Dry, Cracked Feet

Ingredients for Dry and Cracked Feet

For the issue of dry and cracked feet, especially from exposure to water and cement, and in cold weather, the ingredients recommended by the staff are excellent choices for moisturizing and exfoliating, which are suitable for these symptoms.

Key recommended ingredients include:

• Urea: A highly effective humectant that helps hydrate the skin. At concentrations above 5%, it has keratolytic properties, helping to exfoliate dead skin cells and soften hardened skin. It is available in powder form (Urea High Purity, Cosmetics, Powder) and liquid form (HYDRO-UREA® Liquid) which is lighter, non-sticky, and lacks the typical ammonia smell.
• Sodium Lactate: Part of the skin's natural Natural Moisturizing Factor (NMF), it helps attract and retain moisture, reducing transepidermal water loss. It is suitable for dry and cracked skin. Options include Sodium Lactate 60% Liquid and Sodium Lactate Plus, with Sodium Lactate Plus offering longer-lasting hydration and being less irritating.
• MOIST72™: Provides high, continuous, and long-lasting hydration for at least 72 hours. It is particularly effective for very dry, flaky skin, such as cracked heels, and can be used at a 5% concentration for severely dry and cracked skin.
• WaterLock™ (Polyquaternium-51): Forms a thin film on the skin, helping to prevent water loss and keeping the skin moisturized for longer. It can also help reduce irritation from surfactants.

Usage Guidelines and Example Formulations

As suggested by the staff, these ingredients can be used in various combinations:

1. Urea cream alone: Use Urea at around 10% concentration for moisturizing and exfoliating benefits.
2. Urea + Sodium Lactate cream: Combine 5% Urea with 5% Sodium Lactate to enhance moisturizing and exfoliation.
3. MOIST72™ alone: Use MOIST72™ at a 5% concentration for intense, long-lasting hydration, ideal for very dry and cracked skin.
4. MOIST72™ + WaterLock™: Combine MOIST72™ with 2% WaterLock™ to provide deep hydration and create a protective barrier against water loss simultaneously.

Using Urea and Sodium Lactate provides both moisture and helps shed dead skin cells, while MOIST72™ excels at retaining moisture within the skin. The choice depends on your specific needs and skin condition. Using these in a cream base is recommended for ease of application and a good occlusive feel.