What is dry skin on the feet and what natural remedies are available?

Dry feet are a common problem affecting many people. Indeed, this part of our body is put under a great deal of strain every day. On average, we take 7,000 steps a day. Faced with repeated pressure and strain on our feet, the skin thickens and hardens. This is a natural protective mechanism known as hyperkeratosis. 

It’s also important to note that the feet contain very few sebaceous glands. These glands produce sebum, an oily substance that forms part of the hydrolipidic film and ensures the skin’s protection and hydration. Our feet, on the other hand, are densely populated with sweat glands, which are responsible for secreting sweat. And contrary to popular belief, water does not moisturise the skin! In fact, it tends to dry it out by stripping away the lipid film. This is particularly true of very hot water, salt water and chlorinated water.

Consequently, repeated pressure and friction on the feet, combined with a lack of hydration, contribute to dry skin. The areas most affected are the heel, the sides of the foot and the arch beneath the toes. It is on these areas that calluses develop. The skin becomes very dry, rough and yellow. The condition is initially superficial, and cracks may begin to appear in the epidermis. If left untreated, the cracks can deepen and reach the lower layers of the epidermis, resulting in very painful fissures. If your skin is affected by this type of problem, you’ll certainly find our article on naturally soothing cracks on the hands and feet of interest.

The skin on your feet is naturally drier than on the rest of your body. This dryness varies from person to person and can be exacerbated by certain factors. The most common are:

Excessive sweating of the feet: Heavy sweating contributes to drier skin. If you think this applies to you, discover our natural solutions to combat excessive sweating. 

Using the wrong soap: Using soap that is too harsh can contribute to dry feet. Indeed, depending on its composition, certain substances can destroy the skin’s natural hydrolipidic film. Washing with very hot water and spending too long in the shower also exacerbate skin dryness.

Wearing unsuitable footwear: Certain types of footwear can lead to the development of calluses or corns. This is particularly the case with shoes that are too tight and high-heeled shoes, which cause excessive pressure and friction on the skin. This is even more so when standing for long periods. Flip-flops and thongs are also a cause of dry feet. As there are no straps to hold the feet in place, the heels strike the ground with every step. The repeated impact irritates the skin and contributes to the formation of calluses.

The climate: The skin is often drier in winter due to the cold, dry weather. The intense heat of summer, on the other hand, contributes to the dehydration of the skin’s outer layers.

Age: As we get older, the sebaceous glands produce less and less sebum. The skin also becomes thinner, making it more sensitive to friction. Older people are therefore particularly affected by the problem of dry feet.

Certain sporting activities: Athletes who engage in prolonged walking and running place a great deal of strain on their feet. They are therefore more likely to have thicker, drier skin.

Foot deformities: Feet affected by deformities, such as flat feet or bunions, are more exposed to friction from footwear. The way the foot is supported is also disrupted, creating additional pressure that promotes the development of calluses.

Diabetes: When diabetes is uncontrolled, it can lead to problems with dry skin. This is because, when blood sugar levels are high, the body requires more water, leading to skin dehydration.

Faced with the many stresses our feet endure on a daily basis, our skin tries to protect itself by producing more keratin. Initially, only the top layer of skin is affected, leading to the formation of calluses and hard skin. You may then notice:

• Much less supple, harder skin on: the heel, the sides of the foot, the arch beneath the toes, the outer side of the big toe and the pads of the toes

• Cracking and splitting, particularly on the heel

• Skin that looks and feels rough

• Flaking

• A tight or even itchy sensation

• Skin that turns yellowish.

In the long term: What other symptoms might there be?

• Cracks: These are a complication of calluses. The skin cracks deeply, causing sharp pain.

• Hard corns: These are small areas of skin that become very hard, usually on the outer side of the little toe or on the tops of the toes. Once they’ve taken hold, they can be very painful.

• Soft corns: Also known as ‘partridge’s eyes’, these form between the toes as a result of repeated rubbing. They are white, round and have a black dot in the centre of the lesion. They are also painful and can become infected if maceration occurs due to perspiration.

Spotlight on the Foot Cream – Avocado & Succinic Acid

Highly restorative, this certified organic cream nourishes and protects the feet thanks to its natural formula enriched with hyaluronic acid and avocado oil; it softens calluses whilst soothing dry and damaged feet, offering immediate regeneration and long-lasting comfort with its enveloping balm-like texture that strengthens the skin’s barrier.

"Quick repair: Certified organic, this highly restorative balm nourishes, protects and soothes dry or damaged feet. Its natural formula, enriched with hyaluronic acid and avocado oil, also helps to soften calluses."

Published by Running Attitude on 1 July 2026.

Here’s a routine to look after your feet naturally and restore your skin to its softest best.

1. Use a mild soap: Choosing the right soap is very important for combating dry skin. Opt for a mild soap that doesn’t strip the skin’s natural barrier. The ‘Douceur d’Amande’ handmade soap naturally cares for sensitive skin. It contains shea butter, wheat germ oil and sweet almond oil, all of which have nourishing and soothing properties. It gently cleanses the skin whilst leaving it more supple and softer.

2. Exfoliate your feet: Exfoliating your feet helps remove dead skin and promotes cell renewal. Epsom salt is the perfect ingredient for this. The size of its grains allows for effective yet gentle exfoliation. Rich in magnesium, it also helps to replenish minerals and promotes muscle relaxation and relief. To enjoy its benefits, we recommend exfoliating your feet once or twice a week. Pay particular attention to the thickest areas of skin, especially the heels.

3. Have foot soaks: Warm water helps to soften calluses on your feet. You can add a tablespoon of bicarbonate of soda or Epsom salt to your basin for even better results. Soak your feet for 5 to 10 minutes at most to avoid drying out your skin further. Don’t forget to finish by applying a moisturiser.

4. Nourish your skin every day: Apply a nourishing cream to your feet, from your toes to your heels, every evening before going to bed.

5. Essential for a professional pedicure, this beechwood foot file, sourced from sustainably managed forests, provides gentle yet effective exfoliation of rough patches. The file has an optimal rough texture on all sides, making it easy to pamper your feet, from heels to toes. Ideal for use with the Intense Nourishing Foot Cream for beautifully soft feet.

Daily moisturising is the best way to achieve beautiful, soft skin. However, certain practices and habits can help you protect your skin and naturally prevent calluses.

1. Wear cotton socks: Natural fibres, such as cotton or bamboo, help regulate excess moisture. Seamless socks are also available to minimise unpleasant rubbing, which can cause irritation.

2. Wear shoes that fit the shape of your feet: Choose comfortable shoes that you feel at ease in. This will ensure your feet aren’t subjected to excessive rubbing or overheating.

3. Drink enough fluids: Proper hydration starts from the inside too! Remember to drink between 1.5 and 2 litres of water throughout the day.

4. Eat a healthy diet: Diet also plays a vital role in maintaining the skin’s lipid barrier from the inside. To do this, vary your diet by including: linseed oil, rapeseed oil and walnut oil, almonds, hazelnuts, avocados and small fish. Not forgetting fruit and vegetables to top up your intake of vitamins and antioxidants.

5. Limit your intake of green tea: The tannins in green tea have an astringent effect which can make dry skin worse.

6. Limit the time you spend in the shower: Excessively long showers make dry feet worse. Also avoid washing with water that is too hot

These recipes allow you to create bespoke treatments, specially designed to tackle dry feet and combat calluses.

If you’d like to try homemade foot care treatments, please make sure that all the ingredients are suitable for your circumstances. For example, if you’re pregnant, avoid products containing essential oils.

We also advise you to always carry out a patch test on the inside of your elbow before using a new product. This simple step allows you to check that you do not have an allergic reaction.

If the condition of your feet does not improve despite following a suitable care routine, or if any lesions on your feet are too painful, we advise you to consult a healthcare professional. Your GP may refer you to a podiatrist, who will be able to offer you specific treatments.

Amandine is a writer specialising in natural health. Passionate about alternative medicine, she is training to become a naturopath. Through her articles, she aims to make her knowledge accessible to a wide audience, helping readers bring greater wellbeing and balance to their everyday lives.