The heel is the portion of the human body that lies at the bottom rear part of each foot. Have you been feeling uncomfortable with your heel regions? One skincare product you need in caring for the heel is a heel lotion.
The heel, as insignificant as you might think it is, plays an important role in your body. Its exterior shape is formed by the calcaneus, also known as the heel bone. The compressible forces applied to the foot is distributed to the heel.
Along with surrounding tissues and another small bone called the talus, your heel bone works to provide balance. Heel pain is a common complaint, and there are many potential causes. As we age, our heel gets drier, so to help keep it healthy and attractive, use a heel lotion.
Our heels are exposed to daily stress but are often neglected. The pain on the heel can be throbbing, stabbing, debilitating, annoying. Heel pain can be disabling and affect your daily movements.
That is not all; it may also change the way that you walk. If this happens, you may be more likely to lose your balance and fall, making you more prone to other injuries. To prevent that from happening, use a heel lotion.
Most of the time, care of the heel only begins when problems occur which could have been avoided with a heel lotion. A quality heel lotion can work wonders on the scaly, dehydrated heel that feels rough and looks unattractive. No matter your age or lifestyle, heel lotion can do wonders to help you relax and give your heel a glow.
So whether you are treating a heel condition or just getting your glow on, be sure to buy a heel lotion today. You won’t regret it.
Table of Contents
Causes of Heel Problems
Check out the causes of the heel problem below, so that you can prevent them from reoccurring even while using a heel lotion. Take note: these are the most common causes and not the only causes of any heel problem.
a. Being on your feet for extended periods of time
b. Lack of vitamins and minerals
c. Deficiency of omega-3 fatty acids and/or zinc
d. Always wearing open-back shoe
e. Wearing unsuitable footwear
f. Being overweight
g. Having diabetes
h. Dry/warm climates
i. Achilles tendon rupture
j. Plantar fascia tear
k. Systemic arthritis (lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis)
l. Bone bruise
m. Poor posture when walking or running
n. Bone cyst
o. Neuroma or Morton’s neuroma
p. Osteomyelitis
Benefits of Heel Lotion
Applying heel lotion is one of the few inexpensive ways that you can pamper yourself for a good skin routine. Heel lotion provides many benefits to people who make time to use it on a regular basis.
Re-hydrate dry heels
People who work in harsh climates should apply heel lotion on a regular basis. No matter which type of climate you live in, your skin can become dry and irritated, sometimes even from indoor heat. Quality heel lotion can help to seal moisture deep in the heel to keep it hydrated and supple.
Replenish extra dry or rough spots on the heel
With regular use, a heel lotion can ease rough heels and make it smooth and silky. The gentle exfoliating action of heel lotion helps to leave the heel smooth and soft, giving it a youthful glow. Brightening qualities are sometimes embedded in a heel lotion.
Some heel lotions can brighten the skin to remove dull, dead flakes and rejuvenate underlying tissues.
Help you relax
The feel of gentle softness on your heel as you massage with a heel lotion can remove stress.
Types of Heel Lotion
You need information on the various type of foot balm available so you can make a proper selection when buying.
Anti-fungal Heel Lotion
An anti-fungal heel lotion is specifically created to treat the problem of fungal infections in the heel. They are made from ingredients that can treat fungal infections. These ingredients can also stop the spread of fungal infection on the heel.
They contain chemicals ingredients and natural ingredients such as tea tree, lavender, eucalyptus. To use anti-fungal heel lotion, all you need to do is apply it on the areas affected by a fungal infection.
Cracked Heel Lotion
Cracked heels can cause discomfort and pain when walking or being involved in activities. The remedy to cracked heel is to use a cracked heel lotion.
Anti-blister Heel Lotion
A blister is an area of raised skin with a watery liquid inside. Blisters usually form on the heels from rubbing and pressure. You can also develop blisters on the heels from wearing uncomfortable shoes even for just few hours.
If you want to avoid and treat blisters on the feet, there are anti-blister heel lotions to help you.
Factors to Consider When Selecting Heel Lotion
There are so many heel lotion products on the market these days that it can be overwhelming to choose one. What should you look for to get the ideal heel lotion suitable for you?
Ingredients
Check the ingredients to make sure you are not allergic to any of them in the heel lotion. Look for the names of chemicals that you know to have irritated your skin in the past. Also consider whether the heel lotion has preservatives, as it can cause irritation, which can cause your skin to break out.
All heel lotions should have hypoallergenic properties, having no artificial chemicals and should soothe when applied. It is suggested that you use heel lotion that contains a high percentage of synthetic urea or glycerin. These ingredients are very effective in helping resolve dry heel problems as they add moisture to a dry area.
That is not all; check that a heel lotion contains occlusives. Occlusives work by providing a layer of oil on the surface of the heel to slow water loss. Occlusives increase the moisture content of the heel.
Another active ingredient to check for is humectants. Humectants work by increasing the water holding capacity of the heel.
If you suffer from pain in your heel, look for a heel lotion with pain-relieving ingredients such as essential oils.
Price
Most of the reasonably priced heel lotion contains effective ingredients that give great results. More expensive heel lotions are likely to contain hypoallergenic and natural ingredients and essential oils. These help to prevent infection, relieve inflammation and soothe painful heels.
Skin type
For extremely dry skin, select a heel lotion infused with Vitamin E, antioxidants and argan oil. Those with oily skin should choose a heel lotion that is oil-free and light in texture. People with easily irritable sensitive skin should be careful when you selecting heel lotion.
Warning: do not choose a heel lotion that contains perfume or scent. That is not all: avoid oils such as peppermint and lemongrass.
Heel Problem
Before selecting heel lotion, you should know the specific heel problem you are trying to address. The most common heel problems are dry feet and feet pain.
People with dry heels should choose a heel lotion with a high moisturizing formula that absorbs quickly and deeply into the heels. If you have extra dry skin on the sole of your heel in addition to cracked heels, choose an exfoliating heel lotion. The reason is that exfoliating heel lotion moisturizes and removes dead skin from your feet.
If you suffer from pain in your heel, look for a heel lotion with pain-relieving ingredients.
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Tips to make the most experience when shopping for heel lotion
Look for active ingredients
Check that your choice of heel lotion contains the following ingredients:
Tea Tree Oil for antiseptic properties
Argan oil for extra healing
Vitamin E oil for extra skin nourishment
Lavender oil for anti-fungal and soothing properties
Be sure to massage a heel lotion into the skin deeply to help stimulate blood circulation, and promotes healthy skin.
Buy from reputable brands
There are many great brands at affordable prices. Don’t be deceived by how expensive a heel lotion is. Expensive does not mean the heel lotion is better and would be effective. Take note: do not be deceived by the glittery, colorful, and scented heel lotions.
Some fancy heel lotions are made with synthetic ingredients and of poor quality. Do you want such products on your skin?
Try a sample
It is advisable that you try a heel lotion by testing with a sample. Buy in small amounts to see if it would be effective for you. You shouldn’t spend a lot of money on a product you never know if it would be effective or not.
Check for moisturizing agents
Moisturizing is key to keeping your heel soft and supple, and also helps combat cracked heels.
Read Reviews
Reading reviews reassures you that you would make a good buying decision. Do take your time to read reviews on your choice of heel lotion. You can get reviews from online stores, magazines, blogs before buying your preferred choice of heel lotion.
Know the Return Policy
This requires you to go through the store and website to know about their policies on their products. It is better to buy a heel lotion from a shop that has a return policy. This gives you a guarantee for your money.
How to Get the Best from Using Heel Lotion
Buying and using a heel lotion would not work wonders on your feet if you don’t incorporate the following measures:
Apply moisturizers
Wash your feet and that includes your heels to keep them clean. The skin your heels do not have any oil glands. So to keep them soft, apply moisturizer. Apply moisturizers as soon as you get out of the shower when your heels are still a little bit damp.
If you have difficulty reaching your heel, put some moisturizer in a suitable container. Move your heel around the container being careful to rub the moisturizing cream into the heel.
Wear shoes that fit
Shoe fit should come first when buying shoes. Keep an eye on your feet for any pain, irritation, and anything else when selecting shoes. Be mindful of what you put on your feet.
You should have enough depth so that your toes don’t rub the tops. Stand up with the shoes on and make sure you are comfortable.
Walk around in the shoes and make sure you don’t experience any rubbing or slipping. Warning: reduce the duration you wear high heel shoes. This might not seem appealing to you because of how the use of high heel shoes make you feel.
High heels, which tip us forward, change the natural position of the foot in relation to the ankle. They could lead to chronic heel, knee, hip, or back pain. If you cannot avoid high heel shoes, wear one with a broad heel to increase surface area contact between the shoe and the ground.
Exfoliate
Thick callus skin on the heel can crack leading to pain and infections. Using pumice stone can eliminate scaly skin, keeping your heel soft longer. If you prefer scrubs, go for a salt scrub with added oils to help hydrate.
Avoid using razor blades and callus scrapers. Here is why: they can break the skin of the heels and cause infection. Take note: be gentle when exfoliating. When you are buying pumice stones, select ones that are good for the skin.
Before using any pumice stone, put it inside water or under a running warm tap. Using a circular motion, gently rub dead skin away from the ends of heels. Repeat the process severely until you get rid of your dead skin.
Massage your heels
Regular heel massages are one of the easiest ways to keep your heel healthy and free from all kinds of heel problems. Massaging your heels improves blood circulation to your feet, promoting sound sleep. That is not all; massaging relieves pain, inflammation, reduces discomfort associated with burning feet sensation.
Spend time out of your busy schedule to massage your heel daily. Use your thumbs to press into the soles of your heel in a circular kneading pattern while applying foot lotion.
Apply sunscreen
Who says sunscreen cannot be used on the heels? Apply sunscreen to protect your heels from the sun’s harmful rays.
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