Dry feet in winter: why the cold makes everything worse

Every winter, it's the same story: heels that were doing just fine become dry, rough, and sometimes painful again. The cold has a lot to do with it.

Dry air dries out skin much more than you might think

Indoor heating and cold outdoor air have one thing in common: they both contain much less moisture than summer air. The skin loses its water faster than it can replace it, and the heels, which are already low in sebaceous glands, are among the first to be affected.

Socks and closed shoes don't always help

You might think that covering your feet protects them from the cold, which is true, but certain synthetic materials also promote dryness by preventing the skin from breathing normally. Repeated friction in a closed shoe can also increase skin thickening.

Adapt your routine rather than stopping it

Winter is precisely when you shouldn't slack off on daily hydration, even if it means choosing a richer cream than the one you used in summer (see our guide on how to choose the right cream). Gentle and regular exfoliation remains useful all year round: the more general causes of dry heels are detailed in this article.

Good news: a simple routine with an electric callus remover and a suitable cream is enough to get through the winter without cracks, even when you don't have time for a long ritual.