Our feet are under constant pressure. Whether we are walking, running or merely standing still for long periods of time they carry our weight. The epidermis (the outermost layer of skin) on the soles of our feet has developed to be naturally thicker and harder. The skin on our feet also doesn’t have sebaceous glands so it is particularly susceptible to dryness.
Feet are then often subjected to the pressures and friction that come from hard surfaces or inappropriate footwear. These stresses can cause our feet, especially the heel pads, to dry out further. Skin thickens and expands and eventually fissures develop. Cracked heels are a common complaint and, beyond basic skin health, can be both unsightly and uncomfortable.