Friday, October 4, 2024

Foot Creams: Honest Reviews for Dry Skin & Cracked Heels

How are your feet doing? Mine have already become rough, tough, and full of character, with lines and wrinkles forming a natural pattern. Honestly, I don't mind the wrinkling - people rarely notice my feet. Well, maybe they do when I’m conducting yoga sessions, but even then, I embrace the lines and wrinkles. What I do struggle with, though, is the rough, dry skin. At times, I can feel the skin flaking under my fingers. Being an urban gardener and taking care of household chores that involve frequent contact with water makes this almost inevitable.

The real concern for me is if the dry, flaky skin will start peeling and expose raw skin underneath  -  thankfully, that hasn’t happened yet. For some, dry feet can lead to cracked heels, which can be quite painful. Once the cracks deepen, they can bleed, making every step excruciating. Luckily, this hasn’t been my issue, but I’m always mindful of it.

Over the years, I’ve tried countless foot creams and heel balms  - some branded as 'extra strength' or 'intensive.' Now, I’ve gathered my thoughts on the various types I've used, and I’d like to share them with you in hopes that it may help others dealing with similar issues.


DUIT Foot & Heel Balm Plus 50g (RM30.80)
Product Description
DUIT Foot & Heel Balm Plus is marketed as an intensive balm designed to tackle stubborn cases of dry, rough, and cracked feet. With 25% UREA, it claims to rehydrate, soften, and protect the skin. The product is dermatologically tested, non-greasy, free from parabens, petroleum, lanolin, and artificial fragrances, making it suitable for sensitive skin, including those with diabetes. It promises visible results within five days. The balm is proudly Australian-made.

My Experience
Unfortunately, this product was a bit of a disappointment for me. The first issue was its texture -  contrary to the "non-greasy" claim, I found the balm extremely oily. After applying it, I had to wear house slippers and stay put for at least an hour, as walking around, especially on damp surfaces like bathroom floors, was a slipping hazard. I expected better from an intensive treatment product, especially given its high price.

Despite its promising ingredients and claims of fast results, I couldn’t get past the oily feel. I did finish the product, but it certainly didn’t deliver the quick results I had hoped for. The balm felt more like an inconvenience due to the long waiting time and the risk of slipping on wet floors.

It was also my first foray into pricier foot balms. Looking back, I probably paid more due to the added costs of tax, import duty, and distribution markups. While I appreciated giving DUIT Foot & Heel Balm a try, I won’t be purchasing it again. But as the saying goes, you never know until you try.


Ellgy Plus Cracked Heel Cream 50g (RM26.00)
Product Description
Ellgy Plus Cracked Heel Cream is formulated to work on both the surface and deeper layers of the skin. With Saccharide Isomerate, it promotes long-lasting moisturization, while Portulaca Extract, a natural source of Omega-3 fatty acids, strengthens the skin’s lipid barrier, sealing in moisture for longer. This product is cruelty-free and free from color and fragrance, making it a gentle option. Originating from Malaysia (if I’m correct), it is designed to heal dry and cracked skin effectively.


My Experience
Much like other foot creams I’ve tried, Ellgy Plus Cracked Heel Cream left me dealing with a similar issue - its oily texture. After applying, I found myself walking gingerly around the house to avoid leaving oily prints wherever I stepped. I received advice to apply it at night, wear socks, and sleep with it on. But in Malaysia, where the weather is often hot and humid, wearing socks to bed is not exactly practical. Also, navigating a damp bathroom at night can be tricky since our bathrooms here aren’t designed to stay dry after bathing.


Although the cream does provide excellent moisturization, the thick consistency makes it harder to rub in fully. It doesn’t absorb as quickly as I’d like, and I had to be careful not to slip, especially when heading to the bathroom. Given these drawbacks, I decided not to repurchase. While it does work well in terms of hydration, the hassle outweighed the benefits for me.

DR.CHECK Cracked Heel Cream (Non-Greasy) 50ml (RM20.65)
Product Description
DR.CHECK Cracked Heel Cream is formulated to combat dry, cracked feet and heels. It contains Urea and essential oils that deeply penetrate the skin, locking in moisture and softening rough areas. The cream is designed to be applied 2-3 times daily to keep heels smooth and prevent skin from becoming chapped. Originating from Taiwan, the product is marketed as non-greasy.


My Experience
I had high hopes for DR.CHECK Cracked Heel Cream, and I must say, I was quite fond of it initially. The cream absorbed well into my skin, and I did notice visible improvements in the texture of my heels. However, the recommendation to apply it 2-3 times a day wasn’t practical for me. Like many other foot creams, it also required staying put after application and wearing home slippers to avoid leaving greasy marks on the floor. 

Despite the "non-greasy" claim, I still found that it left a residue, and I could see the marks wherever I walked. After my first try, I decided not to repurchase. The improvements were promising, but the hassle of frequent applications and the lingering oiliness just didn't make it a long-term solution for me.

Other Foot Creams: No Lasting Impression

Apart from the three foot creams or heel balms reviewed, I’ve tried several other products aimed at treating my dry, flaky heels. While some were effective, none left a lasting impact that made me want to repurchase them. The common issue was the oily or greasy texture, which took too long to absorb, requiring me to stay put. Unfortunately, these products can't be tested beforehand, so you only find out if they meet your preferences after use. For someone like me, foot creams are essential. In my next review, I’ll introduce a truly affordable house-brand foot cream that I now swear by. Stay tuned.


Note

This Zen Style beauty products review is not a sponsored or affiliated post. The ownership of the content is by the author, Ms. Krishnan N. (Founder of Nava's Zen).

  

No comments:

Post a Comment

Raub (Tras), Pahang – Discovering Durian

Raub is a town located in western Pahang, Malaysia, situated about 110 kilometers northeast of Kuala Lumpur. Established in the late 19th ce...