We understand that you cannot wait to finally flaunt your pretty feet in cute little flip-flops. However, before you go about buying a foot cream for yourself, it is important that you know everything about them and how exactly to go about buying the right one for your feet.
Foot Cream Benefits
Who said that foot creams will only help moisturize your feet? While protecting your feet from dryness and calluses is the primary aim of foot cream, the best ones serve other benefits too! So, let's look at two of these benefits which make foot creams a must-have.
Pain Relief
Foot creams with anti-inflammatory properties can do wonders on aching feet. Basically, the blend of anti-inflammatory ingredients helps manage the swelling that arises from long hours of standing or prolonged walking. We must say, however, that you should go through the label carefully and ensure that the cream is meant to treat the type of foot pain that ails you.
Anti-Fungal
With anti-fungal ingredients like clotrimazole and miconazole, some foot creams can even help fight fungus on your feet. It is important to note that if you are specifically buying one to treat an ailment like athlete's foot, you should consult your physician before pulling the trigger on the purchase.
Foot Cream Buying Tips
Let's now equip you with some expert tips that will help you make a more informed decision when in the market for a new foot cream.
Fragrance
When we say that you should buy a fragrant foot cream, we do not mean one that helps your feet counter bad odor. While ones that boast antibacterial ingredients are sure to do that, foot creams with ingredients like lavender, cocoa butter, and menthol will give the cream a pleasant fragrance. Happy feet all around! We must say, however, that these added fragrances can irritate some sensitive soles and may cause allergic reactions. Moral of the story? Read the label thoroughly.
Fast Absorption
No one wants a greasy foot, right? So, you should look out for creams with a nongreasy formula. Moreover, it is also important that the cream you decide to go for is fast-acting— the moisturizer will penetrate your feet almost instantly. This will protect your socks from stains and prevent slips.
Things to Consider When Buying Foot Cream
If you're wondering how to choose a foot cream, we recommend considering two factors.
Ingredients
The foot cream's composition is perhaps the most important factor that makes or breaks it. Dermatologists usually promote ingredients like shea butter, petrolatum, glycerin, jojoba, and vitamin E due to their hydrating properties.
What we would like to establish is that you should not be looking at one particular ingredient but rather a blend of components that soothe and smooth your feet. Urea, ceramides, dimethicone, and peppermint oil are all great at doing what they do best— moisturizing and exfoliating your feet.
Moreover, it is imperative that you stay away from toxic chemicals or ones that you are allergic to. Read the label carefully.
Quantity
Another important factor that you should consider is the quantity that you need. The rule of thumb is to opt for small tubes when you're experimenting with foot cream for the first time. These are obviously cheaper and give you a chance to try the cream without committing to a large tub. Once the cream is finished, you can go for the larger size options. On the other hand, if you feel like you need to use foot cream frequently, a larger quantity may give you better value for your dollar.
Foot Cream Price Range
Let's talk about dollar signs now, shall we? Foot creams come at so many price points that it can be rather daunting. Well, it is time to level the playing field. First of all, we'll do some math— but not the complicated kind, so do not run away just yet.
We'll be dividing the price of the cream by the ounces that its package contains. The figure that we get is the price per ounce of a particular foot cream. Now, most foot creams can cost anywhere from $1 to $5 per ounce with the most premium brands pricing their creams even higher.
As the price per ounce rises, you can expect the cream to boast superior quality ingredients with extra features like anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties. Let's also not forget that premium foot creams will give you more with… well, less. So, with just a small little blob of cream, you can expect your entire foot to be moisturized. Trust us when we say that the investment will seem worthwhile when you do not need to squeeze out handfuls of cream with residue dripping everywhere. Eww.
However, a high price does not always mean a superior product. Some foot creams in our list have lower price tags but do the job just fine. So, what you should be looking at is the cream's price to performance ratio. Math again, but well, short division only.
Best Foot Cream FAQ
Q. How often should you use foot cream?
A. According to podiatrists, you should regularly use a foot cream. If you ask us, the two best times to apply it are after bathing and just before you go to sleep. We recommend slipping on a pair of socks afterward as this will help your feet hold the moisture.
Q. Do foot creams really work?
A. Yes, foot creams can do wonders for the odor and overall health of your feet. Some can even help reduce swelling and discomfort in addition to simply moisturizing the skin.
Q. What should I look for before buying new foot cream?
A. Before you pull the trigger on the purchase of a new foot cream, we recommend that you consider two factors: the quantity that you'll need and the ingredients that it boasts. These ingredients will not only determine how well the cream hydrates your feet but also how fragrant and fast absorbing it is.