Latest news with #dryskin
Forbes
21-07-2025
- Health
- Forbes
The Best Lotions For Dry Skin, Vetted By Experts
Any ordinary lotion can serve as a temporary fix for dryness, but we've found that it takes a more sophisticated formula to support healthy skin in the long run. Moisturizing ingredients are a good start, but other factors—like the firming properties found in the best lotions for dry skin—cater to a wide array of other concerns. That's why we chose Soft Services Carea Cream as our top pick overall; it pairs gentle exfoliation with lightweight, quick-absorbing moisture. An expert-approved option for concerns like eczema is Aveeno's Eczema Therapy Nighttime Itch Relief Balm. The best body lotions for dry skin come recommended by dermatologists to help skin glow. ILLUSTRATION: FORBES / PHOTO: RETAILERS Those with dry skin get the most relief from ingredients like ceramides, glycerin and hyaluronic acid, which support the skin barrier and help with hydration. 'Ceramides are naturally found in our skin, and they help to retain moisture,' says dermatologist Dr. Karan Lal. And, despite their nourishing abilities, these ingredients can come in non-greasy formulas, too. We consulted with deputy editor Jane Sung and other skincare experts to round up the best lotions for dry skin that combine soothing comfort with speedy, effective results. Our Top Recommendations Best Lotion Overall For Dry Skin: Soft Services Carea Cream Best Body Cream For Dry Skin: First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream Best Drugstore Lotion For Dry Skin: CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion Best Luxury Lotion For Dry Skin: La Mer The Reparative Body Lotion Best Lotion For Dry, Mature Skin: Osea Anti-Aging Body Balm Best Fragrance-Free Lotion For Dry Skin: Nécessaire The Body Lotion Soft Services Soft Services Carea Cream Key ingredients: Urea, glycerin, squalane, colloidal oatmeal | Size: 11 ounces | Price per fluid ounce: $3.63 Rather than simply hydrate skin, this cream goes the extra mile by gently exfoliating skin as it nourishes; this allows its moisturizing ingredients, such as squalane and colloidal oatmeal, to better penetrate and smooth, soften and firm skin. It sloughs away dead skin cells with the help of urea, which doesn't cause irritation. For these reasons, not only is this cream great for dry skin, but it can be a good option for addressing body acne and keratosis pilaris. First Aid Beauty First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream Key ingredients: Colloidal oatmeal, glycerin, shea butter, allantoin | Sizes: 2 ounces, 6 ounces, 8 ounces | Price per fluid ounce: $6.33 Dermatologist Dr. Ranella Hirsch likes this heavy duty cream because it contains skin-soothing colloidal oatmeal, an emollient rich in fats, proteins, vitamins, minerals and other nutrients that allow it to repair cracks in the skin barrier. Plus, the sensitive skin-friendly pick is free of fragrance, parabens, mineral oil and lanolin (an ingredient derived from sheep's wool that can be an allergen). Despite having a thicker consistency than most of the lotions on this list, reviewers say it still absorbs quickly. MOST POPULAR CeraVe CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion Key ingredients: Glycerin, hyaluronic acid, ceramides | Sizes: 8 ounces, 12 ounces, 16 ounces | Price per fluid ounce: $1.14 CeraVe has a cult-following for good reason. It's an affordable drugstore brand with high-quality ingredients and textures, says Hirsch, who especially likes this oil-free lotion for face and body. Made with hyaluronic acid and ceramides, it's a dependable option for anyone, whether you need a boost of moisture in cold, dry months or are prone to eczema (since it has the National Eczema Association's Seal of Acceptance). The gentle, fragrance-free formula is also a top pick in our roundup of the best moisturizers for sensitive skin. Nordstrom La Mer The Reparative Body Lotion Key ingredients: La Mer miracle broth (anti-irritant), glycerin, algae extract | Size: 5.4 ounces | Price per fluid ounce: $33 Like many of La Mer's products, this fast-absorbing lotion (which deputy editor Jane Sung considers a favorite) includes the brand's miracle broth, which minimizes irritation and visible signs of aging. It has a lightweight feel and absorbs quickly, without any residue or stickiness that might be associated with other body hydrators. La Roche-Posay La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+M Triple Repair Cream Key ingredients: Prebiotic thermal water, shea butter, glycerin, niacinamide | Sizes: 2.5 ounces, 6.7 ounces, 13.5 ounces | Price per fluid ounce: $1.48 Hirsch swears by this cream from French brand La Roche-Posay—as do many reviewers on Amazon, where it has thousands of positive reviews. The formula contains prebiotics to help rebalance the skin's microbiome and is designed to provide 48 hours of hydration to the face and body. The sensitive skin-friendly cream is fragrance-free, and also contains calming niacinamide. Aveeno Aveeno Eczema Therapy Nighttime Itch Relief Balm Key ingredients: Colloidal oatmeal, glycerin, ceramides | Size: 11 ounces | Price per fluid ounce: $2.36 The hands, elbows, torso and backs of knees—where there are fewer oil glands—are more prone to itchiness as well as itch-related skin conditions like eczema. Besides avoiding hot showers, Hirsch recommends applying a steroid-free balm like this one, which has the National Eczema Association's Seal of Approval. Enriched with colloidal oatmeal and ceramides, it can help smooth and soothe scaly, itchy skin. It's billed as a night treatment because of the immediate itch relief, which can help you get a good night's sleep—but the cream can really be used any time you'd like to reap its itch-controlling benefits. Osea Osea Anti-Aging Body Balm Key ingredients: Safflower seed oil, coconut oil, alaria esculenta seaweed, passion fruit seed oil | Sizes: 1 ounce, 5 ounces, 9.2 ounces | Price per fluid ounce: $9.13 This multitasking balm features a blend of safflower seed and coconut oil, both of which lock in moisture for long-lasting hydration. It also contains alaria esculenta seaweed, which is known to help firm skin while improving its elasticity over time. Reviewers love its light, citrus scent, too. Sephora Nécessaire The Body Lotion Key ingredients: Niacinamide, glycerin, jojoba seed oil, peptides | Sizes: 2.4 ounces, 6.8 ounces, 15.2 ounces | Price per fluid ounce: $4.41 This rich lotion—formulated sans fragrance—hydrates and strengthens the skin with a potent blend of niacinamide, glycerin and plant oils. Lifestyle editor Katherine Louie, who has used this product consistently for the past year, appreciates how soft and smooth this leaves her sensitive skin: 'I have seasonal eczema, and this works well year-round when I'm having flare-ups. The formula sinks in quickly and doesn't feel greasy or sticky, which is a pet peeve with other body products I've used in the past.' At Forbes Vetted, we've researched, written and published dozens of skincare stories stories. Our coverage includes roundups of the best body oils, best face moisturizers and more. This article was written by Kari Molvar, a former Forbes Vetted deputy editor with extensive experience reporting on beauty topics. Forbes Vetted deputy editor Jane Sung edited this story. She oversees the beauty, fashion and travel verticals for the site and has written about the best LED face masks and the best laser hair removal devices. We also included key insight from board-certified dermatologists Dr. Karan Lal and Dr. Ranella Hirsch. They each gave their recommendations and insights on what to look for in a lotion for dry skin. We regularly update this story to ensure our recommendations remain relevant. In the July 2025 update, lifestyle editor Katherine Louie refreshed the frequently asked questions and added two new picks: La Mer The Reparative Body Lotion, our favorite luxury lotion for dry skin, and Nécessaire's The Body Lotion, which is an excellent option if you're looking for a fragrance-free formula. We've researched top ingredients and formulas on the market to determine the best lotions for dry skin. We closely assessed the formulations and ingredients to evaluate those that address dry skin specifically. We also considered details like the texture and fragrance, and factored in the possibility of other skin concerns like eczema, keratosis pilaris and body acne, as well as signs of aging. The experts we interviewed shared their input on the formulations they often recommend to their own patients, as well as tips on choosing the best lotions for dry skin. User ratings were also taken into consideration; each body lotion on this list has earned an average score of 4 out of 5 stars or higher. Before you purchase a body lotion for dry skin, keep in mind that you'll want to take the time to choose one that suits your individual skin goals and concerns. Both of our experts recommend keeping the following factors in consideration while you shop. Moisturizing Ingredients When sizing up body lotions, look for key ingredients: humectants like glycerin or hyaluronic acid, which hold in water; emollients like ceramides, which strengthen skin's barrier; and occlusives like petrolatum, which trap in moisture. The balance of these ingredients can determine how hydrating a body lotion is, as well as influence its exact texture, according to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Ranella Hirsch. Skin Type Not all dry skin has the same needs. If you have eczema-prone skin, a formula with ceramides and glycerin will help soothe itchy patches or flares. If you're prone to acne below the neck, on the other hand, opt for a cream that is oil-free. Also, there are many lotions that treat mature skin, which is prone to laxity and sagging—and therefore benefits from lotions that have retinol, a derivative of vitamin A. 'Retinol helps firm skin as the other major moisturizing ingredients help soften skin, so it appears less crepey,' says Dr. Karan Lal. Texture Since textures can vary, ultimately you'll want to decide what you're most comfortable with. If you love a thicker cream, opt for a rich, buttery formula. If you prefer feeling like you don't actually have anything on your skin, seek a lotion with a lightweight and fast-absorbing texture, like La Mer The Reparative Body Lotion. Scent Another feature to consider in a body lotion is the scent. While perfumes are generally not harmful to the skin, they can be drying, says Lal—and potentially cause irritation for those with dry skin. If you prefer an added fragrance and have never had a reaction (like a rash), then you can choose a scent based on your personal preferences. What Is The Most Effective Moisturizer For Dry Skin? After extensive research, we determined that the most effective moisturizer for dry skin is the Soft Services Carea Cream, which gently exfoliates, hydrates and nourishes the skin. Standout ingredients include urea, glycerin, squalane and colloidal oatmeal. However, if you're looking for a more affordable option, you can't go wrong with CeraVe's Daily Moisturizing Lotion. What Type Of Lotion Is Best For Dry Skin? Not all dry skin has the same needs, so consider any skin concerns, such as eczema, keratosis pilaris and body acne, before choosing a formula. Generally speaking, look for lotions that include humectants like glycerin or hyaluronic acid, emollients like ceramides and occlusives like petrolatum, which help trap moisture. What Is The Best Dermatologist-Recommended Moisturizer For Dry Skin? The board-certified dermatologists we consulted recommend several picks that we highlight in this guide. Our experts like First Aid Beauty's Ultra Repair Cream if you're looking for a formula with a thicker consistency; CeraVe's Daily Moisturizing Lotion for an affordable yet effective option; La Roche-Posay's Lipikar AP+M Triple Repair Cream for extra dry, sensitive skin; and Aveeno's Eczema Therapy Nighttime Itch Relief Balm for those with eczema.
Yahoo
21-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
This Gloves-In-A-Bottle Hand Lotion Has Changed Lives, According To Reviewers With Troubled Skin
As someone who has dedicated decades of their life to finding solutions for the chronic eczema and severely dry skin on my hands, it's surprising that I only just learned about Gloves in a Bottle, a unique hand lotion that appears to be the gold standard among nurses and other industry workers who frequently wash their hands. And although I've yet to put this stuff to the test myself, the first-person testimonials I've read attesting to its skin-saving abilities have been incredibly convincing, to say the least. Gloves in a Bottle calls itself a 'shielding lotion,' meaning that it 'bonds with the outermost layer of skin cells,' according to the brand, to create an invisible film that protects skin from losing vital moisture, while also keeping potential irritants and surfactants out for up to 12 hours, even through hand washing. This type of protection grants compromised skin the ability to restore itself and rebuild its natural barrier so deep cracks, flakiness and irritation can be a thing of the past. Trust me when I say that this is an indispensable allowance for people with skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. 'Every finger tip has had multiple, painful cracks that hurt terribly and bleed quite a bit,' one Amazon customer with chronic eczema wrote. 'This stuff works like a dream. I've only been using it [for] about three to four days, and the difference is amazing! I can use my fingers again! My hands are nearly completely healed.' This same reviewer claimed that they had previously (and desperately) tried everything from folk remedies to prescription creams, yet nothing managed to accomplish what Gloves in a Bottle did in just a few short days. Another Amazon reviewer who is a hairdresser said the formula worked so well, they no longer needed to use their prescription eczema ointment. 'This is only my second day using Gloves In A Bottle, and the pain, cracking, flaking and bleeding has STOPPED,' they said in their review. As someone who has tried the gamut of hand creams and lotions, I'm keenly aware that if the texture is too greasy or feels too obvious on the skin, then I'm not going to use it. Luckily, the makers of Gloves in a Bottle considered this and promise to have created a truly invisible-feeling formula that immediately soaks into the skin, won't leave slick trails of product on everything you touch and permits you to go about your regular routine, while still having protected and hydrated skin. 'It honestly feels like there is nothing on you, and you immediately work on your computer or any other device without smearing lotion residue anywhere. It honestly did last throughout several hand washes and only came off in the shower several hours after I used it,' an Amazon shopper wrote in a review. In terms of ingredients, this lotion contains a few hallmark hydrators and skin softeners like glycerin, a dermatologist-adored humectant, and dimethicone, an emollient that's responsible for creating the formula's key shielding power. Some reviewers also acknowledge that the price may seem a little steep when compared to drugstore hand lotions, however, they insist it's worth it since you only need a small amount, and you don't need to constantly reapply throughout the day. As I previously mentioned, the sheer number of enthusiastic and convincing words from users of Gloves in a Bottle was overwhelming, but I managed to compile a few below, just in case you need more persuading to grab a bottle from any of the featured links. Promising Amazon reviews: 'I wasn't really sure what to expect I was just looking for a product to help my incredibly dry scaly and cracked hands. This year has been incredibly challenging and I'm not quite sure why but regular cream and lotion and things I used to do just weren't working. I watched quite a few YouTube dermatologists and many of them recommended this so I figured why not! After one use I am a believer. This product was incredible. For anyone who doesn't like greasy slimy or even a normal lotion on their hands perhaps because of transfer or just texture you will absolutely love this. It honestly feels like there is nothing on you and you immediately work on your computer or any other device without smearing lotion residue anywhere. It honestly did last throughout several hand washes and only came off in the shower several hours after I used it. May I also add that I only used it one time and this was the effect. I will definitely be recommending this product and buying it again.' — Valerie V. Perez 'This truly is the BEST moisturizer I've ever used!! I have been battling with psoriasis on my face, arms, and legs for about 3-4 months now and nothing I used would help and I used many different kinds of creams and moisturizers. But I used this stuff for just 4-5 days and my face cleared completely up and my arms and legs are almost completely cleared up as well!! Thank you so much for this product! It has truly changed my life! It really is like having a moisturizing shield on your skin! I will recommend this to everyone I know! Thank you thank you!!' — Christina White 'This is absolutely, by far, the best lotion for eczema and atopic dermatitis. I have suffered with eczema since birth and for the last 18 months have not been able to clear it up. Every finger tip has had multiple, painful cracks that hurt terribly and bleed quite a bit. I use cotton liner gloves with lotions and steroid creams and came across this product on Amazon looking for those. I thought I'd give it a try, but I really wasn't expecting much. Boy was I wrong! This stuff works like a dream. I've only been using it about 3-4 days and the difference is amazing! I can use my fingers again! My hands are nearly completely healed. I have tried so many prescriptions, non-prescriptions, folk remedies, boric acid, Apple cider vinegar, been desperate. This one product did the trick in just a few short days. I wished I had taken a picture of my fingers before using so you could see the difference, but I hate those catty comments women make about posting pics of hands online without a manicure. I have not been able to get a manicure for the last year and a half because it is too painful. If you have severe painful eczema, you will be so glad you tried Gloves In A Bottle.' — shannon miller 'Saving my skin! I'm a hairstylist, and have dry skin & eczema (not the best combo!). I saw another hairdresser post about this lotion, and decided to give it a try - IT WORKS! My hands are often wet, and I'm washing them many many times throughout the day. Even with moisturizing constantly, my hands were red, flaky, itchy, and often cracked and bleeding. This is only my second day using Gloves In A Bottle, and the pain, cracking, flaking and bleeding has STOPPED! I only apply a small amount once on clean house when I get to work, and once before I leave. It's not greasy, has no odor, and lasts through all of my clients' shampoos and my hand washings. I haven't even needed to use my exzcema ointment!' — Mike Related... The Best Retinol Creams To Turn Back Time On Your Hands Here's My Definitive List Of Products That Actually Make My Eczema Tolerable I Refuse To Go Anywhere Without This $4 Hand Cream That's Transformed My Dry Skin
Daily Mail
18-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Tired of dry, flaky skin? Shoppers say this under $50 moisturizer works wonders in JUST Days
Daily Mail journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission - learn more Dry skin is the absolute worst, and if you're like me, you've probably suffered from peeling skin at some point in your life. Till this day, I still wake up with extremely dry skin between my eyebrows, and very few moisturizers can actually help keep that area hydrated all day long. One such formula comes from EltaMD in the form of their EltaMD AM Restore Moisturizer. This top-rated moisturizer is under $50 and can help protect and replenish your moisture barrier. The EltaMD AM Restore Moisturizer is designed to thicken your facial skin's epidermis and uses a blend of vitamin B3, hyaluronic acid, and caffeine, among other ingredients. It has many benefits apart from hydrating your skin. It also reduces redness, smooths skin texture, and improves skin tone and texture. It also reduces dark spots from UV damage and delivers visibly brighter skin, according to the brand. It's oil- and fragrance-free too, making this a great option for sensitive skin. All you need to do is apply pearl-sized dots to your skin after using your favorite serum. Then, massage it into your face gently using circular motions. From there, add a sunscreen to seal in the moisturizer, and you're good to go! EltaMD's products also come dermatologist-tested and recommended, so you know you're buying a quality product that's actually good for you. And while this is a daily morning moisturizer, you can also buy the PM version of the same if you need an extra boost of hydration as the day ends. EltaMD shoppers seem to love this product too, giving it a 4.6-star rating. 'Love this. I have sensitive, acne-prone skin and use this periodically if I am feeling dry. It does not cause breakouts and moisturizes well,' says one shopper. 'Lightweight and oil-free, perfect for daily use. Hydrates deeply without clogging pores – great for acne-prone or combo skin. Smooths and brightens the skin over time,' adds another reviewer. 'My daughter is an NP who specializes in skin care. She recommended this moisturizer and I just love it,' says a third. 'I love how this moisturizer has helped me recover my confidence, my skin is looking so good again,' says a fourth. Clearly, the EltaMD AM Restore Moisturizer has earned rave reviews from many and is a great product to replenish hydration over time. If you're struggling with dry, flaky skin, this is your one-stop solution, and under $50, it's a steal.
News24
11-07-2025
- Health
- News24
Tackle acne this winter with these expert-approved skincare hacks
Dry winter air can cause overproduction of oil in the skin, leading to breakouts. Common skincare mistakes is over-cleansing and not moisturising enough. Attend to winter acne by knowing your skin type. __________________________________________________________________ For many, acne doesn't stick to any particular season. Winter's cold and chilly air can have a major effect on skin. Whether you have oily, normal, dry or combination skin, breakouts can cause discomfort and can leave you feeling sensitive and insecure. Eucerin dermatologist Dr Mamello Ntsele gives some insight into what causes acne breakouts in winter and how to control it. How are we more prone to acne flare-ups in winter? Acne can behave quite differently in winter because the skin is more prone to drying out. When the skin loses moisture, this can prompt the body to create more oil or sebum to compensate, which can cause clogged pores and, thus, breakouts. @truelovemagazine Pamela Mtanga shares her top winter skincare tip when it comes to dry feet. #pamelamtanga #winterskincaretips ♬ original sound - TRUELOVE But it's not just the dry winter air that causes breakouts, physical health plays a role too. Dr Mamello says, 'Dietary shifts in winter, when people tend to eat more comfort foods, can also contribute to breakouts as high-glycaemic foods are linked to more severe acne.' Common winter skincare mistakes Summer skincare routines won't cut it during the harsher, colder months. According to Dr Mamello, common skincare mistakes include over-cleansing, which strips the skin of its natural oils, using gel or foaming cleansers during dry seasons and not moisturising enough. In winter, it's especially important to switch to richer creams with barrier-protecting and hydrating ingredients like ceramides, glycerine and hyaluronic acid. Another frequent oversight is skipping sunscreen, driven by the false belief that UV protection isn't necessary in colder months. Know your skin type Oily skin can break out more during the winter months because of dryer air. Combination skin types may also struggle, especially in the T-zone area - which is the forehead, nose and chin. @truelovemagazine #NomzamoMbatha is the ambassador for Neutragena. She shares 2 common skincare mistakes that people make. #skintok #beautytok ♬ original sound - TRUELOVE Dr Mamello says, 'It's crucial to be aware of your skin requirements. So many factors like age, environment and routine play into the quality of your skin during wintertime. For example, teens generally have oilier skin and lightweight products are usually necessary even in winter. 'Men may also have acne flare-ups thanks to shaving and that may need to be taken into consideration. Hormonal acne can occur in young and perimenopausal women, and they may need hormonal therapy to get flare-ups under control. 'It's not about making your skin adapt, it's about adapting to your skin. Be conscious of your skin needs every day of the year.' How to prioritise skincare and work with your skin Maintaining a consistent beauty regimen is key to finding that winter glow. Dr Mamello points out the essential product application steps for effective skincare: Step 1: Hydrating cleanser Step 2: Hydrating serum Step 3: Hydrating moisturiser Step 4: Non-comedogenic moisturising sunscreen Dr Mamello also recommends a gentle exfoliant. 'Exfoliation can be a great way to get rid of dead skin cells and prevent pores from getting clogged. However, it's important that this is done in a gentle and safe way. 'Exfoliation can be done once or twice a week depending on skin tolerance and should always be followed by the application of moisturisers,' she shares.
CNA
19-06-2025
- Health
- CNA
Best foot forward: What you can do about your dry, cracked heels
Dry, cracked heels aren't a sexy look. Yet many of us aren't fazed enough to do something about them until they start peeling or, in more extreme cases, even bleeding. In severe cases, some may even find it impossible to put on shoes. HOW DO CRACKED HEELS DEVELOP? Cracked heels are directly caused by dry skin. Dry skin loses its elasticity, which is why it is prone to peeling and splitting – when this happens, the cracks can lead to open wounds, or even infection if they are exposed to bacteria. The first sign that cracked heels may develop is that the skin on the heels becomes thick and rough – you might even feel calluses on the skin and notice that it has a whitish or yellowish appearance. So why does skin on the heels become dry or thick? Likely because you are either predisposed to having dry skin and you just aren't diligent about moisturising. Certain medical conditions can also lead to it – these include diabetes and skin issues like eczema or psoriasis. Those who suffer from these conditions, or are on medication that causes dry skin, can be more prone to having cracked heels. Being on your feet or walking barefoot for long periods of time is another contributing factor – the pressure and friction that the heels have to bear can cause skin on them to become hard and thick over time. This also explains why certain types of shoes can cause cracked heels, too. They include unsupportive shoes or footwear that's made with hard, inflexible material that does little to ease the pressure and friction your feet have to withstand. Open-heeled footwear like slingbacks and sandals that expose your heels can also dry out the skin. Finally, your weight can also be a factor that contributes to the problem – the heavier you are, the more the pressure your body is placing on your feet. This is also why some women get cracked heels during pregnancy. HOW TO CARE FOR CRACKED HEELS 1. MOISTURISE, MOISTURISE, MOISTURISE Going for regular pedicures will help, but there are easy ways to care for your heels at home if you'd rather not splurge on services. Moisturising daily is essential. A foot cream that's made to target the thick skin on heels is ideal, although a regular body moisturiser will also do. 2. EXFOLIATION IS ALSO A MUST This will slough away dead, dry skin, prevent the skin on heels from thickening and allow moisturisers to penetrate skin and hydrate it more effectively. Once or twice a week, go over your heels with a foot scrub or loofah, and then use a pumice stone to target calluses and areas with extra thick skin. Soaking your feet in warm water for about 15 minutes before you do so will help soften the skin on heels and make it easier to remove dead skin. 3. PROTECT THE HEELS Avoid footwear that expose the heels so as to prevent skin from becoming dry. It's also important to wear supportive shoes – use padding inserts or heel insoles to provide the heels with adequate cushioning if necessary. Wearing socks will also help reduce abrasion against the skin when you're walking in shoes. If you have split cracks on the heels, shield them with liquid bandage to protect wounds from coming into contact with germs and moisture. 4. LIMIT TIME SPENT WALKING OR STANDING Reduce the time you spend walking and standing, as far as possible, will help keep cracked heels from developing or worsening. 5. SEEK PROFESSIONAL CARE In severe cases, where there's extremely thick and dry skin on heels, or split cracks that are bleeding, painful, infected or inflamed, it's best to see a podiatrist. A podiatrist can administer the appropriate medical care, such as providing prescription-strength ointments or creams, and perform the necessary bandaging or even debridement, which is the cutting away of extra thick and hard skin on the heels.
