LifestylePharmacy-grade heel ointments: The secret to soft, healthy feet

Pharmacy-grade heel ointments: The secret to soft, healthy feet

Dry, calloused, and cracked heels can be a problem, especially in the warmer months when feet are more exposed to the sun, from walking barefoot, or frequent visits to the pool. Although there are many foot care products available on the market, a pharmacy-grade ointment with comprehensive action can be a true lifesaver. It contains ingredients that can completely transform your heels' condition within a few days.

Urea ointment can save cracked heels.
Urea ointment can save cracked heels.
Images source: © Getty Images
Dominika Mika

pay attention to the composition of heel ointment

The key to effective foot care isn't a fancy fragrance or a pretty package, but the content of active ingredients that truly work. The best pharmacy ointments have a simple yet rich composition, full of moisturizing, exfoliating, and regenerating ingredients.

The first ingredient should be urea. It's responsible for intense moisture and exfoliation of dead skin. At a concentration of 10–15%, it acts as a natural chemical peel, gently removing calluses while binding water in the epidermis. As a result, the heels become soft and flexible.

The second ingredient worth noting is lactic acid, which enhances the effect of urea. It not only moisturizes but also smooths the skin, improving its texture and tone. It also helps maintain the correct pH, which is important for skin prone to cracking.

Another important element of an effective heel ointment is regenerating and protective substances. Shea butter is an ingredient known for its lubricating and soothing properties. It creates a protective barrier on the skin's surface, preventing moisture loss and speeding up the healing of cracks.

Similarly, lanolin protects and effectively smooths and softens even very calloused skin. In combination with natural vegetable oils, such as avocado, coconut, or flaxseed, it supports the rebuilding of the lipid barrier and soothes inflammation.

We also cannot overlook the role of allantoin and panthenol, ingredients that soothe irritations, speed up tissue regeneration, and reduce the feeling of roughness. Thanks to them, the skin on the heels renews faster and becomes more resistant to further damage.

How to use ointment so that it works?

Even the best ointment's effectiveness depends on its regularity and method of application. It is recommended to apply a thicker layer of the product to cleansed feet, preferably in the evening, and then put on cotton socks to enhance the occlusion effect and help the ingredients absorb better. After just a few days of use, you can notice a significant improvement—the skin becomes smoother, softer, and less prone to cracking.

What to avoid? When choosing a heel ointment, it's worth paying attention to what should not be in its composition. Fragrances, dyes, or alcohol can further irritate and dry out the skin. Therefore, it's best to opt for pharmacy products that are based on dermatologically tested components and are free of unnecessary additives.

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