Why Your Feet Get Drier as You Age And How to Stop It

Most of us expect our skin to change with age: fine lines, wrinkles, and loss of elasticity are common talking points in beauty and health circles. What is less often discussed, however, is how ageing affects the skin on our feet. Cracked heels, flaky soles, and uncomfortable tightness are not only frustrating but can become genuinely painful. If left untreated, dryness can even lead to complications that impact mobility and overall health.

Yet dry feet are not an inevitable part of getting older. With the right understanding and preventative measures, you can reduce dryness and keep your feet soft, supple, and healthy at every stage of life. This article explores why feet become drier as we age, the consequences of ignoring the problem, and the most effective ways to stop it.

Why Do Feet Become Drier With Age?

The skin on your feet is unique. Unlike the rest of the body, it contains no sebaceous (oil) glands, which means it relies entirely on sweat glands and external moisture to stay hydrated. This structural difference makes the feet particularly vulnerable to dryness—and ageing amplifies the effect.

1. Reduced sweat and oil production
   As we grow older, sweat glands become less active and sebaceous gland activity declines. With less natural lubrication, skin loses its ability to lock in moisture, making dryness more pronounced.
   
   

2. Slower skin renewal
   Young skin regenerates quickly, shedding old cells and producing new ones. Ageing slows this process, meaning dead cells build up on the surface. This leads to rough, scaly patches—especially on the heels.
   
   

3. Thinning of the skin
   The outer layer of skin (the epidermis) becomes thinner with age, while collagen production decreases. Skin becomes more fragile and less able to retain water, leaving it prone to cracking.
   
   

4. Circulation changes
   Blood flow to the extremities often reduces with age, whether through natural decline or conditions such as peripheral arterial disease. With less oxygen and fewer nutrients reaching the skin, its ability to stay resilient and hydrated diminishes.
   
   

5. Medical conditions and medication
   Age-related health concerns also play a role. Diabetes, thyroid conditions, and medications such as diuretics or cholesterol-lowering drugs can worsen dryness, sometimes dramatically.
   
   

Why It’s More Than Just a Cosmetic Concern

It’s tempting to view dry feet as a purely aesthetic nuisance, but the consequences can be more serious if the issue is ignored.

Cracked heels, for example, can deepen into painful fissures that make walking uncomfortable. Open cracks also create entry points for bacteria and fungi, raising the risk of infection—especially concerning those with diabetes or compromised circulation. Over time, persistent dryness can reduce mobility, affect balance, and limit independence.

In other words, caring for your feet is not just about how they look—it’s about protecting long-term comfort, safety, and quality of life.

Practical Steps to Prevent and Treat Dry Feet

The good news is that dryness is not irreversible. With consistent routines and targeted care, it is possible to restore softness and prevent future problems.

Moisturise With the Right Formulation

Not all moisturisers are equal. Cosmetic lotions may smell pleasant but often lack the potency to tackle deeply dry skin. Look instead for podiatrist-formulated creams containing humectants such as glycerin, which actively attract and hold water within the skin.

Apply your cream once or twice daily, ideally after bathing when the skin is still slightly damp. This locks in maximum moisture.

Exfoliate Gently but Regularly

Exfoliation helps remove the layer of dead cells that often builds up with age, allowing moisturisers to penetrate more effectively. Using our ultimate professional foot file, or an exfoliating scrub once or twice per week is usually sufficient. Avoid aggressive scraping or over-filing, as this can damage the skin and worsen dryness.

Choose Socks and Shoes That Support Skin Health

When it comes to caring for ageing or dry feet, small choices make a big difference. Choose gentle, podiatrist-approved exfoliation tools that smooth the skin without causing irritation or micro-tears. For everyday comfort, bamboo or hemp socks are ideal—they’re naturally breathable, moisture-wicking, and kind to delicate skin. Pair them with well-fitted shoes to minimise pressure points and friction, both of which can aggravate dryness and lead to cracking.

Stay Hydrated and Nourished

Hydration is not only external. Drinking sufficient water and eating a balanced diet rich in vitamins A, C, and E supports skin resilience from the inside out. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in foods such as oily fish and flaxseeds, also play a role in maintaining supple skin.

Consider Underlying Conditions

If you live with diabetes, thyroid disorders, or circulatory issues, extra vigilance is needed. Dry feet can be an early sign of complications. Regular podiatry check-ups and daily self-monitoring can prevent small issues from escalating.

Cracked Heels: What Really Works

Cracked heels can be caused by a multitude of factors, from mechanical stress and excess weight to underlying health conditions or even side effects of medication. When it comes to treatment, it is important not to rush into aggressive fixes. The safest starting point is to seek advice from a podiatrist or foot health practitioner. Getting professional guidance ensures you don’t over-scrub or, worse, attempt to cut into the skin with sharp instruments—a surprisingly common mistake.

It is also best to steer clear of harsh chemical foot peels. While they promise dramatic results, they are not always safe and can leave the skin vulnerable; many practitioners can attest to the unfortunate outcomes when they go wrong. A safer, more effective option is to use a podiatrist-approved file—not the “cheese grater” style, which can damage the skin, but a high-quality tool that smooths without trauma.

For those wanting a more intensive refresh, a professional medi-pedi performed by a podiatrist or foot health practitioner can help rehydrate the skin and provide tailored aftercare advice. With the right approach and consistent care, cracked heels can genuinely become a thing of the past.

Why Podiatrist-Formulated Products Make the Difference

One of the biggest shifts in recent years has been the availability of podiatrist-formulated products designed with the same sophistication as advanced skincare. These formulations focus on clinically proven, skin-repairing ingredients—such as hydrogenated castor oil for moisture retention, Pro-Vitamin B5 for barrier restoration and healing, and Viamerine® for long-lasting hydration and improved skin comfort.

Unlike standard lotions, these products are developed with a clear understanding of skin structure and biomechanics. They avoid unnecessary fragrances and fillers that can irritate sensitive skin, while delivering powerful, restorative results.

For example, Callen Olive Heel Balm blends these actives in a rich yet fast-absorbing base, delivering targeted hydration without greasiness. The result is a product that feels as elegant and effective as high-end facial skincare—because your feet deserve the same level of care.

Supporting an Ageing Population

The UK’s ageing population means that issues such as dry feet are not just individual concerns but public health priorities. Reduced mobility caused by painful cracks or infections can lead to falls, hospital admissions, and increased dependency. Preventing these outcomes with effective foot care is both a personal and a societal benefit.

By using professional-grade, podiatrist-led formulations, older adults can maintain independence for longer. Daily routines that combine moisturising, protection, and comfortable footwear can significantly reduce the risk of complications, making foot care an essential part of healthy ageing.

Changing the Conversation

For decades, foot care has been considered an afterthought compared to skincare or dental care. People often feel embarrassed discussing foot problems, which leads to delay in seeking help. However, with the rise of podiatrist-formulated products now appearing in pharmacies, online shops, and even wellness conversations, foot care is finally gaining the recognition it deserves.

Just as dermatologists helped transform skincare into an essential routine, podiatrists are reshaping how we think about our feet. Dry skin on the feet is no longer something to ignore or hide—it is a manageable condition, and addressing it is a form of self-care.

Conclusion

Dry feet may become more common with age, but they are far from inevitable. By understanding the biological reasons behind dryness, adopting consistent preventative routines, and choosing podiatrist-formulated products, you can keep your feet soft, strong, and comfortable throughout life.

At Callen Olive, we specialise in bringing professional, award-winning podiatry expertise into everyday routines. Our solutions are designed specifically for ageing and problem-prone feet:

• Advanced foot creams enriched with hydrogenated castor oil, Pro-Vitamin B5, and Viamerine® to deeply hydrate and soften hard, dry skin.
  
  

• Targeted heel balms that repair cracks, support skin healing, and restore suppleness—without leaving a greasy residue.
  
  

• Protective daily care ranges developed by podiatrists to maintain the skin barrier and prevent future dryness.

Each product is created with clinical precision, tested for safety, and formulated to deliver results you can both see and feel. Take the first step towards healthier, more resilient feet, and experience foot care that treats your skin with the same sophistication as your face.