Aloe vera, a natural solution against dry feet.

The skin on the feet is similar to that of the hands and does not contain sebaceous glands, which are responsible for the production of sebum. This substance contributes to the hydration and protection of the skin and scalp against external aggressions. The absence of sebaceous glands on the feet thus makes it a vulnerable area, prone to dryness. This is due to a water imbalance between the different layers of the skin. The evaporation of water from the skin's surface is faster than its transfer between the dermis and the epidermis.

There are several causes of dry feet. They can occur due to a lack of hydration. A day at the beach combining water, sand and salt, for example, can amplify this phenomenon. This is also the case with the use of certain degreasing soaps. Excessive sweating, caused by certain synthetic materials, can also promote foot dryness.

Furthermore, wearing unsuitable shoes (too narrow, high heels...) subjects the skin to a great deal of friction. In defence, the skin will thicken and harden. This hyperkeratosis contributes to the drying of the feet. Finally, temperature variations can be responsible for skin dehydration. As the cold approaches, the blood vessels that supply the skin contract, resulting in a decrease in nutrient supply. The production of sebum by the sebaceous glands drops, which promotes skin dryness.

To prevent this, it is recommended to regularly hydrate them. Dry feet can cause heel cracking, which can lead to the formation of fissures. When these reach the dermis, they can cause bleeding and pain.

A dry foot suffers from skin dehydration. The application of aloe vera gel, with its moisturising and soothing properties, can alleviate this condition. The presence of hygroscopic compounds in aloe vera gel allows it to limit the evaporation of water from the skin's surface, ensuring the skin remains supple and elastic. Suitable for all skin types, it leaves no residue after use.

Furthermore, its healing and regenerative properties promote the disappearance of cracks present on the heel of a dry foot. A recent study indeed showed that acemannan, a polysaccharide found in aloe vera gel, accelerates wound closure by activating the ATK/mTOR signalling pathway, which is notably involved in the development of new capillary vessels (angiogenesis). In addition, aloe vera gel also contains glucomannan, another polysaccharide essential for healing. This molecule acts on the fibroblast growth factor, TGF-β1, thereby increasing their activity. The secretion of elastin and collagen is thus amplified.

Dry feet: what is the correct approach?

Therefore, to combat dry feet, it is possible to apply a moisturising treatment based on aloe vera. We have developed a gelified liquid galenic formulation containing this ingredient and fulfilling this function.

Enriched with aloe vera (INCI name: Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice) and orange blossom hydrosol (INCI name: Citrus Aurantium Amara Flower Extract), our hydrating gel reduces the feelings of tightness associated with dry skin and hydrates it, leaving a sensation of freshness.

• CHANDRAKASAN G. & others. The impact of Aloe vera on the glycosaminoglycans in the matrix of healing dermal wounds in rats. Journal of Ethnopharmacology (1998).

• PATUMRAJ S. & al. Therapeutic effects of Aloe vera on cutaneous microcirculation and wound healing in second degree burn model in rats. Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand (2000).

• MAIA CAMPOS P. M. & co. Evaluating the moisturising effect of cosmetic formulations containing Aloe vera extract in varying concentrations using skin bioengineering techniques. Skin Research and Technology (2006).

• SAPLE D. G. & al. Aloe vera: a brief overview. Indian Journal of Dermatology (2008).

• LI J. & al. Aloe vera: a medicinal plant utilised in skin wound healing. Tissue Engineering (2021).