A Useful Guide To Interesting Foot Care Ingredients

When looking for foot care products, there are lots of ingredients out there that promise outstanding results. Depending on your problem, depends on the kinds of ingredients that you need to look for. Whilst there are some more well-known ingredients, there are also a few interesting ones that we will explain in this useful guide.

Algae

The thought of Algae may be off-putting as we often associate it with ponds and unpleasant aromas. Spirulina Platensis a form of algae that is one of the oldest living organisms on the planet and has a defence mechanism with micro-algae which does an excellent job in protecting itself from viruses and bacteria. Spirularin VS includes an extract of Spirulina Platensis which offers a pain-free and unintrusive way of preventing and dealing with verrucas and promotes the repair of damaged skin cells. 

Urea

You may have heard this wonderful ingredient mentioned in other Footcare UK blogs, but Urea can be found in many moisturising creams for your feet. Compared to paraffin moisturisers, Urea helps your feet absorb even more moisture, meaning you don’t need to use as much to have the same effect.  So, if you suffer from dry and cracked feet, a moisturiser containing Urea may be exactly what you need.

With long term use, Urea can have the negative effect of removing the skin’s natural barriers to infection, which is why it’s recommended to use a high concentration (20% urea and above ) for when your feet are dry and cracked then to switch to a lower urea % cream ( 10 % or less ) to maintain healthy skin. 

Shea Butter

A popular and sweet smelling ingredient, Shea Butter is known for its nourishing qualities. Shea Butter comes from the nut of the African Shea Tree and can be found in products and also consumed (although not in moisturisers!). Shea Butter helps thicken moisturising balms, allowing the balms to penetrate and nourish the skin. Not only this, but it also has healing and anti-inflammatory qualities. 

Mint

Mint has been used in foot care products for many years. Mint is not only good for irritated feet, it also soothes, cools and refreshes feet too. As well as being good for your feet, most products containing mint also smell great too. 

Basil

Basil is more commonly known in the kitchen, but it also has many benefits for your feet. However, Basil is a natural antiseptic and acts as a cleanser, removing excess oil and impurities. It also cleverly acts as a carrier for other oils, helping them to work and deliver results.

Lemon

Lemon is well known for its cleaning and refreshing properties, whether that’s in a drink or health care product. The sweet smell combined with its natural powers is ideal for refreshing your feet. 

As well as being found in products, lemon juice can also be used to soak feet. Lemon helps to speed up the toxin elimination process, resulting in refreshed feet, with reduced pain and tenderness. 

Manuka Oil

As well as being well known for producing Manuka Honey, the medical benefits of Manuka Oil for its antiviral, antibacterial and anti-fungal properties have been used in Mauri culture are also scientifically documented. Manuka Oil is derived from the Manuka plant found natively in New Zealand and is used as an active ingredient for products that use natural ingredients as a method of combatting both nail fungus and athletes’ feet. 

Hopefully this guide helps educate you on what to look out for when treating your feet. Don’t forget that you can also search for the perfect product using our brand search, or search by foot care problem.