07 Mar Want healthier foot and skin health but not sure where to start?
Want healthier foot health and skin but not sure where to start?
Maintaining healthy skin isn’t just about cleansing – it’s about balancing, exfoliating, and protecting your skin’s natural barrier. By using a low pH body wash and following up with a urea-based emollient, you can support your skin’s health and resilience. This combination, especially with the added benefit of using a scrubbing brush, works effectively to prevent infections and keep your skin in top condition.
Why Low pH Body Wash Matters
The skin’s natural pH is slightly acidic, typically between 4.5 and 5.5. This acidity acts as a protective barrier, creating an environment that deters harmful bacteria and fungi. Many soaps, however, are alkaline and can disrupt the skin’s natural pH. Over time, this imbalance weakens the skin barrier, leading to dryness, irritation, and a greater risk of infection.
Using a low pH body wash is essential for maintaining this natural balance. It gently cleanses while protecting the skin’s acidity, ensuring that your skin retains moisture and resists harmful microbes. Just like brushing your teeth maintains oral hygiene, using a low pH body wash helps to “reset” the pH balance of your skin after exposure to environmental factors or higher-pH products.
How a Scrubbing Brush Can Enhance Foot Care
When it comes to reaching and properly cleansing the skin on your feet, using a Dishmatic scrubbing brush or similar tool can make all the difference. The soft bristles of a scrubbing brush help you to:
•Reach Your Feet Easily: For many, reaching their feet can be challenging, especially in the shower. A scrubbing brush with a handle allows you to clean your feet thoroughly without straining.
•Effectively Lather the Wash: The brush helps to create a richer lather with your low pH body wash, ensuring even application across your skin.
•Gently Exfoliate: Using a brush to scrub your feet provides gentle exfoliation, removing dead skin cells and enhancing the effects of the low pH wash. This not only leaves your feet feeling refreshed but also helps to prevent buildup that can trap bacteria or fungi.
Simply apply the low pH wash to the brush, lather it up, and gently scrub your feet, paying special attention to areas prone to dryness or rough skin. This added exfoliation can leave your feet feeling smooth and clean, ready for the next step.
Benefits of Using a Urea-Based Emollient After Cleansing
Following your wash, applying a urea-based emollient can take your skin care routine to the next level. Urea, a natural compound found in the skin, offers multiple benefits when applied topically:
1.Keratolytic Action: Urea has a gentle keratolytic effect, which means it helps to break down and remove dead skin cells. This exfoliation supports the natural turnover of your skin, preventing the buildup that can lead to infections or rough patches.
2.Infection Prevention: By keeping the skin surface clean and clear of dead cells, urea also helps in reducing the risk of fungal and bacterial infections. This is especially important for areas like the feet, where moisture and warmth can increase the likelihood of microbial growth.
3.Barrier Protection: Urea-based emollients help maintain your skin’s barrier, locking in moisture and supporting skin resilience. This makes the skin better equipped to fend off external irritants, keeping it healthy and hydrated.
Putting It All Together: A Routine for Healthier Skin
1.Cleanse: Use a low pH body wash in the shower. To make sure your feet are thoroughly cleansed, use a Dishmatic scrubbing brush or similar tool. Apply the wash to the brush, lather it up, and scrub gently to cleanse and exfoliate the skin on your feet.
2.Apply Urea-Based Emollient: After drying your skin, apply a urea-based emollient, focusing on areas prone to dryness or irritation. This step helps to lock in moisture and support the skin’s natural exfoliation process, preventing infections and keeping skin smooth.
This routine helps you reset your skin’s pH, exfoliate gently, and maintain a protective barrier against infection. For those dealing with skin issues like dry patches or recurring infections, the combination of a low pH body wash, scrubbing brush, and urea-based emollient can be a game-changer – just like brushing and flossing are essential for oral health, these steps are essential for your skin’s long-term wellness.
If you are struggling with dry, hard skin or discoloured nails book an appointment with one of our Podiatrists. If you have any questions please let us know. Skin health is so important and so often missed or misunderstood.
I hope these few quick tips help you as much as they’ve helped me and many of my clients!
Laura 🌿
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