After showering, different parts of the feet require different care. The spaces between the toes must be dried carefully, while cream can be applied to the areas specified in its instructions. Distinguishing these steps helps establish a simple routine without automatically spreading the product over the entire foot.
1. Start with a gentle wash
The podiatry service at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust recommends washing your feet every day and cleaning them gently. Its fact sheet states that soaking should not exceed ten minutes. A daily routine therefore does not require a long foot bath.
For dry heels, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) also recommends short baths and showers, lasting five to ten minutes, as well as a mild, fragrance-free cleanser. These are general recommendations: check the instructions for your own cleanser and choose it based on your skin.
Prepare a clean towel before you start. This little bit of preparation allows you to move from washing to drying without looking for accessories at the last moment.
2. Dry thoroughly between the toes
The NHS stresses the importance of drying feet thoroughly, especially between the toes. The AAD recommends gently patting the skin with a towel. So take the time to dry these spaces, without limiting yourself to the top of the foot and the heel.
This step remains distinct from applying cream. In its routine care advice, Guy’s and St Thomas’ asks that you avoid the spaces between the toes when moisturizing. Drying this area and applying care elsewhere are not two contradictory instructions: they concern different areas.
An easy rule to remember: the towel is also for between the toes; the care is applied only to the appropriate areas. Do not confuse “taking care of your feet” with “putting cream everywhere.”
3. Follow the areas intended for the cream
The shea and urea foot cream — 100 ml, featured on the cover, is a reference product in the shop intended for dry feet and rough heels. Its current fact sheet mentions shea and urea, without specifying their concentration.
Its instructions indicate application to clean, dry feet, gently massaging the heels and rough areas. The frequency and precautions remain those on the packaging. Read them before use; do not add a quantity or application frequency that is not listed.
In a routine of routine care, also keep the NHS rule in mind: do not put cream between the toes. The general instructions presented here do not constitute an effectiveness test of this product and do not replace its specific instructions.
4. Wait before standing up again
The NHS fact sheet on feet reminds us that after applying cream, feet can be slippery. It advises waiting a few minutes for the product to absorb before walking. Its page on fall prevention also recommends not applying an excessive amount.
Choose a time when you can remain seated after the treatment, rather than applying it just before crossing the bathroom. Keep your towel and the bottle within reach to avoid getting up during this step.
Your routine in three steps
- Wash: a gentle action, with a suitable product.
- Dry: thoroughly, including between the toes.
- Apply: according to the cream's instructions, then wait before walking.
If your heels are very damaged or do not improve, the AAD recommends consulting a dermatologist. A persistent problem deserves a professional opinion rather than an accumulation of products.
To prepare your ritual, consult the instructions for the 100 ml foot cream or browse the Body and Sport selection. For a question about a product, you can also contact us.
Sources and photo credit
Sources consulted on October 30, 2026:
- Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust — Caring for your feet and toenails, revised July 2026.
- Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust — Keeping your feet healthy.
- American Academy of Dermatology — How to care for dry, cracked heels.
- SMZ Dr Sophie — current fact sheet for the shea and urea foot cream, 100 ml.
Cover photo: SMZ Dr Sophie shop catalog. General advice, without personalized medical recommendations.