If you’ve been living with dry, cracked heels, hiding your feet in sneakers all summer because you’re too ashamed of the unsightly skin and experience pain when wearing sandals, you’re not alone. Many people ignore their feet and don’t care for them properly, leading to all sorts of skin and movement issues. It’s time to break your bad habits and pamper your neglected heels. Read on to find out the secret to banishing that cracked skin for good.
Olive oil
Grab a few tablespoons of olive oil from your pantry and rub it into your clean, dry heels. Since the feet don’t have oil glands like the rest of your body, to keep them moisturized, it is important to supplement with a heavy, nourishing oil. Cover your feet with a pair of thick socks overnight and wash your feet with warm water in the morning.
Honey
Another highly moisturizing agent, honey also has the added benefit of being antimicrobial and antibacterial. It can help create a protective layer around your heels and penetrate the cracks to keep them clean and speed healing. Slather on your feet with a beauty spatula before bed and cover with a thick pair of socks. Rinse off in the morning to remove stickiness.
Avocado banana mask
Combine half an avocado and a whole banana in the blender and blend until smooth. These ingredients are rich in healthy fats and vitamins that work to replenish damaged skin and rehydrate your feet. Apply the mask to clean feet and kick back for about 20 minutes. Use this time to read, journal, listen to music, or sit in quiet meditation. A few minutes to sit still and think never hurt anyone. Rinse thoroughly and follow with a foot lotion to help lock in moisture.
Exfoliating scrub
While cracked heels are usually caused by dryness, and it is best to avoid exfoliation, sometimes it is vital to remove dead skin that may be slowing the healing process. Mix 3 teaspoons of rice flour, one teaspoon of honey, and 2–3 drops of apple cider vinegar in a small dish. Use this scrub all over your heels and the rest of your feet to help slough off dead skin and soften hardened heels. Rinse immediately and follow with a moisturizer such as sweet almond oil.
Parrafin wax
Though it may seem strange to dip your heels in paraffin wax, it could be just what you need to finally allow your feet to heal and give them the moisture boost they need. Simply melt a tablespoon along with a few drops of coconut oil in a bowl and quickly dip each heel in the mixture. Allow it to cool slightly and harden to room temperature and then cover with socks and go to bed. Rinse off in the morning and enjoy luxuriously soft heels.
Oatmeal
Create an oatmeal powder by sticking whole oats into the food processor and finely grinding them. Add a few teaspoons of olive oil to one tablespoon of this oat powder and stir to form a paste. Rub this into your heels in a thick layer. Leave on for 30 minutes and rinse well. The oatmeal will help nourish your skin and soften the hard edges of your heel cracks. You can also use oatmeal powder for a softening foot soak. Simply add the desired amount to a shallow, foot soaking tub and fill with hot water. Soak for 30 minutes and pat feet dry.
Coconut oil
No list of natural skin-care remedies would be complete without coconut oil. This simple oil can work wonders for dry, damaged skin and actually penetrates that first layer of skin to tackle the issues under the surface. Slather as much coconut oil as desired all over your feet and cover with socks overnight. No need to rinse off in the morning as it soaks into your feet without leaving a residue. Repeat nightly to help eradicate heel cracks for good.
Tips for preventing cracked heels:
- Be sure to moisturize your feet regularly.
- Avoid using harsh soaps that dry out your skin.
- Wear proper shoes. If you struggle with cracked heels, you will want to avoid sandals while they heel as these shoes can cause your feet to dry out more.
- Drink lots of water to keep your skin hydrated from the inside out.
-Susan Patterson