11 Home Remedies for Dry Cracked Feet
The colder seasons are not all rosy cheeks and pumpkin spice lattes — it’s also an occasion for blistering cold weather, vulnerable immune systems, and compromised skin. With cold, dry air circulating, dry cracked feet are a common symptom of the winter season.
Don’t turn to over-the-counter medications. Many are full of chemicals and other harsh ingredients. Instead, take refuge in the comfort of your own pantry with these helpful home remedies for dry cracked feet.
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1. Foot Bath
Soak your feet in warm soapy water. The water adds moisture to your heels and makes them easier to treat. Do this for 10-15 minutes per day until you see the desired results.
2. Pumice Stone
After 10-15 minutes of soaking your feet in a warm bath, use a pumice stone to scrub at the heels, removing dead skin cells and smoothing out the area. Soak for another 10-15 minutes before patting your feet dry and applying your choice of oil liberally to your heels and soles.
3. Vegetable Oils
Vegetable oils, including olive, sesame, avocado, jojoba, and coconut oils, are all effective remedies for dry cracked feet. They return much-needed moisture and nutrition to your heels and soles.
4. Wool Socks
Part of what causes cracked dry cracked feet is a loss of moisture. Wool socks help to trap body heat, keeping moisture close. After a foot bath, pumice stone scrub, and an application of vegetable oil, slip on wool socks to better infuse your feet with the oil.
5. Gel Heel Socks
Gel heel socks are a step above wool socks. They keep heels soft and smooth, eliminating cracks and hard, rough skin. They heal chapped skin and heel pain and allow for the better absorption of oils and creams. Bonus: gel heel socks are available in various designs and are usually inexpensive.
6. Rice Flour
Rice flour is a great exfoliant for your feet to remove dead skin cells. Make an exfoliating scrub with a handful of rice flour, a few tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, and a tablespoon of honey. Mix the ingredients in a small bowl until it resembles a thick paste. Add more rice flour if it appears too thin, or more apple cider vinegar if too thick.
Soak your feet in warm water for 10-15 minutes before using the paste and scrubbing your heels. This is one of the best remedies for dry cracked feet and is so easy to make at home.
7. Lemons
The acidity from the lemons can be very effective in softening rough, cracking skin. Soak your feet in warm water mixed with the juice of 2-3 lemons for the best results.
8. Rosewater and Glycerin
Rose water contains vitamins A, B3, C, D, and E and boasts antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic properties1. Glycerin softens the skin. Mix equal parts rose water and glycerin and apply liberally to your heels before hitting the hay.
9. Epsom Salt
Epsom salts will moisturize your heels and improve circulation2. Mix ½ cup of Epsom salt in a foot bath filled with warm water. Soak your feet for 10-15 minutes in this solution.
10. Bananas
Surprised to see bananas as one of the remedies for dry cracked feet? Bananas offer a nutritious boost to your skin whilst moisturizing it more thoroughly. Mash one banana and apply it to your heels. Let it sit for 20-30 minutes before rinsing clean.
11. Honey
Honey has antimicrobial, antibacterial, and moisturizing properties3. Add 1 cup of honey into a tub filled with warm water. Soak your feet for 10-15 minutes, followed by a pumice stone scrub and moisturizing treatment.
Read More on Organic Authority
A Guide to Proper Humidifier Use for Healthy Hair and Skin
How to Treat Dry Skin and Acne at the Same Time
5 Home Remedies For Dry Skin During Winter
Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6261181/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6011066/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10346535/
