Woohoo, the temperature’s climbing down under. Cue summer dresses, bare legs and uncovered shoes.
How are your feet looking?
Are you ready to bare?
It’s unfortunate that dry skin and/or cracked heels look less than fabulous but they can also feel tight and uncomfortable.
What’s more, they can make even the simplest tasks like walking less than fun.
But never fear, we’ve got some tools to get your feet soft and smooth again in a jiffy!
1. Soak and Exfoliate
Photo by Apostolos Vamvouras on Unsplash.
Cracked heels are often accompanied by a layer of thick hard skin. Nope, you’re right. It’s not the most pleasant state of affairs.
Using a loofah or pumice stone will scrub the dry skin away plus it’ll feel wonderful.
Then soak your feet in warm, soapy water for about thirty minutes, and gently scrub your heels again to remove the softened layer of dry skin.
After exfoliating it’s a good idea to dry and moisturise your feet with lashings of moisturiser. Choose a heavy-duty one like Tui Balms Foot Balm with spearmint and peppermint, $10.90 at HealthPost. Or, if you’re after something more globally available try the gorgeous L’Occitane Shea Butter Intensive Foot Balm, $36USD at Amazon.
The key here is not to be stingy. Use oodles of the stuff.
2. Naturally Healing Fruit Packs
Did you know fruit packs are a simple option to treat cracked heels? We kid you not and there’s nothing like using the power of Mother Nature to boost your beauty.
To make a fruit pack, mash a banana thoroughly, and spread it over your heels. Then put socks on to keep the fruit pack in place. Leave the banana on your feet for at least 20 minutes and apply a moisturiser (as above) after washing it off.
You can also leave the banana on overnight if you want to promote faster softening and healing.
Bet you weren’t expecting that but it works. Seriously.
You could also use avocado, honey, coconut oil or equal amounts of olive oil and oatmeal.
Most food-based home remedies can be left on your feet overnight, but you may want to protect your bed and blankets with an extra sheet in case you lose your socks while you sleep.
And we’re not sure your significant other won’t think you’ve gone nuts but it’s messy and effective.
3. Healing Pharmacy Finds
Liquid bandages like these are a must-have if cracked heels are painful. Use them according to the instructions on the package, and replace socks at least twice a day to keep the area clean and dry. You will also need to use your moisturiser/foot balm to prevent dry skin and cracked heels.
Paraffin wax is also a simple treatment option. Melt the paraffin wax with an equal amount of coconut oil, then apply the mixture to each heel to form a protective layer over the cracked areas. Wear socks and leave the mixture on overnight for a super-moisturising home remedy that can provide dry skin relief in just one treatment.
Or better still go to the beauty therapist for a paraffin wax and pedicure. Bliss!
Other tips include:
- Drink plenty of water to keep your skin well-hydrated.
- Use warm, rather than hot water for showers and baths.
- Add Epsom salt to warm water for a healing foot soak
- Try including vinegar in your foot soak to prevent infections if you currently have cracked heels.
Regularly soaking, exfoliating and moisturising your feet is the most effective way to soften feet and prevent cracked heels.
Why not send us a photo of your beautiful feet and tootsies. Tag us on Instagram #youologynz 😍😍😍
Thanks for stopping by,
Yours in health & happiness 
