Many people suffer from dry, cracked heels, which can not only be unsightly but also painful. Our feet go through a lot of wear and tear on a daily basis, making them prone to dryness and cracking.
However, you don’t have to hide your feet anymore! With these natural recipes, you can pamper and nourish your heels to make them smooth and soft again.
Why Do Heels Crack?
Before we dive into the natural recipes, let’s understand why heels crack in the first place. The skin on our feet is often drier compared to the rest of our body due to the lack of oil glands.
This makes them more susceptible to dryness and cracking. Additionally, factors like poor hygiene, prolonged standing, wearing uncomfortable shoes, and certain medical conditions can further worsen the condition of our heels.
The Benefits of Natural Remedies
While there are several commercial products available for dry, cracked heels, they often contain chemicals that may not be suitable for everyone. Natural remedies, on the other hand, are gentle, safe, and effective.
They use ingredients that are easily available and provide numerous benefits to our skin. Let’s take a look at some of the most effective natural recipes for healing your cracked heels.
1. Honey and Aloe Vera
This simple yet powerful combination can work wonders for your heels. Honey acts as a natural humectant, locking in moisture and preventing dryness. Aloe vera has soothing properties that help repair and heal damaged skin.
To use this recipe, mix equal parts of honey and aloe vera gel and apply it to your clean, dry feet. Let it sit for about 20 minutes before rinsing off with lukewarm water. Repeat daily for best results.
2. Coconut Oil and Lemon Juice
Coconut oil is known for its deep moisturizing properties, while lemon juice helps exfoliate dead skin cells. Together, they make a fantastic combination to heal and soften your cracked heels.
Start by soaking your feet in warm water for 10 minutes to soften the skin. Then, mix equal parts of coconut oil and lemon juice and massage it into your heels for a few minutes. Put on a pair of clean socks and leave it overnight. Rinse off in the morning and repeat daily.
3. Epsom Salt Soak
Epsom salt is rich in magnesium, which helps improve circulation and aids in healing dry skin. To make an Epsom salt soak, add half a cup of Epsom salt to a basin of warm water. Soak your feet for 15-20 minutes, allowing the salt to work its magic.
Afterward, gently scrub your heels with a pumice stone to remove dead skin flakes. Rinse and pat dry, then moisturize your feet with your preferred natural foot cream.
4. Oatmeal and Olive Oil Scrub
Oatmeal is a wonderful natural exfoliator that can help slough off dead skin cells. Olive oil, on the other hand, is deeply moisturizing and nourishing. This scrub will leave your feet feeling soft and supple.
To make the scrub, mix powdered oatmeal and olive oil to form a thick paste. Apply it to your feet and gently scrub in circular motions for a few minutes. Rinse off with warm water and follow up with a moisturizer. Repeat twice a week.
5. Shea Butter and Beeswax Balm
Shea butter is incredibly moisturizing, and beeswax helps create a protective barrier to lock in the moisture and protect your heels from further damage. To make a nourishing balm, melt equal parts of shea butter and beeswax in a double boiler.
Once melted, remove from heat and add a few drops of your favorite essential oil for fragrance. Allow the mixture to cool and solidify, then apply it to your heels daily for deep moisturization.
6. Avocado Foot Mask
Avocado is not only a delicious fruit but also excellent for repairing dry, cracked heels. Mash half an avocado and mix it with a tablespoon of honey to create a thick paste. Apply it to your clean feet, focusing on the cracked areas.
Put on a pair of socks and leave it for 20-30 minutes. Rinse off with lukewarm water and pat dry. Your feet will feel incredibly soft and nourished.
7. Cucumber and Yogurt Pack
Cucumbers have a cooling effect on the skin and are packed with vitamins and minerals essential for skin health. Yogurt, on the other hand, contains lactic acid that helps exfoliate and brighten the skin.
Blend half a cucumber and a tablespoon of yogurt to form a smooth paste. Apply it generously all over your feet and let it sit for 15-20 minutes. Rinse off with cold water and enjoy the refreshed feeling.
8. Tea Tree Oil Soak
Tea tree oil has antimicrobial and antifungal properties, making it ideal for healing cracked heels prone to infections. Add a few drops of tea tree essential oil to warm water and soak your feet for 15 minutes.
Gently pat dry and apply a natural foot cream or moisturizer. Regular use of this soak will help prevent any further complications caused by dry, cracked heels.
9. Vinegar Foot Soak
Vinegar, especially apple cider vinegar, acts as a natural exfoliant and helps restore the pH balance of the skin. Mix equal parts of warm water and vinegar in a basin and soak your feet for 20 minutes.
Afterward, gently scrub your heels with a pumice stone to remove dead skin cells. Rinse and pat dry, then moisturize with a natural foot cream.
10. Banana and Milk Foot Pack
Bananas are rich in potassium, vitamins, and moisture, making them an excellent ingredient for healing dry, cracked heels. Mash one ripe banana and mix it with enough milk to form a thick paste.
Apply the pack to your feet and leave it on for 15-20 minutes. Rinse off with lukewarm water and enjoy the nourishing effects of this pack.