With summer in full swing, you’ve probably spent time relaxing under the sun with your feet in the sand. While there’s nothing better than a good beach day, the glow tends to wear off once you slip your feet into a favorite pair of sandals. That seaside romp can cause dry, cracked heels. Couple it with leftover dryness from winter, and you might find yourself with sorely neglected skin. Luckily, a few tips for how to heal cracked heels can restore your feet so they’re smooth and summer ready.
First, What Causes Cracked Heels?
That dreaded dryness is due to a few factors––some more unexpected than others:
Improper Footwear
Open-heeled shoes like sandals and flip-flops expose your heels to dry air, zapping them of moisture. Shoes that don’t fit well can also irritate the skin causing it to crack.
Growing Older
As you age, skin becomes thinner and doesn’t produce as many natural oils. Years of sun damage can also dry out skin.
Diabetes
People with diabetes and other health conditions that affect circulation are at higher risk of foot issues, including cracked heels.
Flat Feet and Other Foot Concerns
Cracked heels occur more often in people with heel spurs or flat feet. If your job requires you to stand rather than sit, then you may be in need of a cracked heels treatment.
Eczema
Eczema, an inflammatory skin condition that causes dry skin, itchiness, and scaly patches, often appears on feet.
Not Moisturizing Enough
Even those most diligent about moisturizing might forget their feet sometimes. Forget too many times, and you could find yourself with cracked heels.
How Does Winter Affect My Feet?
One of the most common winter skin complaints is dry, cracked heels. During this time, your feet are exposed to either dry indoor air or freezing temperatures. The cold air and low humidity zap moisture from your skin, leading to dehydration around the heels, where the skin is thicker and less soft.
Winter weather can also cause skin to lose elasticity, which leaves them prone to itchiness, flakiness, and painful cracking.
How to Get Soft Feet for Summer
Now that the heat is on, you probably want to slip on your cutest sandals. Here, find our tips for getting your feet soft and smooth for their summer debut.
Soak & Soften First
When it come to how to soften skin on feet, always start with a good skin-softening foot soak.
In a basin of warm water, mix:
- ½ cup mineral bath salts
- ½ cup vinegar (especially important if dry, cracked heels)
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 heaping teaspoon coconut oil
- Herbs or essential oils for scent
Soak for at least 10 minutes, then pat feet dry.
Then, Exfoliate
Exfoliation is key to a cracked heel treatment––and with our method you can avoid callus shavers or razors altogether. Instead, try our Samba Foot Fetish Smoothing Board. It gently files off rough skin and callouses.
Moisturize
Once you’ve removed the dry skin, it’s time to lock in moisture. Instead of using your body moisturizer, try something made especially for feet––like Samba Foot Fetish Cream. This non-slip cream deeply hydrates and condition. It also comes in the irresistible scent of Cheirosa 62.
Pro tip: To maintain smooth skin on your feet, moisturize them after every shower and before bed.
How to Prevent Cracked Heels
Regular exfoliation and moisturizing is the ultimate cracked heels remedy. But, there are are other steps you can take to prevent dryness:
Wear Socks More Often
Socks offer a layer of protection for your skin. Wear them whenever you can, especially to bed over moisturized feet.
Don't Overuse Foot Tools
Callus shavers, graters, and even pumice stones can aggravate skin if you used too frequently. Never file or rub inflamed or sensitive skin.
Exfoliate Weekly
Set aside time once a week to exfoliate your feet and heels. That way you can keep up with the removal of any build-up.
Moisturize Before Bed
If you have an event coming up, you may be wondering how to heal cracked feet overnight. Moisturizing your feet and then wearing socks to bed is your best bet. This will leave your skin baby soft and smooth in the morning.
Stay Hydrated
Drinking water is crucial for healthy skin––feet included! If you’re particularly concerned about cracked heels, then make sure you’re hydrating properly.
Samba-Ready Feet for Summer
When it comes to how to fix cracked heels permanently, we’ve got your feet sandal-ready with these tips.
