Try putting some Epsom salt into your foot bath. Epsom salt is used for a number of conditions, but it can help your dry heels by soothing the dry skin and killing off bacteria or fungi that might be in the skin. [1] X Research source Sit in the foot bath for at least 5 minutes. Stay in it longer if you have the time. The longer you let your feet soak, the easier it will be to scrub off dead skin when the time comes to exfoliate. Staying in for a window of 5-15 minutes is ideal. But don’t soak and treat your feet this way more than 3 times a week, as it could ultimately dry out your feet. [2] X Research source
Try a simple scrub with 2 tablespoons (29. 6 ml) brown sugar, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, 1 tablespoon (14. 8 ml) honey, and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Mix these ingredients in a bowl. After soaking, gently rub the mixture into your heels in a circular motion. You can also try adding a cup of milk to your foot bath. Soak in the milk and water mixture for 5-10 minutes. Make a paste out of 4 tablespoons (59. 1 ml) of sugar or salt, and ½ cup of baby oil or coconut oil. After soaking, massage this mixture into your heels with a pumice stone to exfoliate dead skin away and soften your heels.
You can opt to file your feet while they are still dry, prior to soaking. Sometimes wet skin makes it more difficult to see the driest areas of your heels, so you can file your heels before soaking and scrubbing if you choose. [3] X Research source Be careful not to file your heels too much. Once you notice the skin feeling smoother and softer, move on to another spot or your other foot. Over filing might lead to your skin being more sensitive, or prone to drying out again much faster. Avoid filing your feet more than three times a week.
You can make your own heel moisturizer by combining a tablespoon of olive oil with a few drops of either lemon or lavender oil. Mix them together and apply the mixture to your heels. Wear socks to keep the moisture in as it soaks into your skin. [5] X Research source If you have a bottle of moisturizer on hand, you can use that. Make sure you put on a thick layer, then let it soak in before putting on another.
Different salons might use different products or offer different services. Do your homework and decide which salon offers what you’re looking for. Luxury day spas might over more extravagant pedicures, while your local nail salon might be a little less lavish, but still get the job done. Wherever you decide to get your pedicure, make sure the salon appears to be clean and safe. Make sure the technician is certified or licensed, and uses sterilized tools. [6] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Dermatology Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists Go to source Don’t hesitate to ask your technician to focus on your heels while doing your pedicure. Let them know you have trouble with dry heels, and they will spend more time filing and smoothing them for you.
If you begin to have trouble walking without pain, have trouble standing on your feet for too long at time, or your at-home remedies are no longer working or effective, you might need to seek the advice of a doctor. [7] X Research source People with certain medical conditions, like diabetes, can suffer from foot health problems. If you have diabetes or any kind of medical condition that affects your nerves, you will want to take extra caution and stay under the care of a doctor when tending to your heels. [8] X Research source
Read the labels of each cream. See which cream or balm best addresses your specific needs. Some foot creams are made specifically for dry or cracked heels, and will only be applied to this area. [9] X Research source If you have sought the care or advice of a doctor, they might prescribe you a medicated cream. Apply any prescription cream or balm according to your doctor’s instructions.
Walking barefoot or in open-backed shoes will cause your skin to callus to create a protective barrier on your feet. By keeping your feet in closed shoes, your skin will not have to generate this callused barrier. [10] X Research source When possible, wear socks and closed shoes, like tennis shoes or sneakers. Not only will this protect the skin on your heels, but it will also help your posture and joint health by supporting your arches.
Studies show that increasing your intake of borage oil or flaxseed oil supplements can help increase the moisture in your skin, and relieve dryness. Try taking at least 2. 2 grams (0. 08 oz) of these supplements per day. [12] X Research source
You might notice that when you wash your hands often, they dry out. The same can happen with your feet. So, it’s important to keep your feet moisturized in correlation with keeping them clean. After washing or showering, apply moisturizer to your heels and feet. [14] X Research source Try applying moisturizer to your heels before bed and putting on a pair of thick socks. [15] X Expert Source R. Sonia Batra, MD, MSc, MPHBoard Certified Dermatologist Expert Interview. 19 February 2021 The socks will keep the moisture locked in your heels while you sleep. Doing this over time will help reduce the dryness in your heels. Most stores sell special socks for keeping your feet and heels soft. They come infused with lotion, or gel inserts on the heels. You might consider trying a pair of these to wear to bed.
Certain soaps you use in the shower might also be drying to your heels. Make sure you are using a mild soap, and consider trying a soap that has a moisturizer built into it. [17] X Research source
