Cracked heels are unappealing, and they make it harder for you to walk around in sandals. Not only do they look bad, but they can also tear stockings and socks, and wear out your shoes. There are several methods to help restore a cracked heel and prevent further damage.
Most people typically use vinegar as a cooking ingredient. However, using vinegar on cracked heels is useful in remedying dry and cracked heels. One part of white vinegar, when mixed with two parts of warm water, can be used as a soak for the feet. You can use a pumice stone to scrub the dead skin after soaking for 20-25 minutes. Mixing white vinegar with curd creates a solution that removes dead skin while filling in the cracks. You can also mix white vinegar with warm water and sheer or cocoa butter to create a mixture that can be rubbed onto the heels. Apple cider vinegar is another type of vinegar that is useful against cracked heels. And, when mixed with two parts warm water can create another soak for the feet to remedy dry skin.
Apart from this remedy I have also listed few effective DIYs that will help you in treating cracked heels
1. Banana
The abundance of nutrients in bananas that includes vitamin A, B6 and C all of which eases to keep up the elasticity of the skin and keeps the skin well hydrated. Banana is a natural moisturizer that keeps the feet moisten and prevents drying of skin.
Ingredients
2 ripe bananas
How to do
Take 2 ripe bananas mash into a smooth paste. Avoid unripe bananas as it contains acid that is not good for the skin.
Apply the paste all over the feet, including the nails and sides of the toe. Let it stay for 20 minutes and then rinse your feet with water.
Repeat this for at least 2 weeks before going to bed to get best results.
2. Honey
Honey is considered as a natural antiseptic that aids in healing the cracked feet. It is also a good humectant that moistens the skin and prevents drying of the skin. In addition, the soothing properties of honey also help to revitalize the skin.
Ingredients
1 cup honey
Warm water
How to do
Mix 1 cup of honey to a tub of warm water.
Clean the feet and steep in this mixture, massage soothingly for 20 minutes.
Dry your feet and apply moisturizer.
Regularly do this before going to bed for a few weeks.
3. Vegetable Oil
Cooking oils gets readily absorbed by the skin. Vegetable oils are heaped with nutrients that include vitamin A, D, and E all of which revamp the skin and heals cracked heels by creating new cells.
Ingredients
2 tbsp vegetable oil
How to do
Clean and pat dry your feet thoroughly.
Nicely spread a thick layer of vegetable oil, covering your heels and toes.
Wear clean comfortable socks and leave them overnight.
Repeat this daily before going to bed to heal the cracked heels.
4. Vaseline and lemon juice
The acidic properties of lemon, when combined with the moisturizing effect of Vaseline, ease to clear off dry skin and cracked feet.
Ingredients
1 tsp Vaseline
4-5 drops of lemon juice
Warm water
How to do
Steep your feet in lukewarm water for about 15 minutes. Rinse and dry.
Combine 1 tsp of Vaseline and a few drops of lemon juice. Apply this mixture over your heels and other parts of the feet thoroughly.
Wear a pair of woollen socks overnight and wash off in the morning.
Do this simple procedure before going to bed regularly.
5. Rice flour, honey and vinegar
Rice flour work as an amazing natural exfoliator, that helps to clear off the dead cells and nourishes the skin. Added with honey a natural antiseptic that heal cracked feet and vinegar is mild acid that moistens the dry and dead skin, making it very easy to exfoliate.
Ingredients
2 tbsp rice flour
1 tsp honey
5-6 drops of vinegar
How to do
Make a scrub by mixing all the ingredients to form a thick paste.
Soak your feet in lukewarm water for 10 minutes, dry and then gently scrub using the mixture to clear off the dead skin.
Repeat this process 2-3 times in a week.
Treat your feet by giving a little more attention and care, start with moisturizing them at least twice a day. Look out for moisturizers containing skin-softening agents like urea, salicylic acid or alpha hydroxy acid that may help clear dead skin cells.