Your feet hold a large amount of weight because you stand and walk on them daily. Do you take the time to pamper your hard-working feet, though? Neglecting your feet can lead to blisters, sores, or unattractive cracked heels, which tend to result from insufficient moisture. Not only are cracked heels unpleasant to look at, but they also can lead to bleeding, swelling, and foot infection.
What Causes Cracked Heels?
Some people claim to have calloused feet that could withstand the apocalypse, but the reality is that the bottoms of the feet are highly sensitive. Should the sensitive areas around the heels dry out, they can crack and cause pain, especially when walking. The primary causes of cracked heels are most commonly insufficient moisture and prolonged hours on the feet. Other factors, including poor diet, cold weather, unhealthy foot hygiene, diabetes, or skin conditions can also cause heels to crack.
The good news is that there are many natural ingredients that can help repair the skin on your heels. The following ingredients may help turn dry, cracked heels, into smooth, soft, and pain-free heels!
Beeswax
Beeswax works to seal moisture into the skin, no matter if you use it on chapped lips, dry elbows, or cracked heels. It also facilitates the healing of small abrasions. In fact, studies show that beeswax may help prevent harmful bacteria from entering the body through broken skin. Additionally, beeswax provides the skin with a protective layer, keeping external irritants at bay. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties are highly beneficial for people who suffer from topical allergies or skin ailments.
Shea Butter
Shea butter has the ability to moisturize, hydrate, and nourish the skin, making it a popular ingredient in beauty products. In addition to providing the skin with different nutrients, it may ward off symptoms of different skin problems. Shea butter contains vitamins A & E, both of which help your skin retain moisture throughout the day. Apply shea butter to your heels before bed, put on socks, and allow it to work its magic overnight.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil contains medium-chain triglycerides that work to nourish, moisturize, and protect the skin. It can easily penetrate the skin, making it an excellent moisturizer. Because it can penetrate the skin, it works to strengthen the tissues below the epidermis. That helps new, healthy cells rise to the surface, which can help repair the skin. Coconut oil can also remove dead skin cells on the feet, making way for new healthy cells.
Vitamin E Oil
Vitamin E is one of the most important nutrients for healthy skin. It functions as an antioxidant, which works to fight oxidative stress in the body by combating free radicals. Too much oxidative stress can lead to cracked or chapped skin, in addition to fine lines and wrinkles. Vitamin E oil works to moisturize cracked heels and help them from cracking again. Ideally, your feet should feel a lot softer and smoother after applying vitamin E oil.
DIY Heel Repair Stick
Ingredients:
- 1/3 cup virgin coconut oil
- 1/3 cup beeswax pastilles
- 3 tablespoons shea butter
- 5 drops vitamin E oil
- 4 drops lavender essential oil
- 4 drops frankincense essential oil
- Deodorant tube
Instructions:
- Start by adding the coconut oil, beeswax, and shea butter to a heat-safe glass measuring cup.
- Fill a medium saucepan with an inch or two of water and place over medium-low heat. Then place the measuring cup with coconut oil, beeswax, and shea butter in the saucepan.
- Using a wooden utensil, stir the mixture as it melts. Once the ingredients are thoroughly melted, turn off the heat and carefully remove the measuring cup from the pan.
- Add the vitamin E oil and essential oils to the jar and stir to combine before pouring the mixture into a clean, empty deodorant tube.
- Allow the mixture to cool completely until it has hardened. You can place it in the fridge for a few minutes to accelerate the process. Use as needed to help prevent or repair cracked heels.
Vincent Stevens is the senior content writer at Dherbs. As a fitness and health and wellness enthusiast, he enjoys covering a variety of topics, including the latest health, fitness, beauty, and lifestyle trends. His goal is to inform people of different ways they can improve their overall health, which aligns with Dherbs’ core values. He received his bachelor’s degree in creative writing from the University of Redlands, graduating summa cum laude. He lives in Los Angeles, CA.
