With summer just around the corner, many of us are gearing up to show off our sandals and other summer-appropriate footwear. Unfortunately, for those of us that suffer from dry and cracked feet, this often means feeling embarrassed about our feet and not wanting anyone to see them. If the problem persists, it can even be painful.
Fortunately, there are plenty of at-home treatments for dry and cracked feet that can help alleviate and even eliminate the problem completely.
Here is a list of the 10 best at-home treatments for dry and cracked feet:
1. Soaking in Warm Salt Water
The antibacterial qualities of salt can help remove any bacteria from the skin’s surface, while the warm water helps to soften and hydrate the skin. To do this, fill a bowl with warm water and add one cup of salt. Soak your feet in this solution for at least 15 minutes twice a day.
2. Exfoliating
Exfoliating the feet helps to remove any dead skin cells, thus encouraging new cell growth and helping to keep the skin hydrated. Create a mixture of one cup of brown sugar, one tablespoon of olive oil, and one tablespoon of honey.
Massage the paste firmly onto the feet, paying special attention to any rough or dry areas. Rinse off with warm water and pat your skin dry.
3. Moisturize
Moisturizing the feet is an essential step to relieving them of their dryness and cracking. Apply an oil or cream-based moisturizer generously to the feet and massage it in a circular motion to ensure maximum absorption. Pay particular attention to any overly dry patches or areas that are prone to cracking.
4. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is a natural moisturizer that can help to restore lost moisture to the feet and help to alleviate the dryness and cracking. Massage the oil into the feet for two to three minutes on a daily basis for best results.
5. Cucumber Slices
The antioxidants in cucumbers help to nourish the skin and keep it hydrated, thus reducing the cracked, dry appearance of the feet. Slice several cucumbers and apply them directly to the feet before putting them up in a pair of socks.
Leave the socks on overnight, and rinse off the cucumber juice with warm water in the morning.
6. Honey
Honey is another natural ingredient known for its hydrating and healing properties. To use it, mix one tablespoon of honey with one tablespoon of olive oil. Massage the mixture into the feet and allow it to sit for 15 minutes before rinsing off with warm water.
7. Lemon Juice
Lemon juice has natural bleaching properties which help to lighten dark spots and discolorations on the feet. To use it, combine the juice from one lemon with one cup of warm water. Soak your feet in the mixture and allow it to sit for five minutes before rinsing it off with warm water.
8. Pumice Stone
Using a pumice stone is a great way to remove any dead skin cells and soften the feet. Wet the stone and gently scrub the feet in circular motions for several minutes. Do this once or twice a week for best results.
9. Baking Soda
Baking soda is a natural exfoliator that can help to gently remove excess dry skin from the feet and leave them feeling soft and smooth. Create a mixture of one part baking soda with two parts warm water and apply it directly to the feet. Let it sit for 10 minutes before rinsing off with warm water.
10. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has antibacterial properties which help to fight any foot infections that could be causing the dryness and cracking. Soak the feet in a mixture of one cup of apple cider vinegar and two cups of warm water for at least 10 minutes. Rinse off with warm water and pat the skin dry.
By following these tips, you can say goodbye to those dry and cracked feet and instead, show them off with confidence. Make sure to include these treatments in your daily routine to achieve the best possible results.
