As we get ready to roll into summer, the number of lotion commercials on television seems to increase. Especially commercials for foot creams! According to the ads, we should hide our dry, cracked heels away now that “sandal weather” is here.
I’ve got some seriously dry and cracked heels. To be completely honest, if I could go barefoot all year, I would. That sure doesn’t help the state of my feet! But there are plenty of at-home remedies that can smooth over the rough edges and get your feet primped and pampered for “sandal weather”.
- Soak your feet to soften the hard, callused skin. Scrub with a pumice stone. I’ve had great success with using a pumice stone every other day or so in the shower. I scrub my feet last, so they get plenty of time to soak up some water and get soft.
- Always wear shoes that fit properly. Skip shoes that are too tight or too loose — the friction will only lead to more calluses.
- Use a moisturizing cream (rather than a lotion) on your feet twice a day. Always use a moisturizer after bathing.
- Apply a moisturizer before bed and slip into a pair of socks. If you’re anything like me, you’ll kick the socks off before morning, but it will help keep your feet moist.
It can be tempting to try to pare down the dry, dead skin of the callus on your own with a razor or scissors.
Try these skin-softening foot soaks:
- Steep a chamomile tea bag in a tub of comfortably warm water.
- Add a few drops of soothing peppermint essential oil to a basin of comfortably warm water.
- Squeeze a lemon (or use lemon juice) into a basin of comfortably warm water.
- Soak your feet in diluted pineapple juice. Yes, it sounds weird, but it will help soften the skin.
- Wrap a warm, wet towel around your feet for ten minutes.