Cracked heels are triggered in winter due to lesser oil secretion and dry climate. When you're out in the cold, your body loses more heat from its extremities than it usually would during summer. Because of this, your blood vessels constrict, which leads to more capillary damage and dryness of skin tissue. As a thumb rule, you must set a skincare regime for your feet. Try a homemade pedicure session that involves scrubbing and moisturizing. End the process by massaging your feet with chemical-free oils like Dr Foot's Cracked Heel Repair Oil. It contains Lavender and Eucalyptus essential oil that traps locks in moisture and stimulates healing.  

Home remedies for cracked heels: 

1) Glycerin foot soak: 

Ingredients: 

• 1 tsp salt 
• 2 tsp glycerin 
• 2 tsp rosewater 
• Pumice stone 

Process: 

• Fill the basin with warm water and add salt, glycerin, and rose water to it.  
• Soak your feet for at least 15-20 minutes 
• Scrub your heels with the pumice stone. Try to use the stone gently and in a circular motion. Avoid injured or sore areas while scrubbing.  
• After drying, mix 1 tsp glycerin and rose water and massage your cracked heels for 5 minutes.  
• Wear a pair of socks and leave it overnight.  
• Wash with warm water in the morning.  

Benefits: 

• Antioxidants in rose water prevent cell damage. 
• Anti-inflammatory ingredients prevent dry and irritated skin. 
• Glycerin, a natural humectant, locks moisture on the skin. 

How often can you do this? 

Regularly, especially in winter. 

2) Vegetable oil treatment: 

Your regular vegetable oil in the kitchen can be an excellent home remedy for cracked heels.  

Ingredients: 

• 2 tsp vegetable oil 

Process: 

• Wash your feet and dry with a clean towel.  
• Apply a layer of vegetable oil on the cracked feet.  
• Massage your heels in a circular motion for 5 minutes.  
• Wear a pair of socks and leave them overnight. 
• Wash with feet with water in the morning.  

Benefits: 

• It has emollient properties that deeply nourish your skin. 
• It has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory property that promotes wound healing.  
• Natural building block for healthy skin 

How often should you do this? 

Daily before going to bed 

3) Avocado foot mask: 

This foot mask offers an array of benefits for your skin. It's high in potassium and soothes your skin inside out.  

Ingredients: 

• 1 ripe banana 
• 1/2 avocado 

Process: 

• Take a fork and mash the banana and avocado.  
• Apply the thick and creamy paste on your foot crack.  
• Keep it for 15-20 minutes and wash it off with lukewarm water. 

Benefits: 

• Banana, a natural moisturizer, treats cracked heels naturally. 
• Avocado contains Vitamin A, E, and omega fatty acids, promote wound healing. 
• Prevents skin from further damage  
• Stimulates cell regeneration 
• Boost collagen production and skin elasticity 

How often should you do this? 

Daily until the condition gets better 

4) Petroleum jelly: 

Petroleum jelly is one of the instant solutions for foot cracks in winter. Though some people use it on the lips, ensure to use it in moderation; otherwise, it can darken your skin. 

Ingredients: 

• 1 tsp petroleum jelly 
• Pumice stone  
• Moisturizer 

Process: 

• Soak your feet in warm water for 15-20 minutes. 
• Scrub the dry skin with a pumice stone.  
• Pat your feet dry. 
• Apply moisturizer to the affected areas. 
• Massage your feet with petroleum jelly. 
• Wear a pair of socks overnight. 

Benefits: 

• Restores moisture on the heels 
• Reduces water loss and keeps your skin hydrated 
• Woollen socks trap body heat and increase the effectiveness of the mixture.  

How often should you do this? 

Daily before going to bed 

5) Paraffin wax remedy: 

Paraffin wax is a colourless, soft, solid substance made from saturated hydrocarbons. It's often used for skin softening and luxurious spa treatments.  

Caution:  

• Don't dip your feet when the wax is hot. 
• Avoid this remedy if you are a diabetic patient.  

Ingredients: 

• 1 tsp paraffin wax 
• 2 tsp coconut oil 
• A few drops of essential oils (according to your preference) 

Process: 

• Mix the wax with coconut oil. 
• Mix a few drops of essential oils to enhance the experience. (Recommended: Peppermint, Lemon, Lavender, Eucalyptus, Tea Tree) 
• Allow the mixture to cool down to room temperature.  
• Apply the mixture before bed, and wear a pair of socks.  

Benefits: 

• A natural emollient 

How often should you do this? 

1-2 times a week 

6) Rice flour: 

Ingredients: 

• 2-3 tsp ground rice 
• 1 tsp honey 

• 3-4 drops of apple cider vinegar 

Process: 

• Blend the ingredients together and turn it into a thick paste.  
• Add a few drops of olive oil and sweet almond oil (if you have extremely cracked heels) 
• Soak your feet in warm water for 10 minutes.  

• Gently scrub the paste on your heels to remove dead cells.  

Benefits: 

• Natural exfoliator and purifier 
• Cleanse dirt from the cracks 

How often should you do this? 

Twice a week 

7) Shea Butter: 

Ingredients: 

• 1-2 tsp organic shea butter 

Process: 

• Soak your feet with warm water and pat them to dry.  
• Apply raw shea butter on the foot cracks and massage with gentle hands.  
• Keep the socks on overnight.  

Benefits: 

• Hydrates and moisturizes your skin 
• Promotes wound healing 
• Presence of Vitamin A and E prevent dryness 

How often should you do this? 

Repeat throughout the season