To get rid of cracked heels, you can utilize home remedies like a rice, honey and vinegar scrub, which can help remove dead skin cells and the rough skin layer. You can also make moisturizers, such as lemon and patchouli cream, which promote deep hydration of the skin and keep the skin smooth and supple.

Cracked heels can cause discomfort and affect anyone at any age, and are generally related to the frequent use of sandals or flip-flops, very hot baths, or low water intake during the day. They can also be related to a health condition, like diabetes.

A great way to improve cracked heels is to exfoliate 2 to 3 times a week, especially when there are already fissures, and to moisturize the feet every day. However, if cracked heels do not improve, you should consult a dermatologist for assessment and treatment.

1. Rice, honey and vinegar scrub

This rice, honey and vinegar scrub helps remove dead skin cells and also moisturizes the skin. However, you should only exfoliate the heels twice a week to avoid damaging the skin. This homemade exfoliant is perfect to use after showering and can replace the use of a foot file.

Ingredients

1 handful of raw rice, ground in a blender
1 spoon of honey
2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
1 spoon of olive oil

Directions

Mix all the ingredients together until you obtain a thick paste. Soak your feet in warm water for about 20 minutes and then massage them gently with the exfoliant. You can leave the exfoliant on your feet and then rinse off.

2. Cornmeal and peppermint scrub

The cornmeal and sea salt can remove tough, dry skin, while the peppermint oil refreshes the skin. The almond oil has moisturizing and nourishing properties.

Ingredients

45 g of fine corn flour
1 tablespoon of sea salt
1 teaspoon of almond oil
3 drops of peppermint essential oil

Directions

Mix everything in a bowl and add warm water to it to form a paste. Massage your feet with this paste, focusing on the roughest areas. Then rinse your feet with warm water and soap.

3. Cornmeal and almond oil scrub

This mixture is ideal for those who have very dry feet and already show some signs of cracking, as it allows the skin to be well hydrated. The cornmeal removes dead cells, to reduce thick skin.

Ingredients

3 tablespoons of cornmeal
4 tablespoons of sweet almond oil

Directions

Mix the ingredients together and then rub the mixture on the feet in circular movements, focusing more on the heels. After exfoliating, you should moisturize the feet very well with a foot cream and let it dry naturally.

4. Baking soda paste

Baking soda paste is an excellent home remedy to ensure deep hydration of the foot. It can eliminate dry skin and put an end to cracks that may appear on the heels.

Furthermore, the presence of sodium bicarbonate also prevents the emergence of infections on the foot, which are more prone to accumulate within cracks in the skin.

Ingredients

3 tablespoons of pork or lamb lard
3 tablespoons of moisturizing cream
1 tablespoon of baking soda

Directions

Combine the ingredients in a clean, dry glass jar and mix well until you obtain a homogeneous paste. This mixture can be kept in a glass jar for about 1 month, as long as it is stored in a cool place without direct sunlight. To use, simply apply this mixture to your feet after showering as a moisturizer.

Lard can be easily found at the butcher's, however, it can also be replaced with some type of moisturizing oil, such as sweet almond oil or glycerin.

5. Pineapple moisturizer

Pineapple is a fruit that is high in vitamins, water and antioxidants that are important for nourishing the skin. Its peel can be used as a natural way to hydrate the skin following exfoliation.

Ingredients

2 slices of pineapple peel

Directions

Cut the pineapple, removing the peel in large strips. After a bathing, or after soaking your feet, place a strip of pineapple skin around your heel and then put on a tight sock so that the pineapple skin doesn't move. Leave it on throughout the night. In the morning, wash your feet with warm water and repeat the procedure for 4 days in a row.

6. Garlic and corn oil moisturizer

A great home remedy for cracked heels is to apply a homemade moisturizing oil prepared with corn oil and garlic. This mixture, in addition to deeply hydrating the skin also eliminates bacteria that may be drying out the skin even more.

Ingredients

6 sliced garlic cloves
Half a glass of corn oil

Directions

Heat the ingredients in a bain-marie for about 10 minutes, stirring continuously with a wooden spoon. Then, let it cool down and apply the mixture to the cracked heels, twice a day. This solution can be used as a substitute for conventional moisturizing creams.

7. Lemon and patchouli cream

Lemon essential oil softens calluses, while patchouli essential oil treats cracked skin. The cocoa butter is great for moisturizing and nourishing the skin.

Ingredients

60 g of cocoa butter
10 drops of lemon essential oil
5 drops of patchouli essential oil

Directions

Place the cocoa butter in a pot, heat until it melts and then remove from heat and stir in the oils. Then, place the mixture in a clean, dry bottle and let it cool. Massage your feet with the cream before going to bed. To improve hydration, you can put on a pair of cotton socks before going to bed.