Cracked heels are extremely common and you don’t have to feel self-conscious about them. In fact, you can easily remedy them with a variety of natural ingredients, like the ones in the foot scrub in this article. Containing Epsom salt, coconut oil, and tea tree oil, this wonderful foot scrub will have you wearing flip-flops with confidence in no time.
What Causes Cracked Heels?
Open-toed shoes and dry air are not solely responsible for cracked heels. More often than not, cracked heels stem from other skin conditions or health problems, including vitamin deficiency, thyroid problems, and weight management issues. But…the dry or cracked nature of your heels is not permanent. Using the foot scrub in this article can help, but you may want to consider a diet rich in zinc, calcium, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin E to maintain healthy skin.
Epsom Salt For Cracked Heels
Some people like to soak their feet in an Epsom salt foot bath, and others like to exfoliate with Epsom salt. If you have dry or cracked heels, exfoliate with Epsom salt by gently massaging it onto your feet. The great thing about Epsom salt is that it is readily available, inexpensive, and it isn’t too abrasive for your skin.
Coconut Oil For Cracked Heels
Many people experience cracked or dry heels because they lack moisture. Often times, you can attribute this to being in a mild state of dehydration. You need to drink more water to hydrate the body, but you can apply coconut oil to your heels for optimal hydration. Coconut oil is a natural balm that helps to strengthen the tissues within the cracks, and it helps your skin retain moisture. You can always apply coconut oil to your heels before bed, put socks on, and let the moisturizing happen throughout the night.
Tea Tree Oil For Cracked Heels
The cracks in your heels make you more susceptible to bacterial infection. In order to keep bacteria at bay, start using tea tree oil, which has antiseptic properties. Tea Tree oil contains beneficial fatty acids, anti-inflammatory properties, and antiseptic properties that work to keep your heels healthy. Make sure that you apply tea tree oil with some sort of carrier oil, like coconut oil, because using it by itself can be harsh for sensitive skin.
DIY Foot Scrub
Ingredients:
- 2 cups Epsom salt
- 1 cup coconut oil
- 30 drops tea tree oil
Instructions:
- Melt the coconut oil in a pan or in a medium-sized heat-safe bowl in the microwave. Once it is melted, mix in the Epsom salt.
- Once you have thoroughly mixed the coconut oil and Epsom salt, add the tea tree oil and stir to combine.
- Pour into separate jars and store in a cool dry place. Use as needed.
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.