If you like to wear sandals during the summer or run around without socks on while wearing shoes, then you probably battle with cracked feet. You know that they're unsightly, but what can you do about it?
Would you believe that what you need to heal your feet can be found right in your kitchen? Some basic, everyday cooking items can be combined to make great moisturizers. Check out the 6 ways you can treat your cracked feet from home.
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1. Moisturize. To keep the skin on your feet from cracking, Medical News Today says to be sure you moisturize them. Coconut oil and shea butter are great moisturizers, so Home Remedies for Life combines in a double boiler 3 tablespoons of beeswax, 1/4 cup coconut oil and 1/4 cup shea butter. Melt these together over medium heat, stirring until they are thoroughly mixed. Once mixed, remove the pan from the heat and let it cool to room temperature. Then put the ingredients in the blender and add 10 drops of oregano essential oil and 10 drops of peppermint essential oil. Mix them and then put it in a jar. Apply this cream to your feet once a day.
2. Petroleum jelly. At night, Medical News Today recommends applying petroleum jelly to help lock in moisture. Be sure to cover your feet at night to help keep the jelly in place.
3. Cotton. Medical News Today says to use cotton socks to cover your feet. They're great for putting on if you use petroleum jelly at night or when wearing shoes. Cotton is best because they allow your feet to breathe and don't trap the sweat in.
4. Honey. Great for healing and moisturizing, Healthline says you can apply honey to both heal cracks and moisturize and act as a preventative. Home Remedies for Life makes a honey mask for feet from 1 cup honey, 2 tablespoons warm whole milk and the juice of 1/2 an orange. Mix these together thoroughly. Apply the mask to your feet for 45 minutes and then rinse it off. Apply a moisturizer when you're finished.
5. Bananas. Healthline points out that bananas are good for more than smoothies and snacks. They make a great moisturizer for your feet. YouTube shares how to make a banana mask for your feet. Take 1 ripe banana and mash it up into a paste. Apply it to your feet for 10 to 15 minutes. Wash it off with warm water and then soak your feet in cold water for five to 10 minutes. Do this daily until your feet are healed. Be sure to apply a regular moisturizer when you're done.
6. Exfoliate. Removing dead skin cells from the surface of your skin is important to helping your feet absorb the moisturizer. Healthline recommends using a pumice stone on your feet to remove callouses and layers of dead skin. Be sure to soak your feet in warm water first to soften the extra skin.
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Bye-bye, cracked feet! Hello, sandals and baby-soft skin. By taking care of your skin, you may be able to heal your feet and keep them looking nice all summer long.