7+ natural remedies for dry feet that actually work

Sandals and flip-flops are typical footwear in the summer, and that means your feet are there for all the world to see. Unfortunately, summer almost always leaves your feet dry and cracked, as they are exposed to the harsh elements of the heat more often.
Are you aware of the home remedies that help alleviate dry, cracked feet? Check out our 7+ remedies below to soften, heal and beautify your troubled feet.
Advertisement
1. Petroleum jelly. One familiar solution is to apply petroleum jelly to your feet. Everyday Health says to apply the jelly at night before bed, and make sure you cover your feet with socks so the jelly doesn't get on your bedding.
2. Oatmeal bath. Oatmeal is an ideal emollient for moisturizing. Wash your feet in an oatmeal cleanser to help soothe cracked feet, according to Everyday Health. Make your own by soaking 1/4 cup steel cut oats in 3 cups boiled water for one to two hours. Strain the oats out and keep just the water. Add 1/4 cup liquid Castile soap, 1 teaspoon vitamin E oil and 2 teaspoons jojoba oil. Mix this thoroughly. Fill a foaming soap dispenser with 1 inch of soap. Fill it the rest of the way with water.
3. Cream or lotion. After every shower or bath, WebMD reminds you to put on a moisturizing cream or lotion. A recipe for cream combines 2 tablespoons coconut oil, 2 tablespoons of shea butter and 1 tablespoon of sweet almond oil. Microwave this for one to two minutes. Thoroughly mix it, and then let it cool to room temperature. Add 7 to 8 drops of peppermint oil, and then blend it all together.
4. Mineral oil. If you don't have any of the other items around, Medical News Today says you can apply mineral oil to your heals and cover your feet with socks. Do this at night to let the oil soak in.
5. Paraffin wax. Paraffin wax has often been used to help treat arthritis pain, but it's also a way to help soften and moisturize. Stylecraze mixes 1 tablespoon of wax with 2 to 3 drops of coconut oil. Melt the two together, let the mixture cool to room temperature and then apply to your feet overnight. Cover your feet with a pair of socks.
6. Honey. Honey is used to help heal skin problems, according to Healthline. Make a honey mask out of 1 cup honey, 1 to 2 tablespoons whole milk and the juice from half an orange. Apply the mask to your feet and let it sit for 45 minutes before rinsing. Do this twice a day until your feet are healed.
7. Listerine. To help exfoliate the dry, hard skin that can cause your feet to crack, Medical News Today recommends a Listerine soak. Combine 1/2 cup of Listerine, 1/2 cup vinegar, 2 to 3 tablespoons honey and 1 gallon of warm water. After you're done soaking, scrub your feet with a pumice stone to remove the hardened skin.
8. Coconut oil. Healthline says to apply coconut oil to your feet to help moisturize and heal. Make a coconut oil cream by combining 3/4 cup coconut oil, 1/2 cup shea butter and 15 drops of your favorite essential oil. Melt the oil and butter together in a double boiler on low. Blend them together and add the essential oil.
9. Gentle cleanser. In between treatments, Everyday Health reminds you to use a gentle cleanser.
Advertisement
Wear your sandals and have great-looking feet all summer long. Just be sure to periodically pamper yourself!
Resources
RemedyDaily.com does not give medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.