Caring for dry, cracked heels: a simple evening routine with a natural balm
A simple four-step evening routine repairs dry, cracked heels. How to choose a balm, what else helps and when to see a doctor.
By AndrejaPublished 3 min read
Dry, rough and cracked heels are one of the most common problems people buy our balm for. The good news is that in most cases a simple evening routine puts things right, without expensive treatments. Here is how.
Why heels crack
The skin on the heels is the thickest on the body and carries your entire weight. When it dries out it loses its elasticity, so under pressure it cracks instead of stretching. The most common causes:
- standing and walking for long periods, especially on hard surfaces,
- open footwear in summer, which lets the heel “spread” and dry out,
- hot water, long showers and soaps that dry the skin,
- dry indoor air in winter from the heating,
- pressure and friction from unsuitable footwear,
- simple neglect: heels rarely get the same attention as hands and face.
Less often the cause is a health problem such as diabetes, a thyroid condition or a skin disease; more on that at the end of the article.
The four-step evening routine
The routine takes five minutes and works best in the evening, when your feet have the whole night to rest.
- Wash your feet in lukewarm water. Not hot. A mild soap, no long soaking. Dry carefully, including between the toes.
- Gently remove the thickened skin. Once or twice a week, not every day, with light strokes of a foot file or pumice stone, on dry or slightly damp skin. Never “scrape” down to living skin; aggressive removal only encourages new thickening.
- Apply the balm. A pea-sized amount for both feet, massaging the heels and feet for one to two minutes. The massage is part of the care: it stimulates circulation and helps the balm absorb.
- Put on cotton socks. That way the balm stays on your skin rather than on the bedding, and the skin is covered all night. This step visibly boosts the effect.
Most people notice the first results after a week or two. Once things have improved, applying the balm a few times a week is enough.
How to choose a heel balm
For dry, thickened skin on the feet, look for products with an oily base: oils and waxes that form a protective layer and lock in moisture. Light, water-based body creams are usually not enough for heels.
Our Reborn Foot Care balm is made on a base of cold-pressed olive oil and beeswax, with a small amount of bee venom added. We describe what bee venom in creams is and how it is collected without harming the bees in a separate article.
If you are allergic to bee products or bee stings, choose a balm without bee-derived ingredients.
What else helps
- Closed shoes with a soft insole instead of flip-flops on long walks.
- Cotton socks during the day, especially in summer.
- Enough fluids.
- Shorter, cooler showers.
- A humidifier during the heating season.
When to see a doctor
Home care is for dry, rough skin and shallow cracks. See a doctor or podiatrist if:
- the cracks are deep, bleed or hurt when you walk,
- redness, swelling, warmth or pus appears,
- you have diabetes or circulation problems — in that case check your feet regularly and do not experiment,
- the condition does not respond to a few weeks of regular care.
Conclusion
Lukewarm water, gentle removal of thickened skin, an oily balm with a massage and cotton socks overnight. Five minutes in the evening, two weeks, and your heels will look different. For the part of the routine that depends on the balm, Reborn Foot Care is our answer.
Questions and answers
Why do heels crack?
Heels crack when the skin on them thickens and dries out, so under the pressure of body weight it loses its elasticity. The most common causes are standing for long periods, open footwear, dry air, hot water, drying soaps and neglecting to care for them.
How often should I apply balm to my heels?
Heel balm is best applied every evening to clean, dry skin, with a gentle massage. Most people notice the first results after one to two weeks of regular care.
Should I wear socks after applying the balm?
Yes, cotton socks over the balm stop the oily base rubbing off on the bedding and keep the skin covered through the night. It is a simple trick that visibly boosts the effect of any balm.
When should I see a doctor about cracked heels?
See a doctor or podiatrist if the cracks are deep, bleed or hurt when you walk, if redness, pus or warmth appears, and always if you have diabetes or circulation problems, because home care is not enough in those cases.
