Besides using castor oil for cracked heels, this article will guide you to a care routine and other home remedies to treat your cracked heels.
What Leads to Cracked Heels
Did you know that the skin around the heels could cause pain to some people? Cracked heels are quite a common problem for the feet. A significant portion of the population suffers from cracked heels during the cold, winter months. Some could also face this problem all year round!
While it is not a severe issue for most people, some people end up suffering from it, and hence, there needs to be a solution to this problem!
There are tons of reasons why people suffer from dry, cracked heels. Our feet are solely responsible for holding our body and hence, suffer a tremendous amount of pressure. Once the weight and pressure are applied to our heals and feet, our skin starts to expand outwards, and if our skin ends up being dry, it is more prone to cracking.
Dry, cracked heels can occur due to a plethora of reasons. These may include severe health concerns like diabetes, obesity, eczema, hypothyroidism, infections such as athlete’s foot, or general issues like standing for long periods, wearing poorly fitted shoes, or biomechanical factors such as flat feet, heel spurs, and the weather as well!
How Castor Oil can Help you with Cracked Heels
Castor oil is a robust solution to get rid of dry, cracked heels. Castor seed oil contains essential fatty acids, which are considered to be monounsaturated fat. Monounsaturated fats are used in almost all beauty products because they help to maintain a certain level of moisture in the skin, making it soft and lubricated at all times.
During the winter months, the skin can get quite rough and dry. Castor oil has been used for years to soothe and heal the skin on foot. It also helps improve the root cause of the drying skin by improving blood circulation and imparting more moisture to the skin. This oil is also a powerful anti-inflammatory ingredient that helps eliminate red and itchy skin, making it an effective natural remedy for treating skin problems like eczema and psoriasis. The ingredient’s incredible ability to hydrate the skin makes it an ideal solution or treatment for cracked heels.
In addition to these properties, castor oil is extremely rich in vitamins and is packed with all the essential nutrients to hydrate and moisturize the skin. To use this oil for cracked heels or dry skin, rub a few drops of it on your feet, wear a nice pair of breathable cotton socks and leave it on overnight. You will notice softer and smoother skin the next morning.
How to Use Castor Oil for Cracked Heels
- Wash your feet properly before the application of castor oil.
- Then, exfoliate your heels with a pumice stone or a mild scrub.
- After that, apply a tablespoon of castor oil on your feet and massage well till the skin soaks up the oil.
- Finally, wear a pair of breathable socks and leave overnight.
- For best results, follow this treatment method every night before you get the desired result.
Other Home Remedies for Cracked Heels
Besides castor oil, tons of other remedies can help you to cure cracked heels.
1. Honey
This kitchen ingredient works as an excellent remedy for cracked heels. It can also help with cleaning wounds (if any on the feet) and moisturizing the skin. You can also use honey as a foot scrub. Furthermore, it is also an excellent overnight foot mask that can leave your feet smoother, softer, and brighter.
2. Coconut Oil
Another remedy that is an ideal solution for almost all problems is coconut oil. Coconut oil is a solution recommended for dry skin as it helps retain the moisture of the skin. Moreover, it creates a healthy barrier on the skin that helps maintain the moisture. It also has anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties that can help heal your cracked heels quickly.
3. Rose Water
The soothing and calming properties of the rose water can help soothe irritated and inflamed skin, making it smoother. In addition to that, the hydrating properties of the water can help make your feet softer, eventually treating the cracked heels.
4. Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera gel is known for its healing properties. These properties not only helps in eliminating the cracked heels, but they also help in keeping your feet soft and moisturized. The rich content of amino acids present in the gel also helps in keeping your feet smooth.
5. Olive Oil
Olive oil is a thick carrier oil that can easily help moisturize and nourish your skin. It is also an effective home remedy to treat cracked heels. The Omega 3 & 6 fatty acids in the oil nourish the skin and penetrate the skin deeply to keep them moisturized and soft for a long time. In addition to that, the anti-oxidant properties of the oil keep your skin healthy.
6. Epsom Salt
This relaxing salt helps you exfoliate your feet effortlessly. Once the dead skin is removed, the salt’s healing properties help treat your feet and make them softer.
7. Mashed Bananas and Avocados
Where mashed bananas help moisturize and cure your heels, the rich content of vitamins present in avocados accelerates the healing process! Besides, the rich nutrient profile of both the natural ingredients repairs damaged skin and nourishes your feet.
8. Vitamin E Oil
The highly absorbent and thick oil is amongst the best treatments for cracked heels. Application of vitamin E oil on your feet, followed by a good massage every night, can help you treat and prevent cracked heels as well.
9. Petroleum Jelly
The most used home remedy for cracked heels, petroleum jelly, forms a protective layer on your feet that locks in the moisture and softens your feet. As it keeps your feet from getting dry, it prevents cracked heels.
10. Shea Butter
The high content of Vitamin E and A in shea butter is extremely beneficial in treating cracked heels. Not only do they heal the dry skin and heels, but they also keep the skin soft and moisturized.
11. Milk
The lactic acid of the milk gently exfoliates the skin. In addition to removing the dead skin from your feet, it also helps moisturize your feet.
Along with all these remedies, tons of heel balms and thick moisturizers are also available in the market that helps moisturize, soften, and exfoliate the dead skin. Additionally, one must soak and exfoliate their feet regularly to maintain the level of moisture and comfort at all times.
Care Routine for Heels and Feet
- Wash your feet and soak them in lukewarm water for ten to fifteen minutes. You can also add Epsom salt and essential oils to this foot bath.
- Then, use a mild scrub or a pumice stone to remove the dead skin from your feet and heels. You can also use coffee as a natural exfoliator.
- After that, massage your feet with a moisturizing medium.
- Finally, wear a pair of breathable socks and keep them overnight.
Takeaway
Cracked heels can be a real nuisance, but always remember to take care of yourself, so you don’t face bigger issues like cracked and bleeding heels later. Self-pampering or caring should be a regular and consistent process to avoid problems like cracked heels and dry skin. However, if you are still facing such an issue, use these remedies regularly, and over time, you will be able to achieve soft and smooth feet!
