How to Heal Dry, Cracked Feet (Why It's Happening in the First Place)

Dry, cracked feet are one of life’s less glamorous side effects of getting older. Whether it's the environment, skin conditions, or just the natural progression of aging, the truth is that cracked heels can be uncomfortable and unsightly. But don’t fret— stay Serene! With the right treatment and a little TLC, you can get your feet feeling smooth and looking good as new. Let’s break down what’s going on and how to fix it.

Why Are My Feet So Dry and Cracked?

Dry feet occur when your skin loses moisture, also known as xerosis. Try saying that 10 times fast. Here’s why your feet might be getting dry and feeling less moisturized:

• Weather Woes: Both hot and cold weather can strip your skin of moisture. The dry air of winter, combined with heated indoor spaces, is a double whammy for your feet.
• Hot Water: Too many hot showers or baths can leave your skin feeling like the Sahara—dry, tight, and parched.
• Friction: Going barefoot or wearing poorly-fitting shoes creates pressure that leads to thickened skin, aka calluses, which can crack.
• Skin Conditions: Athletes’ foot, eczema, and psoriasis can lead to peeling and cracked skin on your feet, especially between your toes.
• Health Conditions: Diabetes, thyroid issues, and vitamin deficiencies can also make your feet more prone to cracking.

How to Treat Dry, Cracked Feet at Home

Good news: You don’t need to run to a spa or spend big bucks on treatments. Here are some simple, at-home fixes for dry, cracked feet:

1. Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize

The most important step in treating dry feet is to hydrate the skin. Apply a rich moisturizer twice a day—once after your bath and before bed. Look for products with these ingredients:

• Exfoliant to exfoliate rough skin texture.
• Shea Butter to create a moisture barrier.
• Urea for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

2. Exfoliate

Rough skin? No thanks. Regular exfoliation can remove the build-up of rough patches and prevent cracks from deepening. Here’s how:

• Pumice Stone: Gently scrub rough areas with a pumice stone or a loofah sponge to smooth things over.
• Foot Peels: For a more intense exfoliation, try a foot peel (plastic socks filled with exfoliating chemicals). After an hour of wearing them, dead skin will start peeling off in a few days. But caution: If you have sensitive skin, check the ingredients first.

Or you can skip the torture, and opt for sensitive-skin friendly, all natural foot care products like Serene.

3. Moisturizer and Cotton Socks

This classic remedy is like a spa treatment for your feet, minus the hefty price tag. Coat your feet with a thick layer of petroleum jelly, put on some cotton socks, and leave them on overnight. After a week, those tough calluses should soften, and you’ll be able to scrub them off with ease. 

4. Seal Cracks with Liquid Bandages

If your heels are cracked and painful, liquid bandages can act like a barrier. Apply to clean, dry cracks to seal them and prevent infection. It’ll help protect the skin while it heals. Make sure to consistently moisturize after the cracks heal to prevent more in future.

Preventing Dry, Cracked Feet

Once you’ve got your feet feeling better, it’s all about keeping them that way. Here are some simple prevention tips:

• Moisturize regularly: Make it a habit, just like brushing your teeth.
• Wear the right shoes: Shoes that fit properly and have enough cushioning can help prevent cracks from forming.
• Get regular pedicures: Treat yourself to a pedicure every now and then to keep dead skin and calluses at bay.
• Avoid going barefoot: Walking around without shoes can cause friction, leading to calluses and cracks.

When to See a Doctor

If your dry, cracked feet aren’t responding to at-home treatments, or if you suspect an underlying health issue, it might be time to see a healthcare provider. A podiatrist, dermatologist, or primary care doctor can help diagnose and treat more serious conditions, like:

• Infections: If you notice redness, swelling, or pus coming from the cracks in your skin, seek treatment right away. If you suspect the dryness could be due to a fungal foot infection or athlete's foot, we recommend a different course of action.
• Health Conditions: Diabetes, thyroid problems, or circulation issues can lead to persistent dry feet that need professional care.

Medical Treatments

If home remedies aren’t cutting it, medical treatments are available:

• Podiatrist: A podiatrist can help with painful, cracked heels by trimming away thick skin, recommending shoe changes, or even using cortisone injections for pain.
• Dermatologist: If you have a skin condition like eczema or psoriasis, a dermatologist may prescribe medicated creams.
• Topical Medications: Urea creams, salicylic acid, and AHA-based products can also be prescribed to help with skin regeneration.

In Conclusion

Don’t let cracked, dry feet slow you down! With a little at-home care, you can treat and prevent the issue. That's why we formulated Serene to solve your feet woes in one simple glass jar.