Cracked Heels: Why They Happen and How to Soften Them
Why do heels crack, and how do you care for them at home? A rich oil-based heel cream and practical tips.
When summer comes and we bring out the sandals, heels are the first thing most of us notice: hardened, rough, maybe with small cracks. In fact, heel cracks can happen any time of year, and usually there's one cause: dryness. The good news is that with the right care, this can be softened considerably.
Why do heels crack?
The heel is one of the thickest-skinned, most load-bearing parts of the body. Walking and standing, your whole weight presses there. When the skin dries and loses elasticity, it can't stretch under that pressure and starts to crack. Usually a few things combine:
- Skin being dry and not moisturized enough
- Frequent use of open-back slippers and sandals
- Standing for long periods, walking on hard floors
- Cold, dry air
- Neglected care, walking barefoot a lot
The army of oils in the heel cream
Our Moisturizing Heel Cream is practically a collection of oils: hemp seed, sesame, shea butter, flaxseed, macadamia, pumpkin seed, olive, sunflower, avocado, and orange peel oil together. Each does a different job. Shea builds a thick protective layer, olive and avocado moisturize deeply, sesame and sunflower ease absorption, and orange peel adds a pleasant freshness and natural scent. On a stubborn area like the heel, a single oil won't do; you need a division of labor.
Step-by-step heel care
- Soak your feet in warm water for a few minutes to soften them.
- Gently smooth hardened skin, careful not to over-file, which can harm the skin.
- After drying your feet, apply plenty of heel cream.
- Pull on cotton socks and sleep so the cream works all night.
- Most important: do it regularly. Consistency, not one-off care, makes the difference.
Don't get too enthusiastic with filing
Cleaning away hardened skin is part of care, true. But aggressive filing thins and sensitizes the skin, causing more problems long-term. Use a pumice or file gently, when the skin is softened. Once or twice a week of measured smoothing is usually enough. And always follow with cream, or the skin dries again.
Summer and winter, different troubles
In summer, open shoes leave heels exposed to dust, sun, and friction. In winter, thick socks and closed shoes cause sweating, which upsets the skin's balance. So whatever the season, keep the care going. After the beach or pool, rinsing and moisturizing your feet offsets the drying effect of salt and chlorine.
Support from the inside
Skin's elasticity isn't just about the cream you apply; it's tied to your general condition. Drinking enough water and eating a balanced diet support the skin's moisture balance from within.
A note: if cracks deepen, or there's pain, bleeding, or inflammation, or if you have a condition affecting circulation like diabetes, see a specialist. Otherwise, with regular care and a few simple habits, smooth heels are possible year-round. You can get our heel cream from our shop.
