How to Get Rid of Cracked Heels with Mineral Oil

Soak your feet before exfoliating your heels.

Scaly, cracked heels can be painful and embarrassing, especially during sandal season. Lack of moisture, enclosed footwear and daily wear and tear leaves your heels dry, flaky and unattractive. Avoid cracked heels by keeping your feet moisturized and hydrated, but first, heal your heels with an evening routine that features natural substances.

Things You'll Need

• 1 cup Epsom salt
• Plastic tub
• Loofah or pumice stone
• Towel
• Mineral oil
• Soft cotton socks

Instructions

1. Pour 1 cup of Epsom salt into a plastic tub large enough for your feet to fit in.

2. Fill the tub with enough warm water to cover your feet entirely. Soak your feet for 10 minutes.

3. Remove your feet from the tub. The skin on the heels should feel soft and should look lighter and prune-like.

4. Rub your heels gently with the pumice stone or loofah to remove the dead skin. Don't worry about getting too much skin off in this step. Just try to remove the surface layers of dead skin from the heels.

5. Pat your feet dry with the towel. Do not rub.

6. Rub a generous amount of mineral oil to your damp heels. Be sure to cover the entire area, including inside the cracks.

7. Cover your feet with pair of soft cotton socks and wear them overnight.

8. Repeat the process every other night for one to two weeks.

Tips & Warnings

• For an ultra moisturizing treatment, rub vegetable shortening or raw honey on cracked heels and cover with socks. Wear overnight.

References

• “Cosmetic Dermatology: Products and Procedures”; Zoe Diana Draelos; 2010
• “How to Never Look Fat Again”; Charla Krupp; 2010
• Epsom Salt Council: Health Usage Tips