How to Get Soft Feet in the Winter

Soft feet are healthy feet.

The winter cold draws the moisture not only out of the air, but out of your skin. This can leave your skin dry and itchy, even peeling and cracked areas on elbows and the feet. This dryness makes the sensitive skin on the feet rough, but they can be softened with a little bit of care. Just because the winter air is dry does not mean your skin has to be.

Things You'll Need

• Foot bath
• Warm water
• Lavender essential oil
• Olive oil
• Lotion with shea butter
• White cotton socks

Instructions

1. Fill a foot bath with warm water and a few drops of lavender essential oil. Lavender relieves itch, so it can help soothe itchy dry feet, allowing them to heal and be soft again. Soak feet in the tub of water for 10 to 15 minutes, making sure to remove them before they start getting wrinkled.

2. Before drying them off, rub some olive oil onto them. The warm water on the feet will help the skin better absorb the oil, according to "The Body Shop Body Care Manual." Rub in the oil until it is fully absorbed into the skin. Olive oil is extremely hydrating, which is why it is one of the best choices in natural oils.

3. Massage the feet with a body lotion that contains shea butter, which is also very moisturizing. Put on a thick amount of it, so that it is not immediately absorbed into the skin. Then place a pair of clean white cotton socks on and wear these overnight.

4. Remove socks in the morning to reveal itch-free, soft and healthy feet. Repeat this foot care regimen anytime your feet feel dry or rough.

References

• "The Body Book"; Anne Akers Johnson; 2001
• "The Body Shop Body Care Manual";Mona Behan; 2003
• "Aromatherapy"; Kathi Keville; 2009