It’s time to unzip those winter booties and show a little heel in your favorite open-toe shoes. Haven’t looked down at your heels in a while? Time to assess the current situation.
As you peel off the fuzzy socks that kept you warm during winter, you may notice extreme dryness under your foot, which can become problematic when neglected. If a season filled with slides and strappy sandals is an integral part of your hot girl summer, read these immediate remedies for cracked and calloused heels. Plus, find long-term tips for keeping skin smooth and healthy.
Quick Fix #1: Soak, exfoliate, moisturize
If a surprise beach trip or day at the pool has you scrambling to smooth cracked heels and calluses, take a deep breath and start with a soak. Fill your tub, basin, or foot spa with warm water and a hydrating bath oil. Soak for 20 minutes to soften dead skin and prepare for exfoliation.
With a wet loofah or pumice stone, scrub your heels and other dry areas using circular motions while applying light pressure. Gently exfoliate for up to five minutes, rinse, and repeat until you’ve removed most of the dryness. A special note regarding calluses: do not try to remove them in one sitting, as scouring your feet can eliminate too much skin and cause bleeding and possible infection. This tough skin is best served with regular exfoliation and moisturizing to slowly remove (more info on how to camouflage these below).
No exfoliation tools? No problem! A body scrub (even facial scrub!) can help freshen up your soles, especially if you need quick relief. Pat dry and follow with an ultra nourishing, non-slip moisturizer, like Sol de Janeiro’s Samba Foot Fetish Cream, which contains the dry skin savior, coconut oil.
Long-term health tip: Exfoliate your feet 1-3 times per week. Whether it’s a dry scrub with a foot smoothing board, full-on soak, or quick scrub with a pumice stone after showering, staying on top of heel health will keep your feet smooth and ever-ready for open-toe shoes.
Quick Fix #2: 10-minute treatment
As you’re getting ready to leave for summer excursions, slather on a balm formulated with healing ingredients to nourish and protect moisture-seeking heels. Focus on formulas with a high concentration of coconut oil and other fatty acids, like The Beauty Chef’s Flora Fix Balm. If you’re not currently stocked up on balm, simply apply a body cream or petroleum jelly. The goal is to saturate your feet with a thick wave of moisture, then apply a pair of cotton socks to seal it in. Leave that on for at least 10 minutes. If you have extra time to spare, exfoliate as per Quick Fix #1, then treat with the balm.
After 10 minutes, remove your socks, massage in the excess balm, and pat your feet dry. You’ll notice that your feet feel softer and appear more hydrated (because they are!). Before you slip on your sandals and head out, pop a bottle of jojoba-infused body oil into your bag to refresh and rehydrate your heels on the go.
Long-term health tip: This 10-minute treatment isn’t just for those panicked, I-need-heel-help moments. In fact, you can extend treatment time by applying your balm and wearing socks overnight or simply wearing them when you’re working from home or lounging around the house. This will continue to heal parched skin, keep the area protected, and strengthen heels in preparation for environmental exposure throughout summertime.
In addition, invest in a foot cream that treats feet day and night. Lord Jones x Tamara Mellon High CBD Formula Stiletto Cream contains cocoa butter, shea butter, olive oil, and more to keep heels smooth, as well as ease any discomfort after a long day wearing heels.
Quick Fix #3: Makeup
Foundation has the power to vanish inflamed acne, signs of aging, and more. It can also help hide calluses. First, moisturize the area, then with a foundation stick, dot a small amount on top and pat to blend it in. Additionally, you can apply your current foundation with a damp makeup sponge to do the trick.
Long-term health tip: Check your shoes! Calluses (or the thickening of skin) surface when there’s unnecessary friction and pressure on the feet. Common causes stem from ill-fitting footwear (sandals are one of the main culprits), misalignment of feet, and poor balance. Make sure to schedule regular visits with a podiatrist for proper care, especially during the summer months!
