Coconut Oil For Cracked Heels: How to Help Cracking Heels with Natural Coconut Oil

As summer approaches us we always aim to get into the best shape of our life, from head to toe – quite literally. We are all guilty of taking a step back during winter and then hitting that hard-pace dieting and tanning in time to put on a bikini.

However, when it comes to self-care, this doesn’t always mean hitting the gym and topping up our tan. Summer is the time for not only showing off our bodies, but it is officially sandal season. We invest in manicures and pedicures, but do these really make much difference if we don’t feel confident with our feet?

Dry feet and cracked heels are problems that more of us face than you might think. Cracked heels can be caused by a number of reasons, but it doesn’t make them any easier to deal with or to feel confident in having. 

Looking after our feet is something most of us pay little attention to, when really they are the part of our body that carry us every day and go through the most amount of work. If anything, our feet deserve a little bit of TLC more than any other part of our body.

I am going to talk you through one of the easiest ways to not only tackle those cracked heels, but to help keep your feet happy and healthy with minimum effort. By the end of this article you won’t only feel more confident with every step,, but you’ll be searching for some new sandals so you can flaunt those feet!

Why do I have cracked heels?

If you suffer from cracked heels, this could be down to a number of reasons.

Cracked heels typically come from putting too much pressure on your feet without the right footwear. People who walk or run a lot, or tend to partake in plenty of exercise, are most prone to cracked heels due to the extra pressure your feet are going through during exercise.

Wearing open footwear, such as sandals, can also cause cracked heels. People who wear sandals and high heels a lot can suffer from cracked heels due to the pressure on your feet without the protection of a thick sole. Your feet begin to develop their own tolerance to the ground by developing thicker skin on the soles which can often become hard and cracked.

On top of this, having typically cold and dry skin can cause cracked heels. People with naturally cold and dry skin do not retain as much moisture. Similar to your face, if this is something you suffer from then you need to add that extra care to keep your skin hydrated and moisturized.

Finally, using harsh soaps on your feet can dry out the skin and cause your heels to crack. It is important to use the correct products not only on your face and body, but also on your feet. This little bit of extra care can help keep your feet healthy and hydrated and prevent any skin from cracking.

Which oil is best for cracked heels?

One of the best ways to keep your feet healthy and moisturized is to use an oil on them. Oils help to keep the skin fresh and remove any dead skin from the surface. Further to this, any form of moisturzing helps to circulate blood which increases skin cell turnover, helping to keep the skin surface smooth and nourished.

Whilst many oils help with this, one of the most effective methods is using coconut oil for feet. Coconut has many small molecules which make it a fantastic form of moisturizer. Not only does it penetrate deeply into the skin, but it is also absorbed quickly making it ideal for those of you who are quick on the move and looking for a simple solution to those cracked heels. 

Coconut contains lots of nutrients that help moisturize the skin but also protect it from further harm. Coconut oil is not only fantastic for your feet, but is a natural product that can be used all over your body and even has benefits when used as a hair mask. This means you really get the most out of one tub of coconut oil for feet, but also anything else you may need extra moisture for!

Using Coconut Oil For Dry Cracked Heels

Using coconut oil for cracked hurt bleeding heels is simple, quick, and effective. You can simply purchase a tub of coconut oil, for a very reasonable price, and apply it straight to your feet. Just scoop out enough to apply a thin layer over your heels, and ideally the rest of your feet as they need moisture too. Gently rub it in using a circular motion and allow it to soak in before applying any socks or shoes. This will let it work its magic without risking rubbing any of it off.

Alternatively, you can create a natural remedy for cracked heels using coconut oil and lemon juice. 

Start by filling a foot soak tub with hot water and mix in ½ cup of liquid castile soap, ¼ cup lemon juice, 1tbs coconut oil, and ¼ cup Epsom salts. Stir the ingredients and allows the salts to dissolve in.

Soak your feet for around 15 minutes and then use a pumice stone to scrub your heels and remove the excess skin. The soak will help to soften the skin on your heels and allow you to gently remove it.

Pat your feet dry with a towel, and for extra results you can finish by then moisturizing some more coconut oil into your feet using the above method. This creates a homemade coconut oil foot rub for cracked heels that yu can use daily to help maintain your feet.

Repeat the soak whenever your feet begin to look or feel particularly dry. Using coconut oil as a foot moisturizer on a regular basis will help prevent you having to do a full on soak as often.

Coconut oil wrap for cracked heels

Instead of performing a soak for your feet, you can create a homemade coconut oil wrap for cracked heels which can be equally effective.

It is best to make time for a coconut oil foot wrap before bed, as you can leave it on overnight which allows a longer period of time for the wrap to work.

Begin by coating your feet in coconut oil and gently moisturizing it in. Next using plastic wrap or cling film to cover your feet so that no air can get in. This helps keep the coconut oil moist and prevents it from drying out before your feet have had a chance to absorb it.

Finally, put on a pair of thick socks and you’re done! You will be able to see and feel a difference within just one night.

You may need to repeat this for a couple of nights, particularly if your feet are being exposed to the ground or lots of exercise and hard work during the day. Similar to the soak, using a pumice stone will help speed up the process by removing any excess dry or hard skin.

This process is extremely nourishing and satisfying and will help to smooth any discomfort being caused by your cracked heels.

Again, applying some more coconut oil after the process and then upkeep this as a regular habit will help to keep your feet healthy and smooth without the need for a deeper treatment. 

Is coconut oil good for cracked heels?

Overall, using coconut oil in any method is excellent for cracked heels or dry feet. Not only can it be used for your feet, but coconut oil has many uses, meaning you really get your money’s worth.

For best results, you can use coconut oil in a foot soak. Pat your feet dry and you can then go on to use a foot wrap overnight. These methods will help provide a deeper treatment, but for regular upkeep you can simply rub some coconut oil into your feet before bed on a daily basis and this will help to keep your heels looking soft and smooth.

Combining coconut oil with lemon and salts can create a homemade coconut oil foot rub for cracked heels which can be used for heels that really need a bit of extra love and attention.

So, use the methods above to create a deeper treatment. Using a pumice stone will help. Once your feet are in a condition you are happy with you can regularly use a pumice stone in the bath or shower to keep dry skin at bay, and follow this up with a little bit of coconut oil used as a regular moisturizer.

Coconut oil will not only smooth your feet, but will bring extra moisture, it feels soothing, and it smells incredible! So what are you waiting for? As summer approaches, grab yourself a tub of natural coconut oil and get those feet looking and feeling fabulous!

Still struggling with dry skin with other parts of your body? Check our posts out:

• Skin Care Routine for Dry Skin
• Why are My Lips So Dry Even When I Drink Water?

FAQs