I’m a serial barefoot-walker, even outside. Call me a hippie, but socks and shoes just don't do it for me sometimes. I guess that’s why the bottom of my feet are perpetually cracked and rough. While getting pedicures is a great temporary way to heal dry, cracked feet, I hardly ever do it anymore. It’s far easier and more economical to do my nails at home (though I do end up missing out on that relaxing foot spa treatment).
Cracked heels and rough feet happen for a multitude of reasons. The most common causes are changes in weather, subjecting your feet to abrasive elements or excess pressure, and a lack of hydration. Fortunately, it’s nothing dangerous (unless cracks are so serious that the skin tears and infections form). That being said, people tend to be pretty bothered by their rough feet, for aesthetic reasons if nothing else. That’s why the market is flooded with creams, exfoliants, and tools to get rid of dry, cracked heels. Yay for supply and demand!
However, not all of these products are created equal. That’s why I’ve compiled a list of the best tips and tools to keep your feet smooth, soft, and hydrated, no matter how strongly you object to wearing shoes.
Buff Away Calluses With This Powerful Gadget
I nnoo Tech Electric Callus Remover, $21, Amazon
This electric callus remover is one of the best out there because it’s high-powered, rechargeable, and does an amazing job of buffing out the calluses on the bottom of your feet. Its tough and durable roller spins 50 times a minute. Because it’s waterproof, you can easily incorporate it into your daily shower routine. Reviewers say it’s easy to use, powerful but gentle, and a must-have for anyone who dislikes when their feet feel like sandpaper.
Soothe Feet With A Before-Bed Treatment
Emu Bliss Cracked Heels Treatment, $20, Amazon
Emu Bliss is a before-bed foot treatment that utilizes emu oil, organic aloe gel, and beeswax to soften and heal cracked skin. Because all of the ingredients are 100 percent natural, this cream won’t cause burning or irritation. Users have no qualms about applying a layer of this before bed, because it's non-greasy and smells pleasant. One reviewer says that her feet were so soft, her pedicurist asked if she’d order a bottle for her. That request speaks for itself.
Soak Away Rough Skin
Conair Foot Spa, $25, Amazon
One of the best things you can do for your heels is give 'em a good, spa-grade soak. Lucky for you, this Conair Foot Spa makes it easy to have a full-on spa day right at home. It has a heat feature to keep water warm and comfortable, as well as a vibrating feature to relax feet. Plus, because the controls are toe-touch activated, you can sit back while your stress and calluses melt away. It’s also got a splash-guard and an anti-slip lining for safe, neat use. And because it’s quiet, it’s great for some post-work relaxation.
Pamper Dry Heels With Coconut Oil
Burt’s Bees Coconut Foot Cream, $7, Amazon
This all-natural foot cream from Burt’s Bees utilizes coconut oil and rosemary extract to moisturize and pamper even the driest skin. Botanical oils penetrate deeply into the skin to heal and rejuvenate, so feet stay sandal-ready all year round. Reviewers love the coconut and peppermint scent, as well as the fact that it starts working right away, and keeps on performing when other lotions fall short.
Exfoliate & Clean At The Same Time
Loofah Exfoliating Soap, $10, Amazon
If you’re looking to clean and exfoliate all at once, this Loofah brand exfoliating soap set is the ultimate time-saver. It comes in three different scents: Aloe and Kiwi, Oatmeal and Honey, and Peaches and Passion. Because it’s infused with loofah fibers, it’s great for scrubbing away dead skin and stubborn calluses. They’re made with all natural ingredients, and they smell wonderful, so your skin stays healthy, smooth, and clean.
Lock In Moisture With These Socks
Beauty Spa Moisturizing Heel Socks, $12, Amazon
If you’re looking for something to lock in the moisture, look no further than these moisturizing heel socks. People are raving about how soft, stretchy, and effective these puppies are. They’re infused with a high-quality gel (made with grape seed oil, olive oil, and avocado oil) to keep feet soft and hydrated. It’s easy to forget you’re even wearing them, because they're odorless, hypoallergenic, and comfortable. They’re also washable and breathable, so feet stay clean.
Let Tea Tree Soak Do The Work For You
Tea Tree Oil Foot Soak, $15, Amazon
If you’re going to soak your heels, this Tea Tree Oil foot soak makes a great addition to any foot bath. It’s made with a blend of tea tree oil, sea salt, and Epsom salts, which serve to relax and renew tired skin. It disinfects skin, eliminates bacteria, and softens calluses. Not to mention, viewers say it smells incredible and makes a huge difference in the overall appearance and feel of their feet.
An All-Natural Simple Solution
Cuccio Earth Lava Pumice Stone, $7, Amazon
This Earth Lava pumice stone is a simple, no-nonsense solution for tough calluses. It’s super easy to use, fits right in the palm of your hand, and lasts for a really long time. Even months after purchase, it’ll still be rough, tough, and going strong. It’s entirely natural, so it’s a safe solution for all skin. According to reviewers, the difference it makes in the softness of your feet is like night and day.
Moisturize With This Intensive Peppermint Cream
Retseliney Peppermint Intensive Foot Cream, $20, Amazon
If you’re looking for a spa in a jar, this Peppermint intensive foot cream is one of the best out there. It utilizes a blend of vitamins and natural oils to protect, hydrate, and revitalize skin, as well as soothe calluses. Plus, because peppermint oil is anti-inflammatory as well as anti-bacterial, severely cracked feet won’t get infected. While it’s intensely moisturizing, it won’t leave a greasy feeling. To top it all off, reviews love its easy-to-apply consistency and fresh peppermint scent.
Upgrade Your Regular Towels to Exfoliating Fabric
Mayberry Exfoliating Towel, $17, Amazon
These Mayberry exfoliating towels are great for exfoliating skin and stimulating circulation. They’re rougher than a regular wash cloth, but gentle enough for daily use, especially on callused heels. They’re made from 100 percent nylon fabric that’s machine washable, and people are absolutely in love with the way they clean, soften, and exfoliate skin.
Exfoliate With Tea Tree Foot Scrub
100 Percent Natural Tea Tree Foot Scrub, $15, Amazon
For all-natural exfoliation, this Tea Tree foot scrub is a life-saver. It contains tea tree oil, essential oils, dead sea salt, and Epsom salts to soothe fungal infections, exfoliate calluses, soften skin, and alleviate aches and pains. No chemicals needed. Reviewers say they use it on their heels, elbows, knees, hands – anywhere they had rough patches. It gently but effectively scrubs away dead skin to reveal beautiful, glowing skin underneath.
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