Winter foot care: Say goodbye to cracked and dry heels

Learn how to prevent and treat cracked, dry heels this winter with effective foot care tips and essential products.

By NES Web Desk

Nov 24, 2025 20:09 IST

Cracked feet in winter are not an unfamiliar problem. It's not only that your heels look rough, but they also hurt at times, too. The biting cold has not fully arrived as yet, but the problem of cracked heels has already started. You might face greater discomfort if you do not take care of your feet from now on. Usually, people whose heels crack in winter need to regularly apply moisturiser. In fact, even wearing socks all day can help, but alone, that is not enough. Here are some tips and the products you should keep handy whenever you clean or care for your feet.

Also Read | Dark spots around your lips? Try these 5 simple home remedies

Which of the following products are necessary for cracked or dry foot care?

Foot scrub

Cracked heels mean that a thick layer of dead skin has built up. Unless you remove this layer, you won't get soft and smooth feet. Using a good-quality foot scrub is vital to exfoliate your feet. You can also make a homemade foot scrub at home using sugar, lemon juice, coconut oil, and coffee.

Chemical exfoliator

People nowadays avoid using gritty scrubs. They say that though these scrubs remove dead skin, they make the skin dry and may worsen an acne problem or rashes. Many people prefer chemical exfoliators containing salicylic acid or alpha hydroxy acids, which remove dead skin and dirt without disturbing the skin's natural oils or pH balance. You can also use these chemical exfoliators to take care of your feet.

Foot cream

Cracked heels can be cured only with moisturisers or creams. One should select a foot cream containing ingredients that hydrate and moisturise the skin, such as shea butter or glycerin. Apply it in a thick layer on your feet, and do this every night before going to bed. If you don't have any cream on hand, even petroleum jelly or ghee would suffice.

Also Read | Is drinking water before bed good or bad? Here’s what experts say

Foot mask

If your cracked heels don’t get better, you can try a foot mask once a week. Any good-quality foot mask available in the market can be used to cure cracked heels. Some masks show results in just 10 minutes, while others need to be left on for a few hours. Choose one according to your convenience, but always check the product’s effectiveness and reviews first.

Prev Article
Whole fruit vs fruit juice: Here's what’s better for your health

Articles you may like: