How to treat dry, cracked heels by soaking your feet in milk and baking soda

In the summer, keeping your feet well groomed is an absolute must. Walking around in sandals day after day and exposing your feet to dust and pollutants can cause them to become dry, cracked and damaged. Not only does this look unpleasant and unattractive, cracked heels can even be painful.

Causes of Cracked Heels

Other causes of cracked heels include (via Everyday Health):

Cold winter weather
Dehydration, or not drinking enough water

Not moisturizing your feet
Taking very hot baths or showers
Soaking in a hot bath for too long or too frequently

Using harsh, drying soaps on your feet
Scrubbing feet dry
Having diabetes

Obesity

Nutrients for Cracked Heels

Cracked heels can also be a result of a nutrient deficiency. Ensuring that you are getting enough of the following nutrients in your diet can help remedy your damaged feet.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A plays a role in rejuvenating your skin tissue by promoting cell division and growth. Adding foods that contain this nutrient to your diet can help you keep your skin smooth and healthy. Some foods that are a good source of Vitamin A include carrots, leafy greens, and orange fruits.

Vitamin E

This vitamin is often found in skin products. Vitamin E protects the skin from free radical and environmental damage, such as the sun. Some foods high in Vitamin E are green vegetables and nuts.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is widely known for strengthening our immune system and helping our body ward off viruses. But Vitamin C also works to protect our skin from free radical damage. In addition to this, Vitamin C plays a vital role in collagen synthesis. Collagen is the most common protein found in humans. It is responsible for holding our skin together and keeping it smooth and supple. Citrus fruits and green leafy vegetables are both excellent sources of Vitamin C.

Zinc

Zinc is important for facilitating cell division, growth, and wound healing. Foods high in zinc include red meats, seafood, and whole grains.

Omega-3

Most commonly found in fish, omega-3 fatty acids “help with blood circulation, wound healing, skin integrity and reduce inflammation” (Livestrong.com). You can also get your omega-3s from plant oils and seeds.

Put Your Best Foot Forward

Seeing as our feet must carry the weight our entire body, it’s important to take good care of them and give them TLC they need. Many people rely on pedicures for this but these treatments can be expensive. On average, one pedicure costs around $30. If you were to do this on a bi-weekly basis to keep up with the look and health of your feet, you’d be spending $780 on pedicures every year!

Instead of spending all this money on unnecessary pedicures, there’s a better way. With a few ingredients, you can easily get the same benefits of a spa day without the crazy bill.

Homemade Pedicure Recipe

Ingredients:

2-4 cups of almond milk
baking soda

water
moisturizing foot cream (remember to use a product with natural ingredients)

Instructions:

Place the milk in a pot and heat it on the stove until it becomes warm. Make sure it doesn’t boil.

Transfer the milk into a large bowl and dip your feet in it. Soak your feet for 5-10 minutes, add some baking soda, and scour well.
Afterwards, rinse your feet with warm water and pat dry.
Apply some foot cream all over your feet to moisturize them and keep them soft.