Cracked heels also known as heel fissures are almost an unavoidable feature of the harmattan season which also comes with dry, cracked lips and ashy knees and elbows. But cracked heels are not only annoying, they can be pretty uncomfortable.
There are lots of tips for treating and healing cracked heels but since prevention is better than cure, we’ve put together tips to ensure your heels stay smooth and soft throughout the dry harmattan season.
Keep Your Feet Covered Up
(Photo: eBay)
By midday during harmattan, the weather would have gotten super hot and dry and it might be tempting to wear more of sandals and slippers. The catch here is that while you think you are enjoying ‘fresh air’ slapping your feet, the dry weather leaves your feet dried up and prone to cracks. So to prevent cracked heels, stick with shoes that cover up your feet. Go with pumps, sneaker, breathable boots, etc as they keep your feet covered and help the skin retain moisture. When indoors, keep your feet covered as well with socks because dry air is not restricted to the outdoors alone.
Stay Hydrated
(Photo: Black Girl Health)
Every single skin care tip has this advice but don’t roll your eyes yet. Water is the most important ‘skin care product‘ ever. Notice how your skin tends to get dry and ashy very fast during harmattan? That’s the main sign that your skin is dehydrated and about to start cracking. So drink lots of water throughout the day. This helps moisturize your body from inside out. Have a bottle of water handy at all times. If possible, substitute soda and fizzy drinks for water during the harmattan period.
Use A Humidifier
(Photo: Weber Orange)
Sometimes, the air gets so dry that your nostrils start to hurt. Dampening a clean handkerchief and breathing through it might help a bit but your nostrils aren’t the only part of your body that’s affected. To permanently solve this problem, use a humidifier to ‘moisturize the air’. Some come attached to standing fans and work very fine for hot and dry weather.
Exfoliate Your Heels
(Photo: Nuhni)
(Photo: Lush)
You do not have to wait till you have cracked heels before you exfoliate. Prevent cracked heels by using pumice stone to scrub your heels in the shower a few times a week. You can also try some DIY foot scrubs and pedicure tips. Having a steady foot care routine will keep your heels soft, smooth and crack free.
Moisturize Like Hell
(Photo Camdryclean)
Keeping your lips and hair moisturized is important but your skin and feet should not be left out. Invest in a good, oil based foot cream that’ll help seal in moisture and keep cracks at bay. If you prefer more natural products, Shea butter, cocoa butter and mango butter are amazing for sealing in moisture on both hair and skin.
Now that you’ve learnt how to prevent cracked heels, check out this easy DIY pedicure that’ll keep you away from the nail salon.