Nothing feels better than kicking off your shoes after a long day. What may not feel great is revealing dry, cracked heels and feet. If you have them, you’re not alone. Over 20% of adults in America have reported experiencing dry, cracked skin on their feet.

Your feet have fewer oil glands than other areas of your body. This leaves your feet without a natural moisture barrier to protect them from the elements.

Dry, cracked skin on your feet is not only unsightly, but it can also hurt. Here are some common reasons as to why the skin on your feet may dry out.

• Excessive heat
  Heat and humidity can draw moisture away from your feet leaving the skin dry and prone to cracking. For example, if you wear boots or other shoes without a breathable fabric, this can create an unfriendly environment for your feet.
   
• Pressure and irritation
  Standing or wearing ill-fitting footwear for long periods of time can put intense pressure on your feet. This can lead to dryness, callouses, and cracking.
   
• Exposed skin
  Going barefoot or wearing sandals can leave your feet unprotected from the drying effects of the environment. In addition, open-back sandals allow the skin of your heel to expand which increases the likelihood of cracking.
   

With a little bit of tender love and care, you can help your feet get back to their healthy-looking best. Follow the soak-and-seal method before bed:

• 1. Soak & exfoliate:
  Soak your feet in lukewarm water for 5-10 minutes to help loosen dry, rough skin. Then, using either a pumice stone or a foot scrub, gently remove the dead skin.
   
• 2. Moisturize:
  Gently pat your feet dry and then apply Aquaphor Healing Ointment®. Aquaphor® creates an ideal healing environment by allowing oxygen to reach the skin, while sealing in moisture.
   
• 3. Lock it in:
  Put on wool or 100% cotton socks before you get into bed and leave them on overnight. The socks will help keep moisture in, so you can wake up to soft, healthier-looking skin.
   

Follow up your overnight treatment by applying moisturizer to your feet every day (multiple times if need be). Make sure you wear comfortable, properly fitted shoes, too!

Want more tips? Check out this video to see how you can help manage your dry, cracked heels and feet!

If you experience soreness, redness, swelling or pain in your feet for more than a few days, talk with your doctor.

If you’ve been wondering about how to help heal cracked heels or feet, Aquaphor Healing Ointment® is a great place to start. Aquaphor Healing Ointment® is clinically proven to restore smooth, healthy-looking skin and comes in different sizes so you can take it wherever you go.