During the winter months, time seems to pass quickly, but keeping your skin healthy is often more challenging. The cold weather often brings issues such as dryness, chapped lips, rough patches, cracked heels, and cold feet.
Among these, the feet are one of the most affected areas. In colder seasons, the skin around the heels can become dry, hard, and thick. This is especially common in older adults, or those dealing with conditions like eczema and diabetes.
Since the skin on the feet has no oil glands, it is more vulnerable when exposed to cold temperatures, low humidity, prolonged standing, insufficient hydration, or even certain medications. These factors can easily lead to rough, dry, or cracked feet.
The good news is that with a little extra care, you can keep your feet smooth and comfortable throughout the winter. Consistency is key—simple daily habits can make a big difference.
Winter Care Tips for Soft and Healthy Feet
Here are some effective ways to protect and pamper your feet so they stay soft, smooth, and healthy all season long:
Tip – 1: (Warm Water Soak)
Soaking your feet in warm water for once a week will help to keep them healthy and crack-free. It softens the hard skin and removes the dirt or buildup on your feet and heels.
- Fill the foot tub with warm water and mix some mild liquid soap in it.
- Stir well by adding a handful of sea salt in it.
- Soak your feet in this water for about 15 – 20 minutes.
- After that, scrub your feet gently by using a pumice stone to clear dead skin cells.
- Then rinse your feet with normal water and dry them using a soft towel.
- Apply a foot cream (or any natural oil) to all over your feet.
- Wait for a minute or two and wear a pair of clean cotton socks.
- Repeat the same process for twice a week and then continue it for once a week to get rid of cracked heels, cold feet, and strained feet.
Tip – 2: (Brown Sugar Scrub)
The small granules of brown sugar will give the best scrub to your feet, as it scrubs away the dead skin cell and keeps your feet soft and healthy. Olive oil and honey will moisturize the feet and lemon juice prevents any bacterial infections.
- Add 1/2 teaspoon of lemon juice and 1 tablespoon each of raw honey and extra virgin olive oil in 2 tablespoons of brown sugar (or white sugar).
- Stir well to make a thick paste and soak your feet in warm water for 10 minutes.
- Then apply this paste on the feet and rub it gently in circular motions all over the feet till the granules melt away.
- After that, rinse your feet with warm water and dry them properly.
- Continue this scrubbing process for once a week to maintain a healthy foot.
Tip – 3: (Oil Massage)
If you have dry or sensitive skin then the wintertime will easily develop cracked or dry feet. Oil massage is one best way to beat this problem.
It penetrates deep into the skin and makes it soft. So, massage your feet with some natural oil to moisturize the skin and also to improve blood circulation.
- Wash your feet thoroughly with warm water at night before bedtime.
- Dry your feet (between toes) and apply some lukewarm oil (coconut, olive, castor or almond oil) to your feet and heels.
- Massage it gently all over the feet for 10 – 15 minutes.
- Then wear a pair of clean socks and go for a sleep.
- Do the same process regularly throughout the winter to get rid of foot problems.
Note: Or you can also use the combination of oils like castor oil and coconut oil and apply it on your feet to keep it well moisturized.
Tip – 4: (Fruit Packs)
Many fruits like ripe bananas, avocados, papayas, etc. have a moisturizing property that deals with the crack or painful feet.
- Mix the pulp (equal amounts) of an avocado and a ripe banana along with a little of coconut oil and raw honey.
Apply it on all over the feet as a pack. - Rinse off with lukewarm water after 10 – 15 minutes.
- Regular application of this pack for few times a week will help you to maintain healthy feet.
Tip – 5: (Glycerin)
Glycerin has moisturizing and humectant properties that keep your feet crack-free and soft along with providing warmth to your cold feet.
- Mix equal quantities of rose water and glycerin in a bowl.
- Rub this mix on your feet and heels at night before bedtime.
- Put on clean socks and leave for overnight.
- Wash your feet in the next morning with lukewarm water.
- Repeat the same process once daily or on alternate days during the winter to keep your feet soft.
Tip – 6: (Vitamin E)
Vitamin E contains antioxidant that protects your skin from the attack of harmful free radicals. It repairs and moisturizes your skin to keep your feet smooth and soft.
- Rub vitamin E oil on all over your feet daily at night before bedtime.
- Include vitamin E rich foods like green vegetables, whole grains, nuts and fortified cereals in your diet with a recommended dosage of 15 mg daily.
- Apply any topical ointments or creams that have vitamin E on your feet to moisture and prevent it from developing cracks.
Additional Tips:
- Include vitamin c (prevent skin dryness), omega – 3 fatty acids and zinc rich foods like citric fruits, fatty fish, chia seeds, flaxseeds, walnuts, cauliflower, fortified cereals, etc. in your daily diet.
- Drink plenty of water and include water-rich fruits and vegetables along with other healthy liquids in your diet to get rid of dehydration and thereby dry skin and cracked feet.
- Wear shoes that are properly fitted, so that your feet can breathe. Also always wear a clean pair of socks which help to warmth your feet.
- Avoid using hot water baths, saunas, and steam baths, as they remove oils from the skin and results in skin dryness.
- Applying a thick foot cream on your feet after bathing will help to keep your feet moisturized.
- Always keep your feet clean and dry to prevent any fungal infections or cracks. Also, examine your feet to known about any unknown foot problem.
- Perform some foot care hygiene like cutting your toenails regularly, wear shower shoes in locker rooms or at public pools (public areas), avoid sharing your footgear, choose breathable footwear, etc. to protect your feet.
- Frostbite, anemia, diabetes, lupus and Reynaud’s are some of the disorders that trigger in the winter season, if not take proper care of your feet.
Avoid neglecting your feet and start taking proper care of it, by following these natural tips in wintertime. Do you know any other tips for feet care? Then share it with us in the below comments section.
