How to Fix Cracked Heels at Home with a DIY Foot Spa

2 days ago

Let’s be real—cracked heels can be a total buzzkill. Not only are they uncomfortable and sometimes painful, but they can also be a little embarrassing. According to a survey, around 20% of adults in the United States deal with cracked skin on their feet. While it can affect both adults and children, women tend to experience it more frequently than men. So yes, ladies, cracked heels can definitely put a damper on showing off those fresh new sandals or heels.

If you’ve stumbled onto this page because your heels are begging for some TLC, we've got the ultimate DIY foot spa recipe to rescue those cracked soles and keep your feet feeling like baby-soft pillows. No need for a pricey spa visit or fancy foot balm—just a little know-how and a few easy steps, and you’ll have smooth, happy heels in no time. All without leaving the comfort of your home!

What Causes Cracked Heels?

Cracked heels (a.k.a. heel fissures) occur when the skin on the bottoms of your feet becomes dry and thick. As the skin hardens, it can begin to crack and split, often leading to discomfort or even pain. Cracked heels are typically the result of dry skin—but the reasons behind that dryness can vary. Common culprits include:

Dehydration: Not drinking enough water can leave your skin parched, including your hardworking feet.
Environmental Factors: Think cold weather, low humidity, or prolonged exposure to water.
Neglect: Feet are often overlooked in self-care routines, and neglected heels can turn dry and cracked over time.
Improper Footwear: Shoes without proper support (hello, flip-flops) can exacerbate the problem.
Health Conditions: Issues like diabetes, eczema, or hypothyroidism can make you more prone to cracked heels.

How to fix Cracked Heels at Home: The DIY Foot Spa

If your soles are craving some care, a home foot soak or DIY foot spa is the perfect way to show them some love—without emptying your wallet. A foot spa is a relaxing and therapeutic treatment designed to soothe tired feet, soften skin, and improve circulation.

During a foot spa, your feet are immersed in warm water, often enriched with ingredients like bath salts, essential oils, colloidal oats, or a moisturizing bath bomb, which help to detoxify, hydrate, and refresh the skin. You might also experience gentle massaging or exfoliation to remove dead skin and promote relaxation.

Benefits of a Foot Spa:

Softens Skin: The warm water and hydrating ingredients work together to soften rough skin, making it easier to remove dead cells.
Promotes Relaxation: A foot soak is like a stress detox for your feet. The warm water helps improve circulation, while any added aromatherapy ingredients can calm your senses.
Relieves Pain: If you’ve been on your feet all day, a soak can reduce muscle tension and alleviate discomfort in your feet and ankles.
Hydration Boost: Ingredients like shea butter or CBD in your bath bomb deeply hydrate the skin, preventing future dryness and cracking.
Improves Foot Health: Regular foot spas help maintain clean, healthy feet, reducing the risk of issues like calluses or fungal infections.

What You’ll Need for Your Foot Spa Session at Home

Gather these essentials before you start:

A basin: Big enough to comfortably fit your feet.
Warm water: Not too hot—lukewarm is key to avoid further drying out your skin.
Foot scrub: A sugar or salt-based scrub works wonders. The exfoliating properties of sugar or salt help slough off dead skin, leaving your feet feeling soft and smooth.
A bath bomb: Choose one with nourishing ingredients, like Tub Therapy’s Soakshow CBD Bath Bombs (packed with 100mg full-spectrum CBD and with moisturizing oils like organic shea butter and cocoa butter, which are perfect for quenching thirsty skin).
File or pumice stone: To slough off dead skin.
Towel: For drying off post-soak.
Hydrating lotion: To lock in all that hydration after patting your feet dry.

Step-by-Step: Cracked Heel Treatment at Home

Step 1: Fill the Basin

Add warm water to your basin and drop in your CBD bath bomb. Watch it fizz and release all its hydrating goodness.

Step 2: Soak

Place your feet in the basin and relax for 15-20 minutes. Let the CBD work its magic while the warm water softens the skin.

Step 3: Scrub

Use your foot scrub to exfoliate gently. Focus on the heels but don’t neglect the rest of your feet.

Step 4: File It Down

Take a pumice stone or foot file to your heels, working in circular motions to remove dead skin. Go easy—you’re aiming for smooth, not raw.

Step 5: Rinse & Pat Dry

Remove your feet from the water, rinse them off, and pat dry with a clean towel.

Step 6: Apply Lotion

Treat your heels to a rich, hydrating foot lotion infused with shea butter to lock in moisture and keep your skin soft, smooth, and supple. Shea butter is a superstar for dry skin because it’s packed with fatty acids and vitamins that deeply hydrate, repair, and create a protective barrier to prevent moisture loss.

Don’t have a specific foot lotion on hand? No worries—a quality body lotion can work just as well. Look for one with shea butter for an extra boost of hydration, such as Tub Therapy’s After Tub Rub CBD Body Lotion, which is loaded with organic shea butter and other soothing, skin-loving nutrients.

How Often Should You Indulge in a Home Foot Spa?

Consistency is key! For mild to moderate cracked heels, aim for a foot soak once or twice a week. If your heels are in rough shape, you can start with three sessions per week and scale back as they improve.

Pro Tips for Happy Heels

Wear Cotton Socks: After applying lotion, pop on some cotton socks to help lock in the moisture. The breathability of cotton makes it ideal for treating cracked heels. It allows air to circulate around your feet, preventing excess moisture buildup while still locking in hydration from foot creams or lotions. This helps keep your skin soft and prevents further dryness or irritation.
Stay Hydrated: Remember, good skin starts from within, so drink plenty of water.
Invest in Good Shoes: Supportive footwear can make all the difference.
Don’t Skip Maintenance: Even once your heels are smooth, keep up with regular foot soaks to prevent future cracks.
Switch to Natural Soaps: Many antibacterial soaps and heavily scented shower gels can strip the skin of moisture and even trigger allergic reactions. If you’re using a harsh soap for daily cleansing, consider switching to a natural, gentle alternative that nourishes and soothes your skin.

Disclaimer: If you're dealing with severe cracked heels, it's important to consult a podiatrist, no matter your medical history. They can determine the best course of treatment tailored to your condition.

When should you see a podiatrist?

If your cracked heels are severe, painful, or showing signs of infection, it’s time to see a podiatrist. You should also seek professional help if home treatments aren’t providing relief, or if the cracks are deep and bleeding. A podiatrist can assess your condition and recommend the best treatment for healing and preventing future issues.

Our verdict?

With your DIY foot spa recipe ready to go, it's time to say goodbye to cracked heels and hello to soft, happy feet. It’s easy to forget about foot care, but a little at-home TLC can go a long way in keeping your feet looking and feeling their best. No need for pricey treatments—just a simple DIY foot spa, and your feet will feel pampered and refreshed. So slip into those sandals, strut in those heels, and show off your smooth, happy soles—because your feet truly deserve it!