Let’s be real, winter is the season we’d just like to skip. Sure, there’s something cosy about being rugged up. But that doesn’t make the literal blistering conditions worth it. And aside from being frozen to the core (we’re still waiting to defrost since we last stepped outside), winter wreaks havock on our body, skin and hair. But most of all, our heels.
Yep, if you’ve been avoiding looking at your feet because they’ve probably turned to a desert-like state, we’re all in the same boat. But it’s time to do something about it. And that something isn’t just finding the nearest pair of snuggly socks (sadly).
To find out what we need to do, and why it actually happens in the first place, we chatted to the knowledgeable Podiatrist Alice Corbett who gave us the lowdown on all things ‘desert feet’…
Why do your feet get so dry in winter?
So, like we said, dry feet and cracked heels are problems that we tend to avoid. They’re not chic and we don’t want to be caught dead picking up a tube of ‘foot cream’, but alas, it’s time to face the facts.
Alice let us know that much like our skin, our feet go through the same rough treatment in winter. Harsh outdoor weather and overheated indoors lead to “scaly skin and cracked heels (also known as fissures)”. Fun!
But while they seem harmless enough, Alice stresses the importance of dealing with them before they become an issue. “Fissures can become painful and even crack open, (which) put(s) you at risk of developing an infection”. And you’re even more at risk if your immune system is already compromised!
Because we’re all layering up and wearing shoes and socks for longer it “create(s) an environment for fungal infections to thrive” so be sure to wash your feet well, and don’t ignore the issue until it becomes a problem, okay?
How to avoid cracked heels
It’s the question we’re all wondering about: how do you avoid cracked heels? Well, Alice firstly wanted to mention that podiatrists can help “reduce and prevent painful cracks”, so if you’ve gotten to that point, book an appointment, okay?
Her at-home recommendations? “Daily application of a urea based foot cream”. The moisturising ingredient is key in supporting your dry heels. But that’s not all. Alice suggests keeping hydrated throughout the day to “maintain good skin health and integrity”. You heard the lady people, drink up.
Products to nourish your dry feet
QV Dermcare Sting Free Ointment with Ceramides
From $14.49 at Healthy Life
This ultra-thick, seriously nourishing ointment has garnered major points with our Trial Team members. The easy-to-absorb texture works its way from a thick ointment down to a lightweight (read: non-greasy) oil-like texture. The results speak for themselves with this sensitive skin-friendly cream.
Want to read more? Read QV Dermcare Sting Free Ointment with Ceramides Reviews here…
Key features:
- Provides up to 24 hours of hydration
- Sting-free formula
- Enriched with nourishing ceramides
Available at:
- $11.59 (usually $14.49) from Healthy Life
- $14.49 from Priceline
- $12.99 (usually $14.49) from Chemist Warehouse
DU’IT Foot & Heel Balm PLUS
From $13.99 at Priceline
If your heels are in dire need of help, DU’IT is here for you. With a rich urea formula, this balm works to transform your cracked, dry heels. Plus, the formula contains skin-sloughing AHAs to really work away all that dead skin build up.
Want to read more? Read DU’IT Foot & Heel Balm PLUS Reviews here…
Key features:
- 25 per cent urea formula
- Fragrance-free
- Australian made
Available at:
- $13.99 from Priceline
- $11.99 (usually $13.49) from Chemist Warehouse
Dermal Therapy™ Heel Balm Platinum
From $6.95 at Healthy Life
If you’re looking for something better than gold, this platinum balm is it. You know how Alice suggested urea as a key ingredient? Well this seriously rich cream is jam-packed full of the stuff. Talk about nourishing!
Want to read more? Read Dermal Therapy™ Heel Balm Platinum Reviews here…
Key features:
- 30 per cent urea formula
- Rich emollient base
- Promotes skin regeneration
Available at:
- $5.56 (usually $6.95) from Healthy Life
- $4.69 (usually $6.95) from Chemist Warehouse
Skin Republic Biodegradable Foot Peel
From $17.99 at Priceline
You might have seen these clever little foot masks before. They guarantee your feet are going to turn into total shedding snakes, but after the big peel comes seriously soft, nourished skin. And with vitamin E amongst the rich plant extracts in the formula your skin is going to love the journey.
Want to read more? Read Skin Republic Biodegradable Foot Peel Reviews here…
Key features:
- Enriched with 15 plant extract
- Literally peels away to reveal fresh feet
- Biodegradable mask
Available at:
- $17.99 from Priceline
- $8 (usually $20) from Big W
- $10.69 (usually $17.99) from Chemist Warehouse
Plunkett’s NS8 Heel Balm Complex
From $12.99 at Priceline
What’s better than a two-in-one product? A four-in-one of course! This balm is promising big things with its exfoliating, smoothing, softening and hydrating formula. The rich balm promises to nourish your heels without any greasy sticky feelings left behind.
Want to read more? Read Plunkett’s NS8 Heel Balm Complex Reviews here…
Key features:
- Four way action formula
- No sticky, greasy residue
- Naturally removes thickened skin
Available at:
- $10.39 (usually $12.99) from Priceline
- $11.99 (usually $12.95) from Chemist Warehouse
Finishing Touch Flawless® Pedi
From $39.99 at Shaver Shop
You know that stage of seriously dry feet before you start questioning everything? Yep, that’s when you should crack this tool out. Like a little pedicure treat in the comfort of your own home, you can easily whizz away all that dead skin build-up.
Want to read more? Read Finishing Touch Flawless® Pedi Reviews here…
Key features:
- Electric file
- Built-in guiding light
- Easy to use
Available at:
- $39.99 from Shaver Shop
- $40 from Big W
- $27.99 (usually $39.99) from Chemist Warehouse
LYCON lyco’pedi Pedi Paddle
From $9.85 at SS Hair Beauty
If high-tech pedi machines aren’t for you, turn your attention back to good old manual scrubbing. This pedi paddle will have your heels looking fresh and smooth in no time. With a fine and a coarse side, you’ll be able to customise your daily scrub to suit your needs. Dry skin be gone!
Want to read more? Read LYCON lyco’pedi Pedi Paddle Reviews here…
Key features:
- Can be used on wet or dry feet
- Sanitisable surface
- Features a coarse and a fine side
Available at:
- $9.85 from SS Hair Beauty
Main Image Credit: Getty
Do you suffer from dry feet and cracked heels? What do you use to help your feet?
Cracked heels are awful,mine started this winter but shut it down quick smart. thank goodness
I use Dermal therapy cream on my feet -amazing
I apply Dermal therapy cream every night.
Some really helpful products are available for this issue and they really help.
I must get some better brands like these, the basic foot lotions do not work
The heel balm is a must during the winter time
This is a real problem for me so thanks for the article. My heels aren’t cracked to the point of fissures, but are always rough and dry. My husband does nothing to his feet but they don’t dry out like mine do. I have the Scholl foot file and it’s great, but my feet suck up heel balm so fast I have to buy heaps! I think I’ll try the Plunkett’s NS8 Heel Balm Complex mentioned above because it looks like it comes in a larger pump pack
I don’t have a problem with my feet during winter.
I’ve purchased that foot peel from Skin Republic and it does nothing!
I used a foot peel from Skin Republic and it worked so well I thought my feet would peel forever
Keen to try the Dermal Therapy. Have really loved all the products I have tried from this brand this year.
really good products!!
I’ve used a lot of products for dry cracked heels and they can become quite expensive. Recently been using a chest rub ointment (home brand version of Vicks VapoRub – same ingredients and much cheaper) on my heels at night and wearing thin cotton socks. Surprisingly recommended by a Podiatrist!
A few studies have shown that Vicks VapoRub on the feet can help with neuropathic foot pain, toe (nail) fungus, and cracked heels.
I like the look of the pedi file
Regular pedicures, moisturiser and socks after showering and slippers/comfy home slides have all helped me achieve and maintain the softest and nicest looking feet/heels and I don’t suffer from dry heels anymore.
I like loading my feet up with a good cream and then putting fluffy socks on.
Must say I’ve never noticed my feet doing this in winter, but I will take notice from now on
I always try my best and look after my feet as much as i can i really don’t like them when they are dry.
I have tried QV Dermcare Sting Free Ointment with Ceramides and it did help.
I find the Du’it and Dermal Therapy products good
Good ol’ Vicks Vaporub is fabulous for soothing and healing cracks in a flash put it on overnight and let it do it’s thing 🙂
I have that QV cream. Never thought to use it on my feet. I’ve been using foot cream more religiously lately since I’ve started wearing slingback heels. I’ve seen lots of women wearing slingback and the shoes exposing the back of their heels and they are always so dry–that is not happening to me! And yes I always notice. I tried the Dermal Therapy foot cream, not the one shown in this article and it’s like their lip balm therapy for feet. They have other great feet care products as well, including a roll-on that I am keen to try.
I prefer NS8 as its effective w/o being greasy
yes that is very good
I hate hard dry skin
hard skin is so persistent in coming back
Dry feet is more of a summer problem for me because I’m in bare feet more often. Dermal Therapy works terrifically.
I like loading up with extra foot cream at night and then putting socks on. Not sure it helps, but it feels great!
I find Dermal good; my feet get dry and cracked more in summer than winter
I am currently using Dermal Therapy heal balm. It works and hydrate the feet instantly.