Why Regular Moisturizers Fail on Extremely Cracked Heels
When it comes to extremely cracked heels, regular moisturizers simply don’t cut it. The underlying issue is that severely cracked skin cannot effectively lock in moisture, rendering most creams and lotions ineffective.
Now, don't get me wrong—if your skin is merely dry due to external factors, typical heel creams can be beneficial. These creams often contain oils that closely mimic the sebum produced by our skin (think coconut or olive oil), effectively rehydrating the outer layers until your skin can naturally restore its balance.
However, if you’re dealing with deeply cracked heels, the problem usually stems from a combination of internal and external factors. The unfortunate reality is that severely damaged skin is incapable of retaining the protective oils in the stratum corneum, leading to moisture loss.
Most lotions contain humectants that draw moisture to the skin’s surface. However, with extremely cracked heels, there’s often little to no moisture present to draw in. Additionally, regular lotions typically lack barrier ingredients that trap moisture, which can clog pores in healthier skin.
So, to effectively moisturize extremely damaged skin, you need a solution that can “patch” the cracks and allow your skin’s natural oils to pool. This approach may go against typical skincare advice, but when it comes to severely cracked heels, the goal is to effectively smother the fissures to enable oil buildup.
How to Make Tea Tree Heel Cream
Ingredients:
- 1 cup vegetable shortening
- 2 tablespoons aloe vera gel
- 5-6 drops tea tree essential oil
Instructions:
- In a mixing bowl, stir the vegetable shortening until it reaches a smooth consistency.
- Add the aloe vera gel and tea tree essential oil, mixing thoroughly until fully combined.
- Transfer the cream into a clean glass jar with a secure lid, and you’re all set!
For best results, apply a generous amount of the cream both morning and night, using natural fabric socks to seal in the moisture while allowing your feet to breathe. This method is especially effective after a shower or foot soak.
Why This Cream Works
Vegetable Shortening: Often used in baking, vegetable shortening is made from hydrogenated soybean and cottonseed oil, along with mono- and diglycerides. However, it’s important to note that vegetable shortening is not suitable as a regular skin moisturizer (and is also not the healthiest for consumption). It can clog pores and lead to excess oil pooling, especially if used on areas of the body with a high concentration of sebaceous glands. DO NOT USE VEGETABLE SHORTENING ON ANY PART OF YOUR BODY EXCEPT YOUR HANDS AND FEET! These are the only areas without sebaceous glands.
When applied to damaged feet, vegetable shortening acts as an emergency ultra-emollient. It inhibits water evaporation, forming an artificial barrier over the skin to prevent further moisture loss while helping restore natural hydration. Think of it as putting a band-aid on your skin. Keep in mind, however, that while vegetable shortening acts as a barrier, it provides no nutrients. It merely seals the skin, preventing it from breathing.
Aloe Vera Gel: Known since ancient Egyptian times as the “plant of immortality,” aloe vera boasts over 75 nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and antioxidants like beta carotene, vitamin C, and vitamin E. While the vegetable shortening sits on the skin, aloe vera penetrates dry cells to keep them moist. It serves as a moisture kickstarter, prepping the skin before sealing it to rebuild its own moisture stores.
Tea Tree Essential Oil: Renowned for its versatile properties, tea tree oil has analgesic, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic qualities, among others. This oil is a staple in many first aid and beauty remedies. When it comes to locking in moisture—especially on the feet, which are prone to stubborn bacterial and fungal issues—adding an antiseptic like tea tree oil is essential. It acts as a “first aid kit in a bottle,” effectively combating various infectious organisms.
The Result
By using this homemade remedy in conjunction with a weekly foot soak, regular exfoliation with a pumice stone, and peppermint salt scrub during showers, my feet have transformed from painfully cracked and bleeding to baby-soft and smooth. Staying hydrated and moisturizing from the inside out has been a game-changer!
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