Hot water, excessive scrubbing and wrong kind of footwear can take a toll on your feet. Want to have smooth feet? Make a concoction of kitchen ingredients and opt for the right kind of pedicure.
Priyanka Tyagi, cosmetologist and head trainer at Skeyndor, India said cracked feet are due to extreme weather changes, hot showers, dipping feet in hot water for long duration, too much scrubbing and cold temperatures.
She also holds harsh chemicals and a dehydrated body responsible for it.
Priyanka emphasises on wearing the right kind of footwear and added: "It should cover the foot from behind. This will protect your feet from getting cracked and dry."
High heels for a long time is a big no. Doing so increases body weight pressure on the heels.
"If there is too much pressure on the heels, the skin of the heels stretches and thus, cracks appear. In extreme cases it may even lead to bleeding," Priyanka told IANS.
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The basic thing she suggested is to drink water to keep the body hydrated as dry feet are more susceptible to cracks.
The other way to keep dryness away is to moisturise feet after taking bath. Vaseline and coconut oil are common ways to do it. Try out a few more home remedies.
Navin Taneja, Director of The National Skin Center advises use of banana to give back moisture to feet.
"Take the pulp of a banana and apply it on your feet. Leave the pulp for 15 minutes and then rinse off," said Navin.
Ishika Taneja, international make-up expert and executive director of ALPS Beauty Clinic, gives green signal to lemon.
"Regularly soak your feet in lukewarm water with a few drops of lemon and jojoba oil. Then you can lightly scrub off the dead skin. Lemon is slightly acidic which helps take off the dead skin. Now massage your feet generously with glycerin and wear light socks," she said.
She also explains how to prepare a mask using kitchen ingredients.
"Mix two tablespoons of avocado paste with half a cup of mayonnaise, and two tablespoons of oatmeal. Apply this foot mask for half an hour. Wash it off with cold water and pat dry," said Ishika.
You should also pamper your feet once in a while.
"Visit foot spa at least once in a month as it not only cleanses, relaxes, but also helps in moisturising and healing dry and damaged feet," Priyanka said.
Ishika suggests paraffin wax pedicure for treating cracked heels. "Due to heat, the paraffin penetrates deep into the cracks and gives them instant relief," she said.