The Ultimate Winter Routine to Revitalize Dry, Cracked Heels

When winter hits, we slather our faces with ultra-hydrating serums and rich moisturizers and layer on luxurious body lotions, but the skin on our feet often gets overlooked. You’re not alone if foot care isn’t on your radar until you notice cracked, rough skin below the ankles—a common issue during winter’s low-humidity months. So where do you start to rescue dry, peeling feet? We asked two board-certified dermatologists to walk us through the ultimate at-home foot-care routine for baby-soft results that rival a professional pedicure.

Winter’s drier air may be when cracked heels feel worse, but dryness, cracking and peeling on the feet can happen year-round. “The heel area has fewer oil glands than other parts of the body, making it particularly vulnerable to dehydration,” explains Omaha, NE dermatologist Daniel Schlessinger, MD. Over time, that can lead to dry, thickened skin that hardens, adds New York dermatologist Marina Peredo, MD.

According to Dr. Daniel Schlessinger, prolonged standing, walking barefoot or in open-back shoes, hot showers that strip natural oils, low-humidity environments, aging (which reduces the skin’s ability to retain moisture), excess weight gain and certain medical conditions—such as diabetes, thyroid disorders or psoriasis—all contribute to cracking on the feet, especially the heels.

Before committing to an at-home foot-care routine, it’s important to rule out other, sometimes more serious causes of cracked skin. “If cracking is significant or associated with great discomfort, it pays to be seen by a dermatologist,” says Omaha, NE dermatologist Joel Schlessinger, MD. “If feet are infected or it is possible that the cracking is actually a fungal infection, consider seeing a dermatologist to get an evaluation and possibly a culture for fungus or bacteria.”

Dr. Daniel Schlessinger adds we should be inspecting our feet daily for “any signs of infection in cracks, as these can become serious quickly” and may require professional treatment, prescription antibiotics or antifungal medications. A suspected allergy is also a reason to book a dermatology appointment.

For minor cracking or peeling—or once any underlying issues have been addressed—follow this simple, dermatologist-approved five-step routine for healthy, smooth feet.

Start by thoroughly cleansing, then soaking both feet in lukewarm-to-warm (not hot) water for five to 10 minutes. Dr. Peredo recommends adding “a pinch of salt or a few drops of a nourishing oil, like coconut or olive oil, to help soften thickened skin.”

Product to try: CLn Body Wash ($22)

“While skin is still damp, use a pumice stone, foot file or a chemical exfoliant containing urea or salicylic acid to gently remove dead skin buildup,” advises Dr. Joel Schlessinger. He cautions against “aggressively filing dry skin, as this can cause microtears and worsen cracking.” Dr. Peredo also likes foot-specific exfoliating masks once or twice a week to help maintain softness and prevent buildup.

Product to try: Baby Foot Exfoliation Foot Peel ($25)

For an effective, therapeutic foot moisturizer, both Dr. Joel Schlessinger and Dr. Peredo recommend thick, emollient-rich creams or ointments containing ingredients such as urea, glycerin or hyaluronic acid to help draw moisture into the skin. Ceramides are another all-star ingredient to look for to support barrier repair. “Apply while skin is still slightly damp to lock in moisture,” adds Dr. Peredo.

Products to try: La Roche-Posay Lipikar Lait Urea 5+ Smoothing Lotion ($23), NeoStrata Problem Dry Skin Cream ($46), VOESH Solemate Heel Repair Balm ($19)

Next, seal in all that moisture to prevent water loss and allow deeper penetration of active ingredients. “Apply an occlusive layer, such as a healing balm over the moisturizer, then wear cotton socks overnight,” says Dr. Joel Schlessinger.

Products to try: BodiPure Keratin Gloves & Socks Combo ($32), FixMySkin Healing Balm with 1% Hydrocortisone ($22.50)

Dr. Peredo and Dr. Daniel Schlessinger agree that the final step to smoother soles is wearing supportive, closed-back shoes throughout the day to reduce pressure and prevent moisture loss. “Avoid walking barefoot, even indoors,” says Dr. Daniel Schlessinger. He adds staying hydrated is essential, too, as “internal hydration supports skin health.” Using a humidifier during the winter months can also counteract dry air that worsens cracking.

“Consistency is key,” says Dr. Daniel Schlessinger. “Results typically appear within one to two weeks with diligent daily care, but severely cracked heels may require four to six weeks of treatment.”

Product to try: VOESH Heel Hug Socks ($26)

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