Dry air from the heating, hot water and closed shoes dry out the skin on the feet faster. Winter care means cooler water, cream in the evening and a cotton sock over the top.
1Why heels crack in winter
Summer has an obvious culprit: open sandals and walking barefoot. Winter has none, which is why many people are surprised their skin is worse in January than in August. There are three causes and they act at the same time.
The general picture of the problem is in the guide to cracked heels. In winter three factors are added to it. The air indoors becomes drier because of the heating. The water in the bathroom gets hotter. Feet spend all day in closed shoes. Each of the three on its own is bearable, but together they dry the skin faster than it manages to recover.
2The heating and dry air
This is the factor that most often goes unnoticed. The skin on the feet has no oil glands and relies on the water within it. When the air around is dry, that water evaporates faster. The result is skin that toughens and starts to crack along the edges of the heel.
Home tricks do not help much here, and which of them are worth anything at all is covered in the article on home remedies for cracked heels. A small change in the environment helps more than it sounds. A bowl of water near the radiator, regular airing and a lower temperature at night reduce the strain on the skin of the whole body, not just the feet.
3Hot water and woollen socks
In the cold months a hot bath is a pleasure, but for the skin on the heels it is a loss. The hotter the water, the more of the natural protection is washed away. The skin comes out soft, and some twenty minutes later it is tighter than it was before the bath.
Woollen socks are the second factor that goes unnoticed. They keep you warm, but the coarse fibres irritate skin that is already dry. A cotton sock directly on the foot, with a woollen one over it, solves the matter with no compromise on warmth.
- very hot water every evening
- coarse fibres directly against the skin
- cream only once the heels have already cracked
- shoes that do not breathe, all day
- lukewarm water and a short bath
- a cotton sock next to the skin
- cream every evening, before there is a problem
- changing shoes when you get home
4A winter ritual for heels week by week
Winter care does not take more time, it takes more regularity. Here is what it looks like on an ordinary day.
5Natural care for cracked heels with White pine and urea
For a winter routine it matters that the cream absorbs quickly, so it does not stay on your socks. Which ingredient holds moisture, and in what concentration, you can read in the article on urea for heels. The 2-in-1 cream by InaEssentials combines urea to hold moisture and White pine in a light texture.
The conifer extract is the heart of the recipe. It is used in the Bulgarian herbal tradition to care for the skin of the feet and gives the cream its distinctive fresh scent.
The ingredient that holds moisture in the skin and gradually softens hardened areas. It works with the water in the skin instead of covering it over.
It balances the formula and rounds out the scent without weighing down the texture. The cream absorbs quickly and leaves no greasy layer.
Buy 2, get 2 Organic White Pine Waters free
The set is enough for full care through the whole season. The cream softens, while the Organic White Pine Water refreshes the feet between applications.
6What people already using it say
The cream has 4.83 out of 5 stars from 24 ratings. Here are a few of them, posted by verified buyers.
„It's brilliant, after just a few applications my heels aren't cracked anymore, and the discolouration on my nails from the fungus has really improved! I'm hoping they'll be completely gone soon :)!“
„I’m using my first tube and I’m really happy. I’ve struggled with toenail fungus for years, and I can honestly say this product works. After two weeks, the less affected nails already look normal. I apply it diligently morning and night, and even my lifted nail is improving. One tube won’t be enough, but I’ll definitely keep ordering. A magical natural product!“
„Unfortunately I don’t have a photo before and after but I can say that the cream is amazing and I see changes to the nails (big toe especially) and heels. Highly recommended and will be buying again“
„Lovely cream. My feet have stopped itchy. Yellow nail has faded slightly. Odour has gone. My feet are so soft.“
About the InaEssentials family
InaEssentials is a Bulgarian family business with over 25 years of experience in organic farming and in natural cosmetics with rose oil, herbal waters and actives from its own plantations. Every product is created with care for the skin and respect for nature.
The Ralchevi family grows the herbs in its own plantations near Panagyurishte and follows every step from the field to the finished product. You can read more about the family's journey on our about page.
7Frequently asked questions
Why do heels crack more in winter?
Is a hot shower bad for the heels?
When should I start winter care for my heels?
Sources and important information
- The content is based on the experience of InaEssentials in natural cosmetics and on generally accepted principles of caring for dry skin.
InaEssentials products are cosmetics and are not medicines. The content of this article is for information and does not replace a consultation with a specialist. If cracks are deep or painful, if there is bleeding or an accompanying condition, seek medical help.
This article was created with the help of AI to gather and structure the information, after which it was reviewed in detail, edited and fact-checked by our team.
