How to cure sandpaper feet: 'My 20-minute routine restores cracked heels - using just two products'

Sid's routine comprises three steps

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Solen Le Net

By Solen Le Net


Published: 19/02/2025

- 10:44

The dedicated foot care routine helps tackle dry and cracked feet and restore softness

As daily wear and exposure take a toll on our feet, keeping heels soft becomes harder.

One of the main challenges with keeping heels soft is that they produce a layer of keratin, making them prone to dryness and calluses.


Additionally, continuous pressure from walking makes it harder for regular moisturisers to penetrate.

But a skin care enthusiast has shared her dedicated foot care routine to tackle dry and cracked feet and restore softness.

SID TALKING TO CAMERA

The skin care enthusiast swears by bag balm

SIDANDLISTEN / TIKTOK

Taking to TikTok, Sid (@sidandlisten) recommended products like Epsom salt and bag balm for baby-soft skin.

“Do you have dry cracked feet? I can fix that," she declared. "Epsom salt is going to be your best friend, but if you don’t have Epsom salt, normal salt is going to work just fine.

“Grab half a cup of sea salt, and a gallon of warm water, put it in there and mix it together, put your feet in there and soak them for 20 minutes."

Following the soak, Sid recommends applying bag balm to the feet and wearing socks overnight.

“Remember to moisturise with bag balm" she shared. "Take a scoop apply it to your feet and put socks on your feet and leave them on overnight."

For those sensitive to bag balm's scent, coconut oil is suggested as an alternative.

“Lastly, after every shower or bath apply moisturiser to your feet,” recommended Sid.

DRY FEET

Sid's routine comprises two steps

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How does Epsom salt soften the feet?

Epsom salt, a mineral compound containing magnesium and sulfate, is believed to be effective for softening the feet by exfoliating dead skin.

The other product mentioned in the clip, Bag Balm, is made with lanolin and acts as a moisturiser that can soothe dry, cracked or chapped skin.

Combining an exfoliation routine and moisturisation can help overcome the challenge of thick keratin on the soles.

Regular moisturising is imperative to help feet maintain softness, however.