We spend plenty of time on our faces and forget the parts of the body that work hardest. Hands are washed, sanitized, exposed to sun and wind. Feet are squeezed into shoes, left bare in open sandals and often ignored until the heels crack. In Nigeria’s dry season, both can become rough, painful and unsightly very quickly.
Hand and foot care does not need to be complicated. This guide gives dermatologist-backed steps for cracked heels and dry hands, and shows which Reginah products are worth adding to your routine.
Why heels crack
Heels are subject to pressure and friction, and the skin there is naturally thick and has few oil glands. When skin becomes dry, thick skin splits more easily, especially if you walk barefoot or in open-backed shoes, stand for long periods or have a lot of dead skin build-up. Medical conditions such as diabetes can also contribute, which is why persistent or severe cracks deserve a doctor’s attention.
What dermatologists recommend for dry, cracked heels
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends:
- Use a moisturizer designed for thick, dry skin. Look for a cream with 10 to 25 percent urea, an alpha hydroxy acid, or salicylic acid, and apply it right after bathing while skin is still damp.
- Keep baths and showers short. Five to ten minutes. Longer soaks can dry skin. Use a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser and pat feet dry.
- Use plain petroleum jelly at night, then wear socks to protect your bedding.
- Cover cracks during the day with a liquid bandage to reduce pain and help them heal.
- Avoid open-heeled, worn-out or poorly fitting shoes.
- See a board-certified dermatologist if cracks are severe or do not improve.
Foot balms and creams
Products containing urea soften thick skin by helping it hold water and loosening dead cells.
Bio Balance – Argan Oil Cracked Heel & Foot Balm Buy now
A cracked heel and foot balm with argan oil and urea, according to its listing, made to repair deep cracks, soften rough heels and give long-lasting hydration.
Eucerin Advanced Repair Foot Cream Buy now
A dermatological foot cream with Ceramide-3 and natural moisturizing factors, listed as healing cracked heels and giving 24-hour hydration.
Browse the full foot care collection to compare textures.
Gentle exfoliation
A foot scrub can help remove buildup so creams absorb better. Use it once or twice a week, gently, and moisturize straight afterwards. Do not scrape or cut hard skin aggressively, because that can cause bleeding and infection.
The Foot Factory Foot Scrub Mint 180ml Buy now
A 180ml mint foot scrub, listed as exfoliating dead skin and refreshing tired feet for a smooth texture.
Our guide to using a body scrub explains how often to exfoliate without irritation.
A simple foot routine
- Wash and dry feet daily, including between the toes.
- Exfoliate gently once or twice a week.
- Apply a foot balm or cream after bathing and again at night.
- Add a petroleum jelly and sock treatment on very dry nights.
- Choose shoes that support and protect your heels.
- Check your feet regularly for cracks, sores or changes, particularly if you have diabetes. The AAD notes that cracked heels can sometimes be caused by a medical condition such as diabetes.
Dry hands: why they happen
Hands lose oils quickly with frequent washing, hand sanitizer, cleaning products, wind and sun. The skin on the back of the hand is thin, and in the dry season it can crack around the knuckles and nails.
Dermatologist-backed hand care
The AAD’s skin care tips for your hands include:
- Moisturize after washing or sanitizing. Carry a hand cream with you. Keep washing, because that prevents infection, but replace the oils afterwards.
- Use a fragrance-free, dye-free cream in a tube. Ideal ingredients include ceramides, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, mineral oil and petrolatum. Apply while hands are still damp.
- Wear sunscreen on your hands. Use a broad-spectrum, water-resistant SPF 30 or higher and reapply outdoors. Sun exposure can cause age spots and wrinkles.
- Try a night treatment. Apply cream, put on cotton gloves, and use a humidifier overnight.
Eucerin Advanced Repair Hand Creme Buy now
A dermatologist-recommended hand cream with ceramide and urea, listed as repairing dry, rough skin.
Sebamed Extreme Dry Skin Relief Hand Cream 5% Urea (75ml) Buy now
A 75ml intensive hand cream with 5% urea, listed as giving rapid relief and hydration for extremely dry skin.
Our hand care category has more options.
Protect your hands during chores
- Wear gloves when washing dishes, cleaning or handling detergents.
- Dry hands thoroughly after washing, including between fingers.
- Use lukewarm water, not hot.
- Keep nails and cuticles moisturized. A little balm or oil on the cuticles prevents splitting.
- Treat small cracks quickly with petroleum jelly or a liquid bandage so they do not worsen.
Nails and cuticles
Dry hands usually mean dry nails too. Keep nails trimmed and filed in one direction, push back cuticles gently after washing rather than cutting them, and rub a little balm or oil into the cuticles at night. Avoid biting or picking at hangnails, because broken skin invites infection. If you wear nail polish, give your nails a break now and then, and use an acetone-free remover where you can, since acetone is very drying. The same hand cream that protects your skin will also help keep nails flexible.
Don’t forget the rest of the dry season routine
Hands and feet are usually the first to show harmattan dryness. Our harmattan skincare guide gives a full-body plan. If your lips and body are dry too, see our guides on dry lips, dry skin routines and body butter vs lotion vs oil.
When to see a dermatologist
See a doctor or dermatologist if:
- Cracks are deep, bleeding or painful
- There is redness, swelling, pus or warmth, which may signal infection
- Skin on your hands is red, scaly, blistered or very itchy, which can be hand eczema
- You have diabetes or poor circulation and notice any foot changes
- Dryness does not improve after two to three weeks of consistent care
Frequently asked questions
What ingredient is best for cracked heels?
Urea is widely used because it hydrates and softens thick skin. The AAD suggests creams with 10 to 25 percent urea, an alpha hydroxy acid or salicylic acid.
Can I use petroleum jelly on my feet?
Yes. Apply it at night and wear socks. It is a simple, inexpensive way to seal in moisture.
How often should I exfoliate my feet?
Once or twice a week, gently, and follow with moisturizer. Avoid harsh scraping.
Should I use hand sanitizer?
Yes when you need it, but follow with moisturizer. Sanitizers and soaps can strip natural oils.
Do I need sunscreen on my hands?
Yes if they are exposed to sun. Hands show sun damage early, so apply SPF to the backs of your hands.
Final thoughts
Moisturize hands after washing, treat feet with urea-rich balms, wear sunscreen on exposed skin and see a doctor if cracks are deep or do not heal. A few minutes a day keeps both soft and comfortable.
Ready to shop? Explore Reginah’s foot care and hand care collections.
