Cracked heels – not exactly the best look, right? They can be itchy, painful, and just plain annoying. But fear not, fellow foot enthusiasts! Today, we’re making a DIY foot balm that’s like a superhero for your cracked heels, using all-natural ingredients you might already have at home.
Why This Balm Rocks:
This recipe uses two amazing ingredients: beeswax and virgin coconut oil. Beeswax helps create a nice, solid balm, while virgin coconut oil is a natural moisturizer that packs a punch. Here’s why it’s awesome:
- Virgin coconut oil: Rich in fatty acids, it deeply moisturizes and helps repair cracked skin. It also has antibacterial properties, which can be helpful for preventing infections in those cracks.
- Beeswax: This natural wax creates a barrier that locks in moisture and protects your heels from further drying.
Bonus Ingredient (Optional):
Want to take your foot balm to the next level? Add a few drops of peppermint essential oil! Peppermint oil has a cooling effect that can soothe tired feet and also has a nice, refreshing scent.
Ready to DIY? Here’s what you’ll need to make 100g of Foot Balm:
- 20g of beeswax (Approximately one tablespoon) – You can use a mixture of shea butter in beeswax in equal proportion too
- 80g (Roughly 80ml) of virgin coconut oil
- Optional: 3-5 drops of peppermint essential oil
- Small heat-resistant bowl
- Small pot or heatproof mug
- Spoon for stirring
- Empty container (like a small tin or lip balm container)
Let’s Get Crafting!
- Set Up the Double Boiler: Fill the pot or mug with a couple of inches of water (Double Boil Technique). Place the heat-resistant bowl on top, making sure the bottom of the bowl doesn’t touch the water.
- Heat It Up: Turn on the heat to low or medium-low. We want the water to simmer gently, not boil.
- Melt the Beeswax: Add the beeswax pellets to the heat-resistant bowl and stir occasionally until they melt completely.
- Add the Oil: Once the wax is melted, remove the bowl from the heat and carefully pour in the virgin coconut oil. Stir well to combine.
- Essential Oil Time (Optional): If you’re using peppermint oil, add the drops now and stir gently. Add essential oil when the temperature of the mixture goes below 40 degrees Celsius. (That is when your hands can hold onto the bowl. That kind of a low temperature). Otherwise the beneficial nutrients in essential oil will vanish due to high heat.
- Chill Out: Pour the mixture into your empty container. Let it cool completely at room temperature or in the fridge for faster hardening.
Voila! Your foot balm is ready!
How to Use Your Magic Balm:
Apply a generous amount of balm to your clean, dry feet before bed. Focus on the cracked areas and massage it in gently. Wear socks overnight to lock in the moisture. With regular use, you should see a difference in your heel health in no time!
Bonus Tip: After using the balm for a few days, you can give your feet some extra TLC with a warm foot soak before applying the balm. This will help soften the skin even more.
So there you have it! A simple, effective, and all-natural way to say goodbye to cracked heels and hello to happy, healthy feet!