Rough hands and cracked heels aren’t just a winter problem. Daily chores, washing dishes, walking barefoot, or even using harsh soaps can make your skin dry and hard. The good news? You don’t need costly spa treatments or fancy creams to get soft, healthy hands and feet.
A few things lying in your kitchen can work better than most store-bought products—if you use them the right way. Here are seven tried-and-tested home remedies that actually work.
1. Soak in Warm Water and Salt – The First Step to Soft Skin
Before applying any moisturizer or oil, you need to clean and soften the skin properly. A warm water soak works like magic.
What to Do
-
Take a wide bowl or bucket of warm water.
-
Add 1 tablespoon of rock salt or Epsom salt.
-
Soak hands or feet for 10–15 minutes.
Why It Works
Salt removes dirt, softens rough skin, and relaxes tired muscles. Do this 2–3 times a week before other treatments.
2. Exfoliate with Sugar and Honey Scrub
Dry, dead skin makes hands and feet feel rough. A simple sugar scrub removes dead cells and makes them instantly smoother.
DIY Scrub Recipe
-
Mix 2 tablespoons of sugar with 1 tablespoon of honey (add a few drops of olive or coconut oil if you have very dry skin).
-
Gently scrub hands and feet in circular motions for 5 minutes.
-
Rinse with lukewarm water.
Why It Works
Sugar is a natural exfoliator, and honey locks in moisture. Do this once or twice a week.
3. Deep Moisturize with Coconut or Olive Oil Overnight
Most people moisturize during the day and wonder why it doesn’t last. The trick is to apply oils at night when your skin gets time to repair.
How to Use It
-
Warm a few drops of coconut oil or olive oil.
-
Massage into hands and feet for 5 minutes.
-
Wear cotton socks and gloves overnight for best results.
Why It Works
Coconut oil has natural healing properties, while olive oil deeply nourishes and softens even cracked heels.
4. Milk and Turmeric Pack for Extra Softness
This is an age-old home remedy that works for dry, dull skin.
How to Make It
-
Take 2 tablespoons of milk and mix with a pinch of turmeric.
-
Apply to hands and feet, leave for 10–15 minutes, then rinse.
Why It Works
Milk hydrates and lightly exfoliates, while turmeric soothes and brightens the skin.
5. Aloe Vera Gel for Healing and Hydration
Aloe vera is perfect if your hands or feet have tiny cracks, irritation, or sunburn.
How to Use It
-
Apply fresh aloe vera gel directly or use a store-bought pure gel.
-
Leave it overnight or at least for 30 minutes.
Why It Works
Aloe deeply hydrates and repairs skin, making it softer with regular use.
6. Rice Flour and Yogurt Scrub for Rough Heels
If your heels are hard and cracked, this scrub is more effective than most foot creams.
DIY Recipe
-
Mix 2 tablespoons of rice flour with 1 tablespoon of yogurt and a few drops of honey.
-
Scrub heels for 5–7 minutes, then rinse.
Why It Works
Rice flour removes dead skin, and yogurt hydrates deeply. Use twice a week for visible improvement.
7. Shea Butter or Ghee for Intense Moisture
When nothing else seems to work, pure shea butter or homemade ghee can soften the driest skin.
How to Use It
-
Warm a little shea butter or ghee in your palms.
-
Massage deeply, focusing on knuckles and heels.
-
Leave overnight (wear socks or gloves to avoid stains).
Why It Works
These are natural emollients, locking in moisture for hours.
Extra Care Tips for Naturally Soft Hands and Feet
-
Avoid harsh soaps: Use mild, moisturizing hand washes.
-
Protect from harsh water: Wear gloves while washing dishes or cleaning.
-
Stay hydrated: Soft skin starts from within, so drink enough water.
-
Regular care matters: Even the best home remedies won’t work if you do them once and forget.
The Takeaway
You don’t need expensive salon visits for soft hands and feet. A little weekly care—soaking, scrubbing, and moisturizing with natural ingredients—makes all the difference. Start with something simple, like a warm salt soak and coconut oil massage, and add other remedies as needed. Within a few weeks, you’ll notice smoother, healthier skin.