Overnight Heel Care

Heel skin is prone to thickness because it lacks sebaceous glands and endures constant mechanical pressure. While thick skin protects the foot, it often dries, cracks, and flakes if left without maintenance. Overnight occlusion is the most efficient way to redistribute moisture into these toughened layers.

This method relies on trapping moisture against the surface of the skin to improve texture. It requires consistency rather than intensity to achieve tactile results.

1. Prepare the surface. Soak your feet in lukewarm water for five minutes to soften the outer layer of skin. Pat the skin dry thoroughly, ensuring the spaces between your toes are not damp. This step prepares the skin to receive the emollient application.
2. Apply your emollient. Apply a generous layer of an occlusive balm containing petrolatum or heavy waxes directly onto the heel. Focus on the areas where the skin feels rigid or calloused. Avoid applying product between the toes, as this can trap excess moisture in an area that does not require it.
3. Occlude with fabric. Pull on a pair of clean, breathable cotton socks. The cotton prevents the balm from transferring to your sheets while maintaining enough breathability to prevent overheating. Wear these socks for the duration of your sleep.

Occlusion turns simple moisturization into a restorative treatment for thickened skin.