CRACKED feet are a common problem, especially at this time of the year when the warm weather dries out our skin.

There’s nothing more frustrating than going to wear a pair of lovely summer sandals and then realising that your feet look dry, rough or cracked.

Close-up of a hand touching a dry, cracked heel.Dry, cracked feet can be an irritating problem in the summer Credit: Getty Cami Krier, Skin Specialist at Rhug Wild Beauty.Cami Krier, Skin Specialist at Rhug Wild Beauty, shares her top tips to revive them Credit: Supplied

In the winter, we can get away with ignoring the signs that our feet are drying out since they’re mostly covered up.

But when the sun is out, it is a lot harder to ignore – especially if they are out on display when we’re on holiday, at the beach or chilling in the garden.

Luckily, one skincare expert has revealed her tips to rescue dry, cracked feet and leave them feeling soft again.

Cami Krier, Skincare Specialist and Head of Brand Development at Rhug Wild Beauty , said making just a few simple changes to your routine can make a noticeable difference.

1. Buff away dry skin

The first Cami suggestion is buffing away any dry or dead skin with a body brush.

She said: “Heels can become noticeably rougher as summer progresses, even when moisturiser is applied regularly.

“Exposure to air and rough surfaces increases moisture loss, causing dead skin to build up as a protective layer.

“This can make it harder for moisturiser to absorb, so gentle exfoliation is an important first step.

“Use a body brush in circular motions to loosen dead skin without causing irritation.

“I suggest choosing one made from sustainable oak wood and tampico fibres, as it is firm enough to remove buildup while remaining flexible against the skin.

“Follow with a gentle body scrub containing organic sugar to lift away dead skin cells, while ingredients such as honey and safflower oil help soften the feet.

“Together, these treatments can leave the heels feeling noticeably smoother.”

Close-up of bare feet with cracked heels and dry skin.Buffing away dry skin can make a huge difference Credit: Getty A person's feet in colorful flip-flops standing in shallow water on a sandy beach.And the expert says it’s time to ditch the flip flops Credit: Getty

2. Ditch flimsy sandals

It’s not just about looking after your skin that matters – wearing the wrong footwear can also have a huge impact.

The skincare pro says: “Flip-flops tend to come out the moment the weather warms up, but their thin soles offer very little cushioning for the heels.

“As they absorb less impact from walking, more pressure is placed on the feet, which can cause cracks to deepen.

“At the same time, the open back leaves the heels exposed to dry air that can draw moisture from the skin and make them feel rougher.

“Opt for sandals with a contoured EVA sole instead, as the added thickness absorbs shock with each step and takes pressure off the heel.

“A footbed with some arch support also helps distribute weight more evenly across the foot rather than concentrating it on the heel alone. This small swap can make a noticeable difference to how the heels feel by the end of the day.”

3. Lock in moisture

Moisture is key to protecting your skin. Cami explains: “When the skin on the heels becomes too dry, it can harden and begin to crack.

“A moisturiser can help boost hydration, but richer formulas tend to work better than light lotions because they stay on the feet for longer.

A person scrubbing their ankle with a pumice stone under shower water.Hot showers can also be damaging to the skin on your feet Credit: Getty

“Look for ingredients such as beeswax, which forms a protective layer that slows water loss, while marshmallow root extract can help soften dry areas.

“Lemon balm is also a useful natural ingredient that can soothe irritation. Apply your nourishing body balm after showering while the feet are still slightly damp, so hydration is sealed in before it evaporates.”

4. Avoid hot showers

We all love the feeling of being in a roasting hot shower, but it could be doing more harm than good for your skin and your feet.

The expert said: “A hot shower may feel relaxing after a warm day outdoors, but it can strip away natural oils and leave cracked heels feeling tight.

“Keeping the water lukewarm and limiting showers to around ten minutes can help prevent further moisture loss.

“During this time, a purifying body wash can lift away sweat and surface buildup without being too harsh on dry skin.

“Once finished, gently pat the feet dry and apply a body cream or oil while the skin is still slightly damp.

“This helps lock in hydration and leave the heels feeling smoother.”

Your shoes matter

NOT only does Cami suggest ditching flimsy sandals, she also advises opting to wear breathable shoes to help dry feet.

She explains: “During summer, feet can quickly become hot and damp when shoes do not allow enough air to circulate.

“Synthetic footwear holds heat close to the skin, as sweat remains inside the shoe instead of evaporating.

“When the moisture eventually dries, rough areas may feel even drier and more uncomfortable.

“Choosing a breathable material gives heat a way to escape, helping the feet stay cooler throughout the day.

“Mesh or soft leather can work well for this, and lighter-coloured shoes may feel more comfortable in direct sunlight, as they absorb less heat.”

A woman in a white bathrobe applies lotion to her legs in a bathroom.Moisturising, sealing and protecting your feet in the summer is key Credit: Getty

5. Seal cracked heels

Many of us will notice that our cracked feet can feel worse in the summer with the extra heat and walking outdoors.

But Cami advises: “To help protect the area, use a targeted heel balm or protective patch before heading outside.

“Urea-based balms soften the thickened skin around the crack, while patches cover the area and help prevent it from reopening as the feet move.

“Reapply the balm as directed and replace the patch when needed. With consistent care, cracks may begin to improve within around two weeks. However, deeper or painful fissures should be checked by a podiatrist.”

6. Protect bare feet

While it can feel freeing to take our shoes off outside in the summer, Cami says it is important that we still protect our bare feet.

She explains: “Kicking off shoes can feel refreshing during summer, especially when feet are hot.

“However, walking barefoot on rough surfaces can irritate already dry heels.

“Walking on hot pavement can increase moisture loss, and the rough surface can scrape the skin and leave small cuts that worsen with repeated walking.

“For this reason, keep shoes on outdoors where possible and reserve barefoot walking for softer surfaces, such as grass or carpet.

“To restore moisture at the end of the day, rinse the feet before massaging your feet with a lightweight body oil.

“Look for a nourishing blend containing orange peel oil and argan oil, alongside sweet almond or sunflower oil to help restore softness.”