Dry Elbows and Heels? Caring for Hands, Elbows, and Feet

Last summer I bought a pretty pair of sandals and wore them to a family cookout. Halfway through the afternoon, I caught my niece looking down at my heels. She didn't say a word, but I tucked my feet under my chair for the rest of the day.

That evening I decided my hands, elbows, and feet deserved as much attention as my face. If you're dealing with dry elbows and heels, rough knuckles, or cracked feet, you're in good company. These are the hardest-working parts of our bodies, and after 40 they often get the driest. Here's the simple care that softened mine.

Why These Areas Get So Dry

Hands, elbows, and feet have a few things in common:

• Fewer oil glands. The skin on your heels and elbows naturally makes less oil.
• Thicker skin. It builds up in rough layers, especially where there's pressure or friction.
• Constant use. We wash our hands many times a day, lean on our elbows, and stand on our feet for hours.
• Age. As we get older, all of our skin tends to get drier.

The answer is the same for all three: gentle smoothing and rich, regular moisture.

Caring for Your Hands

• Moisturize after every wash. Keep a small jar of cream by the kitchen sink and in your bag.
• Wear gloves for chores. Use rubber gloves for dishes and cleaning, and garden gloves outside.
• Use lukewarm water. Hot water dries hands quickly.
• Do an overnight treatment. Once or twice a week, apply a thick layer of cream at bedtime and wear cotton gloves.
• Protect them from the sun. The backs of your hands get a lot of sun. Put a little sunscreen on them in the morning.

Caring for Your Elbows and Knees

• Smooth gently in the shower. Use a soft washcloth in small circles. No harsh scrubbing.
• Moisturize right after bathing, while skin is damp.
• Don't lean on them. If you rest your elbows on your desk all day, use a cushion or change positions.

Caring for Dry Elbows and Heels: Your Feet

Feet need a bit more attention, especially heels.

1. Soak. Once or twice a week, soak your feet in warm water for 10 minutes.
2. Smooth. Gently use a pumice stone or foot file on damp heels. A few light passes is enough. Never cut or shave thick skin yourself.
3. Moisturize. Apply a rich cream to your heels, the sides of your feet, and between your toes. Dry between your toes first.
4. Cover. Put on cotton socks to help the cream stay in place overnight.
5. Repeat. Moisturize your feet every night, even on nights you don't soak.

Wear supportive shoes when you can. Going barefoot or wearing open-backed shoes all the time can make heels rougher.

A Simple Weekly Plan

• Every day: moisturize hands after washing, and elbows, knees, and feet after bathing.
• Twice a week: soak and gently smooth your feet.
• Once a week: an overnight treatment for hands and feet with gloves and socks.

Most women see softer elbows and heels within two to four weeks of steady care.

Don't Forget Your Nails and Cuticles

Dry, ragged cuticles are another sign your hands need moisture. After a shower or soak, when they're soft, gently push your cuticles back with a towel. Don't cut them, since they help protect your nails. Then massage a little cream or oil into each nail bed. A minute a few times a week keeps hands looking cared for.

When to See Your Doctor

Check with your doctor or a podiatrist if your heels have deep cracks that bleed or hurt, if you notice redness, swelling, or warmth, or if you have diabetes or circulation problems. People with diabetes should have their feet checked regularly and shouldn't use pumice stones or files without their doctor's okay.

How I Use It

Other Products I Recommend

• For overnight care: cotton moisturizing gloves and socks to wear over your cream.
• For gentle smoothing: a natural pumice stone for damp heels.

My hands serve, my feet carry me, and I honor them with care.

Your Next Step

Start tonight with socks over shea butter, and check your heels in a week. For a complete care plan, get the free 7-Day Glow Routine Checklist.

More to read: Shea Butter for Mature Skin, How to Apply Body Oil, and Dry Skin After Menopause.