How to quickly heal cracked and dry skin: Simple Ways to Help Your Skin Heal Naturally

If you’ve ever noticed painful cracks on your heels after a long day, or dry patches on your hands that sting every time you wash them, you’re not alone. Most South Africans deal with cracked skin at some point, especially when the weather is dry or cold.

Think of those winter mornings in Johannesburg, when the air feels crisp and the humidity drops, or those Cape winds that leave your skin feeling rough. The South African climate doesn’t make it easy, and everyday habits like frequent handwashing and cleaning can make it worse.

The good news is that cracked skin doesn’t have to last, and with a little gentle care and the right protection, your skin can feel smooth once again.

Why Skin Cracks in the First Place

Your skin acts like a shield. It locks in moisture and protects you from the outside world. But when that barrier gets too dry or damaged, it loses flexibility. That’s when cracks can form, often on your heels, elbows, hands, or knuckles.

Here’s what often causes it:

Dry, cold air – especially during winter on the Highveld or in air-conditioned environments.
Frequent washing – soaps and detergents can strip away natural oils.
Going barefoot – common in summer, but it can roughen heels and cause splitting.
Ageing skin – naturally becomes thinner and less elastic.
Certain skin conditions, like eczema, can make the skin more fragile.

When your skin loses too much moisture, it stiffens and can no longer stretch. Instead, it splits, causing that sore, raw feeling we all dread.

How to Help Cracked Skin Recover Naturally

Healing cracked skin isn’t about doing more. It’s about doing less, but doing it better.
A few simple changes to your daily routine can make a world of difference.

1. Soak your skin to soften

Before applying a cream, soak your feet or hands in warm (not hot) water for a few minutes to soften the skin. Gently pat dry with a soft towel.

2. Seal in moisture

Use a protective cream right after washing or bathing. This helps lock in the moisture your skin has absorbed and creates a shield against dry air.

3. Go gentle on soaps

Try mild, fragrance-free cleansers. Many everyday soaps are surprisingly harsh and can strip your skin's natural barrier.

4. Protect the area

Consider wearing gloves when washing dishes and using harsh chemicals, and comfy socks or soft shoes to help prevent heel cracks from deepening.

How Silverlab Healing Cream Can Help

When your skin feels cracked and sore, it needs more than just a moisturiser. It needs the help of a protective layer to aid its healing.

That’s where Silverlab Healing Cream comes in.

Loved by thousands of South African’s over the last 20+ years, our protective cream combines science and natural ingredients. Each ingredient plays an important role:

White petroleum jelly & mineral oil create a soothing barrier that locks in moisture and shields against dryness.
Avocado oil nourishes the skin with essential fatty acids, helping it stay supple and soft.
Our unique 18 ppm Ionic Silver acts as a natural anti-inflammatory to calm redness and irritation, supporting your skin’s natural recovery environment.

These ingredients work together to help your skin stay hydrated, soften rough areas, and regain its resilience.

Consistently apply a generous amount of Silverlab Healing Cream. Use it several times a day, especially after washing or at night, to help your skin stay nourished and protected.

Gentle Care You Can Trust

At Silverlab, we believe healing shouldn’t hurt. Our products are made with care, using pure, non-toxic ingredients that are safe for the whole family.

Each product blends modern science with natural healing, helping your body do what it does best: heal itself gently and effectively.

So next time your hands, heels, or elbows start to feel rough and sore, give them what they really need: some care and protection.

Discover Silverlab Healing Cream — Because healing should always feel this good.

Back to blog

Item added to your cart