The dead skin on feet It is a common problem among many. The feet have fewer oil glands than the other areas of the body. Therefore, they experience daily wear and tear which leads to dead skin. Dead skin underfoot can also be embarrassing.
If you want to remove it, we’ll give you some tips and tricks that can help restore the smoother texture of your feet. Read on to find out how to remove dead skin on feet.
What causes dry and cracked feet?
lack of moisture
Hard, dry, cracked, and peeling skin is most common on the heels and soles of the feet, as they have the fewest oil glands. These areas do not receive enough moisture.
heat and humidity
Frequent use of closed shoes, such as boots and sneakers, can create a moist environment around your feet. Exposing feet to such heat and humidity can draw moisture from the skin and cause them to become thick, dry and cracked.
Irritation
Wearing ill-fitting shoes for many hours or being on your feet for too long can also put constant pressure on your feet. It also causes excessive friction against the skin and can dry, harden, or calluse it.
Aging
With age, our skin loses its ability to retain water and becomes thinner and less smooth. This is one of the reasons older people going through the natural aging process experience dry, hard skin more often.
Obesity
Obesity is another cause of dry skin on the feet simply because the feet carry more weight than usual. This extra weight can hinder blood circulation and stiffen your feet.
Specific medical conditions
Certain medical conditions such as psoriasis, athlete’s foot, eczema, and cancer can also cause the skin under your feet to become rough, scaly, and dry. Systemic medical conditions such as diabetes and hypothyroidism can also exacerbate the problem.
Excessive use of soaps
Excessive use of soaps and body washes that contain harsh or irritating chemicals can draw moisture from the skin, causing it to become dry and hard. Not even washing excess soap off your feet can lead to dryness.
Yes, hard and dry feet can be quite uncomfortable. But, as we discussed, the right treatment methods can help. Read the next section to find out more.
Tips and tricks to remove dead skin on feet
exfoliate your feet
Exfoliation is a technique that involves removing dead skin from the surface of the feet with a physical or chemical exfoliant. Physical scrubs include: foot scrubs (you can buy these or make them at home by mixing fruit, honey, sugar, and warm water), electronic callus removers, and body brushes.
Chemical exfoliants include lotions or diluted liquids. They typically contain alpha-hydroxy acids (such as glycolic acid) that dissolve dead cells on the skin’s surface. Chemical foot scrubs are the other chemical foot scrubs you can try.
Check the ingredient list thoroughly, as some foot scrubs contain artificial fragrances and alcohols that can irritate sensitive skin.
Moisturize your feet regularly
Regular moisturizing of the feet can help reduce existing dry skin and prevent new dry skin from building up under the surface of the feet. Be sure to moisturize your feet after using a scrub. You can also use a pumice stone to help the skin seal in moisture.
When choosing moisturizing products, look for those that contain emollients, including vegetable oils and butters, humectants, such as aloe, urea, and hyaluronic acid, occlusives, such as lanolin, petroleum jelly, and coconut oil.
Avoid moisturizers, creams, and lotions that contain alcohol, artificial colors, and added fragrances. They can worsen dead skin on feet.
Use a pumice stone or foot file
Pumice stones or metal foot files help remove the dead skin on feet, as well as hard skin and calluses. A pumice stone is a natural lava stone that can help you remove dead skin and calluses from your feet. This is how you can use one:
- Soak your feet in warm water for a while to soften dead skin.
- Take a pumice stone or foot file and wet it with warm water.
- Gently rub over dead skin or callus in a circular motion.
- Rinse the dead skin off your feet and repeat the process if necessary.
- Dry your feet and moisten them with a good quality lotion, cream or oil.
Do not use a pumice stone on injured or sore areas, as it can aggravate skin dryness and even cause damage.
Soak feet in warm water
Soaking your feet in warm water helps soothe and loosen hard, calloused skin. It also improves blood circulation in the feet and can prevent the skin from drying out again.
Add a small amount of vinegar to the foot bath. Vinegar can help disinfect your feet and eliminate foot odor. You can also include any of the following ingredients in your foot soak:
Lemon juice
The citric acid in lemons is believed to break down stubborn dead skin and calluses on the feet. However, research is limited in this regard. Lemons can help soften the skin.
Mix two parts of lemon juice with one part of sugar. Gently rub the mixture into rough areas, leave for 5-7 minutes, and rinse with lukewarm water.
epsom salt
Epsom salt is essentially a crystalline form of a mineral compound called magnesium sulfate. Dissolve Epsom salt in water and soak your feet in it for 20 minutes. Use a foot brush or pumice stone to exfoliate dry, cracked feet. This can help get rid of dry skin on your feet and also increase skin hydration.
oatmeal scrub
Take oatmeal and rosewater in equal parts. Gently mix and apply this scrub on your feet. Leave it on for 20-30 minutes, use a foot brush to exfoliate your feet, rinse with cool water and let them dry.
look also Oatmeal: Benefits You May Not Know About
Use paraffin wax
Paraffin wax is a soft wax that melts at an average temperature of 51°C (125°F). It can help remove dead skin from your feet and soften your skin. However, more research is needed to better understand this property of paraffin wax.
You can do a paraffin wax treatment at home with a home paraffin wax bath or do it at a salon that offers a paraffin wax pedicure treatment.
use aspirin
Crush 4 to 6 aspirin pills into powder form. Mix the powder with a teaspoon of lemon juice and a few drops of water. Gently spread the paste on the affected areas and leave it on for 5 to 10 minutes. Rinse the area with lukewarm water. Although this method does not have scientific support, it is quite accepted.