Dead or hard skin can build up on the feet. It is typically caused by the feet becoming dry or from friction when you are walking or running. Although hard skin on the feet is rarely painful, it can crack and become unsightly.
Nevertheless, according to the experts at Shoe Fresh, makers of shoe deodorizer spray, cracked skin can become infected if bacteria is allowed to grow on the feet in a moist environment, such as can happen when feet get hot and sweaty. The best way to avoid this from happening is to regularly use a shoe deodorant and to remove dead skin before it becomes a problem. Here’s how to do it.
Use a Pumice Stone
To keep your feet in good condition and free from a buildup of hard skin, you should consider using a pumice stone regularly. Some people like to use it when they are in the shower or after a bath. A pumice stone is a natural stone created by a mix of lava and water. It offers light abrasion and is ideal for removing dead skin, particularly on the feet.
When using a pumice stone, it is best to soak your feet first. Once you have soaked them for about ten minutes, dry them and then gently move the stone over the hard skin in a circular motion. Do not rub too hard; the idea is to remove the top layer of skin and not the entire area in one go. This will encourage new skin cells to form. Once you have used the pumice stone, moisturize your feet.
Scrub Your Feet
You can buy a specially formulated foot scrub to remove dead skin, or you could make your own. If you are buying a foot scrub or exfoliator, make sure it contains granules to help remove the dead skin. This might be sugar, coffee, salt, or jojoba beads.
If you are making your own scrub, you can use a variety of natural ingredients. Some people like to make a mix of sugar, sea salt, and olive oil with some essential oil drops for a soothing scent. You can also use oatmeal mixed with milk or something like rose water until it forms a paste.
Apply the scrub to your feet and massage well. Allow it to sit on the feet for around thirty minutes before rinsing it off. Once you have patted your feet dry, you should apply a foot cream or lotion.
Try a Foot Spa
A foot spa is a fabulous way to revive your feet and leave you feeling completely relaxed at the same time. You can use Epsom salts in the foot spa to smooth cracked feet and remove dead skin. Soak your feet for around twenty to thirty minutes in half a cup of Epsom salts mixed with water and pat them dry afterwards. You can use a pumice stone after your soak to help get rid of the dead skin.
What to Avoid
There are some other methods of removing dead skin, but dermatologists do not recommend them. If you have read about soaking your feet in baking soda or lemon juice, then be aware that these methods can cause irritation. You might also have heard about an at-home foot peel but again, the experts say it is best to avoid this method because it can remove healthy as well as dead skin, which is not what you want.
The best method of removing dead skin is a regular foot soak, combined with a gentle exfoliation using a pumice stone, all followed up with moisturizing.
