With the winter around, many of us will start having feet related issues. Formation of dead skin and eventual cracks are what we get. Dryness is the cause of most of the problem and it is obligatory to remove dead skin from feet.
Like our face, the farthest part of the body i.e., our feet also requires TLC. Apart from the cold winters, dry and dead skin on feet can be the result of skin conditions like Psoriasis, Athlete’s foot, and Eczema. The reason we are mentioning these conditions is just to make you conscious of them. In our country, foot cracks are ignored in most cases. However, remember that your feet carry your weight. So, next time take a proper look and attention to it.
During winters, the weather is drier. The extreme coldness and lack of moisture is the reason of dead skin formation. Dead flaky skins are superficial. The main areas where you can see dry skins are the sides of feet, heel area, and in between toes. It generally does no harm to the feet and is normal. But, if it is not removed or treated, the consequences can be shoddier.
Although this article is about the hacks to remove dead skin from feet, you can prevent from having one. Like the regular skincare regime, find a time for foot care also. For instance, wear well-fitted shoes so that you find comfort in walking. Make a habit of moisturizing the feet every night before sleep, especially in the winters. Keep your feet clean and dry.
11 Hacks to Remove Dead Skin From Feet
Even after taking intense care, sometimes we fail the formation of cracks due to the deposition of dead skins. It is mandatory to remove dead skin from feet using certain hacks and methods. Let us see what we can do.
1. PUMICE STONE
This rough stone is unique and different from others. It is derived from the natural lava that helps to remove dead skin from feet. To mention, you should try this very original thing at home. Only pumice stones solve most dead skin issues alone.
How to Use:
- Soak your feet in warm water for 10-12 minutes.
- Immerse the stone in warm water too.
- If you want, you can add a mild shampoo for better benefits.
- Now, move the stone gently in circular motion near the heel and sideways along the length of the foot.
- Do not put force. Let the top layer of dead skin come out naturally.
- Wash feet and apply a foot cream or moisturizer. You can apply oil also.
2. EPSOM SALT SOAK
More renowned by the name of Sendha Namak in India, Epsom salt has multiple functions for ages. One such reason is pain relief and healing. It is even used as a stress buster by mixing with water. As it can exfoliate hard skin like that of corn, it can definitely be a good option to remove dead skin from feet.
How to Use
- Take a footbath or a large bucket filled with warm water.
- Add ½ a cup of Epsom salt in it.
- Become stress-free and soak your feet for 20 minutes.
- If dead skin has just started forming while using this, take a foot brush to clean it up.
- However, the dead skin is a bit tougher to remove, rub with a pumice stone.
- Clean your feet and do not forget to moisturize.
3. EPSOM SALT SCRUB
If you find the earlier method lengthy and time taking, you can use the scrub form of Epsom salt. It is equally effective, except for the missing of warm water relaxation.
How to Use
- Take a handful of the salt mentioned.
- Add one tablespoon of olive oil or any bath oil you are using.
- Scrub your feet with hands/bath sponge.
- After exfoliation, clean your feet with water.
- As the scrub contains oil, you may delay the use of moisturizer, provided you are not using soap in cleaning.
4. OATMEAL SCRUB
Oatmeal is a great exfoliator. It is safe to use without any side effects. It is highly recommended to remove dead skin from feet. Making the mask is even easier.
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Take oatmeal and rosewater in the same amount and mix it. You can also replace rosewater with milk for the moisturizing property.
How to Use
- Apply the scrub on feet and let it sit for 25 minutes
- Then using a soft foot brush, exfoliate gently.
- Wash feet with cold water and pat dry.
- Moisturize your feet with oil or foot cream.
5. VINEGAR SOAK
Due to its acidic property, vinegar is often used as a natural medication for a lot of disorders for ages. It has a great contribution in fighting with dry skin of feet. Although you can use any vinegar, we recommend apple cider vinegar for the best outcome.
How to Use
- Mix cold water and vinegar in equal amounts in a tub.
- Soak your feet for 15 minutes.
- Wash with plain water.
- Finally moisturize skin using oil, Vaseline, or moisturizer.
However, there are certain precautions to be maintained because of its quick-drying and acidic nature. Firstly, do not use warm water. It will dry out the skin more.
Secondly, do not do this, if you have cuts, wounds, or extreme cracks. It will infuriate the area.
Lastly, you can use raw vinegar on calluses using a cotton ball. But do not apply to the surrounding skin or it will aggravate the skin.
6. BAKING SODA SOAK (Caution!)
Although baking soda can work effectively to remove dead skin from feet, dermatologists often warn about using this one. The reason is its corrosive nature that dries out the skin too quickly and causes irritation and redness.
We are mentioning it because it is effective. However, if you feel uncomfortable, do not use this soak. Especially, if you have sensitive skin or allergy-prone one, discuss your dermatologist or podiatrist.
How to Use
- Use only 2-3 tablespoons of baking soda in a bath of warm water.
- Soak feet for 10 minutes. Only if you feel good and unreactive, you can keep it for another 5 minutes.
- Remove dead skin from feet using foot brush or pumice stone as before.
- Thoroughly wash with water.
- Apply plenty of moisturizers immediately.
âš Caution: Please! If you experience redness or irritation, stop at that moment without any second thought.
7. LEMON SOAK (Be Careful !!)
Just like baking soda, lemon can also irritate the skin. In extreme cases, it may hamper the natural pH of the skin and dry it out. So, make sure you are have used lemon before on the skin and it has no adverse effects.
However, we recommend avoiding lemon soak if you
- have sensitive and allergy-prone skin
- experienced redness or irritation before
- have deep cracks, cuts, or sores on the foot
How to Use
- Make a footbath with warm water. Footbaths are easily available. CARTSHOPPER Footbath is affordable and sturdy. Otherwise, you can simply use a tub.
- Squeeze the juice of one lemon in it. you can add leaves and lemon skin for the fresh aroma.
- Soak feet for about 15 minutes.
- Scrub the dead cells out using a foot brush.
- Thoroughly wash feet.
- Apply coconut oil or moisturizer.
8. FOOT FILE OR FOOT SCRUBBER
Sometimes, we do not really have that relaxing time to remove dead skin from feet. In such cases, an instant solution is a foot file or scrubber. It does not require water and works effectively. Actually, this can be considered as a mini pedicure. Both battery-operated and electronic ones are available.
Keymax Pedicure Scrubber is economic and battery operated. There are no sharp blades. Hence, it is very easy to hold and works effectively. Another electronic one is the Lifelong foot scrubber that is rechargeable. With a one-year warranty, this removes hard and dry skin efficiently.
9. FOOT PEEL MASK
Peel masks are one way of home-based treatment to make your feet free from dead skins. Each pack contains plastic or semi-plastic booties and a serum kind of thing. This gel serum is actually a mix of fruit enzymes and moisturizers that effectively remove dead skin from feet.
Although the instruction differs according to companies, the basic procedure is the same.
How to use
- Wet your feet and put them into the plastic bags given in the pack.
- Add the gel/liquid inside it.
- Move your feet so that the gel or liquid covers all points of your feet.
- Seal the bags with adhesive.
- Wait for the time as mentioned in the manual.
- Remove them and gently wash your feet with soap and water.
Remember that peeling will not start immediately. Wash your feet every day to see that the peeling is occurring in the next 3-7 days. However, there are no such scientific outlooks on the treatment. But, according to user experience, it is indeed very effective.
10. CASTOR OIL
Being an effective ingredient, castor oil has made its position in the beauty and cosmetic industry for time immemorial. It is equally efficient to remove dead skin from feet, especially, if you are suffering from corns in the toes.
How to Use
- Take 3 tablespoons of castor oil.
- Soak it in the cotton ball.
- Make sure you have properly cleaned your feet and toes.
- Dab the soaked cotton.
- Cover the whole toe with aluminum foil.
- Gently move your toe at intervals and keep it for 30 minutes.
- Wash your feet and toe.
- Moisturize it with moisturizer.
11. PARAFFIN WAX
As a part of a pedicure, many salons offer clients to take the paraffin wax treatment. It is a soft wax safe to use on skin. However, care should be taken so that it does not burn your feet. Using a paraffin wax bath, you can also do this at home. But, make sure you understand the temperature and do not harm your skin with heat.
While doing the treatment, you have to dip your fit multiple times in the wax. After that, you have to wrap it with plastic and wait. When the wax hardens completely, gently start removing it. This will remove the dead skin from feet.
There are certain restrictions to it. Never use paraffin wax if you have rash, cuts, or open sore or you have poor blood circulation. Further, people with damaged nerves (that occurs mainly due to diabetes) also should not use this.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Should I use a razor to remove dead skin from feet at home?
No, and Never; always seek professional help if you need such hacks to remove dead skin from feet. It is not safe as it may cut your skin and make it prone to bacterial infection. Try the other safe alternatives.
Why is there so much dead skin on my feet?
The main reason behind dead skin on foot is lack of moisture in closed shoes, socks, walking, and running. You should always use hacks to remove dead skin from feet and take regular care so that your feet remain healthy.
Is coconut oil good for feet?
Yes. Pure coconut oil has anti-microbial properties and is highly moisturizing in nature. After you remove dead skin from feet, apply coconut oil to get soft feet.
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The End Note
Apart from the above-mentioned ones, there are many other ways to remove dead skin from feet. However, your feet are as important as your other body parts. So, never use any product that you are allergic to or sensitive to. Besides, if your problem of dry skin persists with other symptoms, consult a doctor about issues that may cause these.
Dead skin is the outcome of normal physiological functions. It can be removed and taken care of at home easily. But, make sure you make a routine to give time to your precious feet every day.
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