How to Remove Dead Skin from Feet

The average American walks about 120,000 km in the first 50 years of life – meaning a lot of stress is put on the feet. Our feet are one of the hardest working parts of the body, so you need to take good care of them. There are several things you can do to take care of your feet, including removing dead skin or calluses on the soles of your feet. However, you should be aware that using a razor or sharp object to shave the skin of your feet can be dangerous. Instead of a razor, use a pumice stone and foot file to remove dead and dry skin.

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Soften feet skin at home

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Soak your feet in lemon juice. Soaking feet in lemon juice for about 10 minutes is a very effective way to remove dead and dry skin on feet. The acid in lemon helps the dead and dry skin to peel off more easily. After soaking your feet for about 10 minutes, you can use a pumice stone or foot file to remove dead and dry skin. ^{[1] X Research Source}

Foot razors are also available in many stores and pharmacies but are not recommended by doctors. Many states in the US have banned the use of foot razors in spas. This is because they can create cuts and scrapes on the feet that are prone to infection – especially in spa environments. ^{[2] X Research Source}

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Make your own anti-cracking cream. Pour a spoonful of olive oil into a small jar with a lid. Add a few drops of lemon or lavender essential oil to the jar. Close the cap tightly and shake until the solution in the vial thickens and turns milky white. Apply the mixture on the feet, especially the heels, to moisturize the skin. You can store the cream for later use, just remember to shake it well before use. ^{[3] X Research Sources}

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Apply oil to your feet before going to bed. Start by taking a shower and washing your feet, or simply washing your feet separately. Use a towel to dry your feet, remember to wipe between your toes. Apply a layer of vegetable oil all over the feet. Put thick socks on your feet and go to bed. You will notice much less dry feet in just a few days. ^{[4] X Research Sources}

Oil can stain fabrics, such as socks, so you should choose socks that you don’t fear staining. The socks also help prevent the bed linen from becoming stained with oil.

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Make a night foot mask. Mix 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of Vaseline cream (or similar product) and the juice of one lemon in a bowl. Take a shower to wash your feet or just wash your feet and dry them thoroughly. Apply ALL this mixture on both feet, then put on thick wool socks and go to bed. The next morning, take off your socks and scrub the dead skin off your feet. ^{[5] X Research Sources}

The wool socks used in this case are to prevent the mixture from seeping out and contaminating the bed sheets. Choose socks that you are not afraid of getting dirty because of the oil mixture.

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Try paraffin wax to moisturize your feet. Place the wax in a large bowl and melt in the microwave (or in a water bath if you have one). Add an equal amount of mustard oil to the melted wax. Check to make sure the wax isn’t too hot, then dip one foot in the bowl and coat the wax mixture all over the foot. Lift your feet out of the bowl, wait for the wax to dry, and dip them back into the bowl again. Wrap feet in cling film or plastic bags. Repeat the above steps with the other foot. Wait about 15 minutes before removing the wrap and wax. ^{[6] X Research Source}

Mustard oil strengthens the skin and keeps the feet moist.

DIY nail art

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Declaim food. First, you need to find or buy a large basin that can comfortably fit both feet and is deep enough for the feet to be completely submerged in the water. Fill the basin with a few drops of mild soap and fill the basin with warm water halfway. You can also try adding a few drops of your favorite essential oil as an aromatherapy to relax. Sit in a comfortable chair and soak your feet in the water for about 10 minutes. ^{[7] X Research Sources}

Use 1/2 cup of epsom salt in place of soap. Epsom salt is actually a mineral containing magnesium and sulphate. Both magnesium and sulphate have amazing health benefits, and both are quickly absorbed through the skin. These two minerals provide benefits such as: increasing serotonin production, boosting energy, reducing inflammation, eliminating foot odor and stimulating blood circulation. ^{[8] X Research Sources}
Use 1/4 cup of white vinegar instead of soap. Vinegar has more benefits than many people realize, and many of its uses are not limited to the kitchen. Soaking your feet in a vinegar mixture can help get rid of foot odor and reduce the risk of fungal foot infections. Vinegar is also acidic, which softens the skin, making it easier to remove dead skin and dry skin. ^{[9] X Research Source}

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Remove dead skin and calluses from feet. Use a pumice stone or file to scrub away dead skin and calluses on the soles of your feet. ^{[10] X Research Source} You may need to fold your feet behind you to get the full heel of your foot. Don’t forget to check your toes too for calluses and dead skin.

Remember to wet the pumice stone before use. ^{[11] X Research Source}
Pumice stones, foot files, powdered cardboard, etc. are all good options for removing dead or dry skin on feet after soaking. Razors for the feet are available at many pharmacies and stores but are not recommended by doctors because they can easily scratch and break the skin, which can lead to infection. ^{[12] X Research Source}

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Cuticle and nail care. Use a nail stick to push the cuticles inward, then use a large nail clipper or toenail clipper to trim the toenails. If you want to make your toenails a bit longer, you also need to make sure your toenails don’t extend past your toes. In addition, you should also cut the nail across the width of the nail. Do not cut in the corner of the nail or deep down. This type of nail clipping can cause painful ingrown toenails. ^{[13] X Research Source} File the tip of the nail with a nail file or cardboard coated with abrasive powder after trimming the nail.

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Moisturizes feet and ankles. Use a good moisturizer and massage your feet, including toes and toenails. You can use a rolling pin or foot massager before or after applying moisturizer for a more thorough massage. ^{[14] X Research Source} Feel free to apply plenty of moisturizer to your feet during this step – but be careful when walking if the cream hasn’t fully absorbed into the skin.

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Toenail paint. If you want to paint your toenails, start by using a small amount of nail polish remover to remove the moisturizer from your nails. Apply a clear coat of nail polish and let it dry before applying another coat. Apply 1-2 more coats of color paint, remember to wait for each layer to dry before applying the next one. Finally, you can polish each nail. ^{[15] X Research Source} Once you’ve finished all coats of paint, you’ll need to wait for the polish to dry before putting your feet in socks or shoes. It’s best to go barefoot or wear open-toe sandals to ensure the paint dries completely.

Nail polish removers are available in both acetone and acetone-free. The acetone-based ones are more effective at removing nail polish but are also stronger for the skin and nails. If you have nails that dry out easily and are brittle or need to remove nail polish often, you may want to go for an acetone-free one. The non-acetone type is gentler on skin and nails, but you need to scrub a little harder when removing nail polish. ^{[16] X Research Source}

Foot care

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Choose the right shoes. One of the best things you can do to take care of your feet is to buy and wear the right shoes. Shoes that do not fit your feet will create a lot of friction and pressure, leading to calluses, corns on the feet and dry skin. ^{[17] X Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Go to Source} There are a few factors you need to keep in mind to find the right shoe. ^{[18] X Research Sources}

Measure the size of BOTH feet. Maybe one of your legs is bigger than the other. You need to find shoes that fit larger feet.
Go shoe shopping at the end of the day, because that’s when your feet are at their biggest. That way you’ll make sure your shoes don’t get too tight as your feet expand.
Don’t rely on the manufacturer’s shoe size. Trust how you really feel when you put your shoes on.
Choose shoes that are shaped to match your feet. Shoes with the wrong shape can also cause problems.
Don’t think that shoes will stretch after a while you wear them.
Make sure the right forefoot fits at the widest part of the shoe. The shoe should also be deep enough for the toes to be comfortable.
Make sure the tip of the big toe is 1-1.3 cm from the toe of the shoe. You can use the width of your fingers to estimate this distance while standing.

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Keep feet dry. Try to wear only soft cotton socks inside your shoes, especially during physical activities. Let the shoes dry completely after activities that cause your feet to sweat a lot. Do not wear a pair of socks for two days in a row. Change socks during the day if they get wet or sweaty. Wash your feet daily, pay attention to washing between your toes to prevent diseases like tinea versicolor, and remember to dry your feet well before putting on socks. ^{[19] X Research Source} These precautions will help you avoid foot odor as well as redness and eczema.

You should also wear flip flops or sandals in areas like swimming pools or public bathrooms. ^{[20] X Trusted Source National Health Service (UK) Go to Source}

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Moisturize your feet daily. The best way to prevent dry feet is to apply a quality foot moisturizer daily. ^{[21] X Research Source} Moisturizing is a very important step during winter when the air becomes dry and cold. Be careful not to apply the cream to your feet and then walk barefoot on wooden or tiled floors. You may find that applying your moisturizer the day before bed is the easiest and probably safest routine to follow.

Massage your feet while applying moisturizer. Foot massage is not only pleasant, but it can also help increase blood circulation.
Avoid very hot showers or baths, as water that is too hot can dry out the skin faster. ^{[22] X Research Source}
Use a moisturizer specifically made for the feet, as other creams can contain alcohol and dry out the skin faster.

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Take care to avoid and remove the horny particles in the feet. Surprisingly, the majority of foot problems are not caused by walking but by shoes. Corneal granules (calluses on the toes) form as a result of toes rubbing against the inside of the shoe, mainly because the shoe (or sock) size isn’t right. High heels can also be a cause of corns, because the high heel shape puts a lot of pressure on the toes and toes of the foot, which pushes the toes closer to the shoe. You can prevent and treat corns at home, but you will need to see a doctor if the condition becomes severe. ^{[23] X Research Sources}

Soak your feet in warm water regularly, and use a pumice stone or foot file to remove dead skin and corns on the toes and feet.
Stick pads on your toes to protect your toes when wearing shoes. Medicinal toe protectors are not recommended.
Switch to shoes that fit your foot and are roomy at the toe. Avoid wearing high heels if possible.

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Elevate the foot. This is doctor’s advice, so you should do it and elevate your feet when possible! But if you find yourself sitting for a long time, take a few minutes to get up and walk around a bit. And if you have a habit of sitting cross-legged, you should switch legs often. All of the above tips are effective in increasing blood circulation to the legs and feet.

Warning

People with diabetes must pay special attention to foot care. If you have diabetes, you need to follow your doctor’s instructions on how to take care of your feet.

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Soften feet skin at home

DIY nail art

Foot care

Warning

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