As much as we focus on face and body skin, we skip one of the important parts of the body, FEET. Neglecting this often leads to issues like dead skin build-ups, cracked heals, and rough patches on the feet area. Have you also experienced feeling uncomfortable, while wearing your favourite sandals and slippers? You are not alone. 

Know how to remove dead skin from feet, and get soft and no-dry/flaky just at the comfort of your home.

Why Dead Skin Builds Up on Feet

Dead skin on feet is one of the common issues which most of us suffer, which is mainly because of the neglect. Since feet are thicker than other parts, and have only fewer oil grands, they will get dry excessively, which is why moisturizing feet regularly is important.

Some of the common causes includes:

1. Pressure: Since we walk, run, and even stand for long hours, we tend to put too much pressure, which leads to hard patches and calluses.

2. No Moisture: When skin loses hydration, they tend to be flaky and lead to cracks on the skin.

3. Dead Skin Build Ups: Dead skin exfoliation happens normally, but if we don't remove them often, it will lead to rough spots.

The study has even proved that over 70% and above adults face foot dryness and calluses issues commonly. Even though they are harmless, it leads to infections and even gets severe at times. 

Common Signs You Have Dead Skin on Feet

Dead skin on your feet does not show immediately, but here are some signs that you must not neglect:

1. Feet Dryness – Even after moisturizing your feet, you will still get the feeling of dryness and tightness.
   
   
   

2. Patches All Over - Appearance of small white flakes on heels and soles will appear post socks removal.
   
   
   

3. Feet Cracks - Even months of neglect, you will get splits and even painful cracks while making your walking uncomfortable. 
   
   
   

4. Rough Texture - Instead of softness, you will feel white lines when running your hands on them.
   
   
   

At-Home Remedies to Remove Dead Skin

If you are looking for a gentle and doable home pedicure, you can start with home remedies to get rid of dead skin cells in the feet, here are some methods crafted for you.

• Everyday make sure to gently wash your legs and feet with gentle soap/body wash. And moisturize well.

• Before sleep, make sure to apply thick cream or even butters, wrap up with your socks, and sleep! This gives soft feet in the morning.

• Once a week, make sure to soak your feet in hot water, filled with epsom salt or baking soda for 10 - 15minutes. Gently exfoliate with pumice stone  in circular motion; Make sure you are not overdoing it. Now dry and apply an exfoliating pack all over your feet. Wash off, moisturize, and you are ready to go! Ensure to do this as your weekly routine!

For exfoliating your feet, here are some simple recipes to incorporate:

1. Sugar + Oil Scrub - Gently scrub your feet with this sugar and oil paste; Wash off after 10mins for better results.

2. Apple Cider Vinegar Soak - Soak your feet in ACV water, let them sit for 10 to 20mins, and wash them off with plain water

3. Baking Soda Paste - Make a paste with baking soda and water; Apply all over your feet. Leave for 5mins, and wash them off.

You will get to know simple mini foot spa routine at home in detail below:

STEP 1 - Soaking Your Feet the Right Way

When you are planning footcare, first would be to scrub away the dead skin cells, “Soaking” is the first step that you should go with! It's because they soften hard skin, and make your exfoliation easier. Also they relaxes tired muscles and boosts blood circulation.

A little spa with a me-time,which helps in opening pores, removes foot calluses, and sheds away the dead skin cells.

STEP 2 - Using a Foot Scrub or Exfoliant

Once after soaking your feet, the next step would be to exfoliate and shed away the dead skin cells by foot scrubs. This helps in smooth feet, and it can be done just with minimal ingredients at home.

 

Here are some of the natural foot scrubs:

1. Sugar + Coconut Oil – Sugar helps in treating the rough skin, while coconut helps in moisturizing. 2 spoons of sugar with 1 spoon of oil. Massage, and rinse after a couple of minutes.

2. Coffee + Olive Oil - Coffee works as a natural exfoliant, while olive oil nourishes. 2 spoons of coffee powder with 1spoon of olive oil. Scrub and wash off after 2mins.

3. Oats + Honey - Oats acts as a natural scrub, and honey exfoliates. 2 spoons of oatmeal powder(coarse) with one spoon of honey. Massage and wash after 5mins.

You can also go with store bought scrubs or even chemical exfoliation like AHA or glycolic acid based products.

STEP 3 - Pumice Stone and Foot File Methods

While using your exfoliating mask, make sure to mix with tools to make the process easier and effective. You can use tools like “Pumice stones” and “foot files” to remove dry and tough skin. Once after soaking and using an exfoliating mask, gently scrub them with tools focussing on heels and calluses. Avoid areas where you have cursor soreness. 

Don't scrub too much, use them once or twice in a week for better results.

STEP 4 - Moisturizing After Exfoliation

After exfoliation, make sure to moisturize for soft and fresh skin. The moisture helps in keeping skin well hydrated and moisturized. This helps in preventing dryness and buildups in the near future.

Some of the best options includes:

1. Coconut oil – Helps in deeply nourishing.

2. Shea butter – Rich in fatty acids which helps in locking skin hydration.

3. Urea creams (5–10%) – Mostly recommended by dermatologists for soft feet.

4. Petroleum jelly or Foot balms – Creates a protective barrier overnight.

Tips to Prevent Dead Skin from Coming Back

Here are some of the foot care tips for healthy and soft feet:

• Every night, ensure to apply foot cream or natural oil, for soft feet.

• Packing the feet with socks can help in protecting feet from friction.

• Make sure to drink at least 2 to 3litres of water to keep the body internally hydrated.

• Never miss to exfoliate at least once in a weeks

• Trim your nails to avoid extra pressure on skin.

Conclusion

Taking care of your feet is not complicated, a simple routine being consistent goes in a long way. A simple routine with soaking and exfoliation gives the baby soft skin.

Ensure to remove the dead skin cells build-up to keep skin soft, comfortable and improving overall foot health.

FAQs:

What is the safest way to remove dead skin from feet at home?

The simplest yet safest way would be to soak the feet in warm water, gently exfoliate, and lock the skin’s moisture.

How often should I exfoliate my feet to keep them soft?

You can do them once or twice a week.

Can I use a razor or blade to get rid of calluses on my feet?

No, sharp objects lead to irritation and skin infections. Go with safe methods like scrubbing or fillings.

Are foot peels safe for sensitive skin?

No, it's not safe because they may have irritating ingredients which trigger sensitive skin.

Which ingredients work best in foot soaks for removing dead skin?

You can go with ingredients like ACV, Epsom Salt, Baking Soda, Milk, Honey, etc. which nourishes and moisturizes skin.

Why do my heels keep cracking even after exfoliating?

It may be because of lack of moisture. So, moisturize with creams or butter post exfoliating. 

What is the difference between pumice stones and foot files?

Pumice stone works gently and gives gentle scrub. While foot files is a flat tool, which smoothes thicker calluses.

When should I see a doctor about dead skin on my feet?

If you have diabetes, painful cracks, bleeding, etc, make sure to consult your doctor.

Can diabetes cause excess dry and dead skin on feet?

Yes, if you are diabetic, the oil secretion will be reduced, and leads to dry and dead skin cells  on the feet.

What daily habits prevent dead skin buildup on feet?

Weekly exfoliation, everyday moisturization, better hydrating agents, etc helps in preventing dead skin buildups on feet.