Ways to remove dead skin from your feet
What's the story
Dry feet are hard to deal with and are often the result of dead skin getting accumulated on the top layer of the skin on your feet. There are many more potential reasons for dry feet, but the most common one is cold weather. Low humidity and frigid temperatures can easily cause your feet to become dry. Here's how you can treat this condition.
Foot soaks
Soak your feet in warm water to loosen dry skin
To soothe and loosen dry skin, soak your feet in warm water regularly. For better results, add beneficial ingredients (like Epsom salt) to the water. A small amount of vinegar will disinfect your feet with its antimicrobial properties. Adding lemon juice to the foot soak also has similar effects. For moisturization, you can add some honey to the water.
Scrub
Don't forget to exfoliate
The process of exfoliation removes dead skin from the skin surface. Thus, this step is actually the most important. Your options include chemical and physical exfoliators, as well as homemade scrubs. Try this DIY scrub: Mix equal parts of oatmeal with rose water or milk. Apply this to your feet, leave for 20-30 minutes, and scrub gently. Use it on alternate days for best results.
Moisturize
Follow up with a thick moisturizer
Once you have exfoliated, proceed to hydrate your feet with a moisturizer. If you have a foot cream, then great. If not, a normal body moisturizer with a thicker consistency works fine as well. If you are willing to go all the way, apply coconut or olive oil on your feet, cover up with a pair of socks, and leave overnight.
Prevention
How you can prevent feet from drying up
Proper footwear can actually prevent dry feet. Wear moisture-wicking socks and ensure that your shoes fit properly. Avoid lotions, soaps, and body washes that contain potential irritants like alcohol and added fragrance and colors. Use warm water for showers, baths, and foot soaks. However, extremely hot water should be avoided. Also, gently pat your feet dry with a clean towel.