Top 5 ways to manage Dry and Dead skin on the feet

Ever wonder why, even after slathering lots of lotion on your feet, they still look and feel super dry, like you've been in a desert? Well, it turns out that our feet have fewer oil glands to keep them hydrated than other body parts. Keeping them soft and smooth can be tough. And if you're dealing with hard, dry, and cracked heels, it's even more of a challenge. Our feet need extra care because they don't produce as much natural moisture, making it harder to keep them nice and moisturised.

Before that, let's explore what further to expect:-

• What causes dead skin on feet?
• What are the 5 ways to manage Dry and Dead skin on the feet?
• What are the Preventive tips?
• Take Aways
• FAQs

What causes dead skin on feet?

When your feet have dead or loose skin, it's like your feet naturally getting rid of old skin cells. This happens because of things like not having enough moisture, wearing closed shoes or socks a lot, or just walking and running.

If you don't take care of your feet by moisturizing or scrubbing them regularly, dead skin can build up. You might notice it making your foot look dry, cracked, or with loose skin hanging around. Usually, it doesn't hurt unless there's an infection like athlete's foot or eczema. There are various methods for getting rid of dead skin.

What are the 5 ways to manage Dry and Dead skin on the feet?

Exfoliating

To make your skin smoother, you can use exfoliants. Exfoliants are things that help get rid of the old, dead skin on the top layer. There are two types: scrub exfoliants and chemical exfoliants.

Scrub exfoliants are like special soaps with tiny, rough bits in them. These bits help scrub away the dead skin when you wash.

Chemical exfoliants are like lotions or liquids that you put on your skin. They have things like glycolic acid, lactic acid, and alpha-hydroxy acid, which dissolve the dead skin cells on the surface.

Rubbing with Pumice stone

To manually get rid of dead skin from the feet, individuals can opt for either a pumice stone or a metal foot file. The process involves soaking the feet in warm water to soften the dead skin, followed by wetting the chosen tool with warm water.

Subsequently, gently rubbing the pumice stone or foot file over the dead skin or callus is done, using circular motions for a pumice stone and gentle back-and-forth motions for a foot file. Afterwards, the feet should be rinsed to remove the dead skin, and the process can be repeated if necessary.

Finally, patting the feet dry with a clean towel and moisturizing them with cream, lotion, or oil completes the procedure, leaving the feet smoother and more comfortable.

Feet Bath

Immersing your feet in warm water is a beneficial practice that not only eases and loosens dry skin but also enhances blood circulation to the feet, reducing the likelihood of dry skin issues in the future.

For additional benefits, incorporating a small amount of vinegar into your foot soak can be effective in addressing mild cases of athlete's foot. Vinegar boasts potent antimicrobial properties that can disinfect the feet and even eliminate unpleasant foot odours.

Furthermore, consider enriching your foot soak with other advantageous ingredients such as Epsom salt, honey, oatmeal, lemon juice, and peppermint essential oil. Each of these elements contributes to a more nourishing and refreshing foot-soaking experience, promoting overall foot health and well-being.

Foot Cream

When dealing with seriously dry feet, opt for creams or balms instead of regular lotions. Unlike lotions, which have a high water content and may not be as moisturizing, foot creams or heel balms are thicker and more effective.

Seek for products made especially for your heels or feet. They frequently include exfoliating and softening agents like urea, hyaluronic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid, and alpha hydroxy acid. Regular application of these creams helps prevent the occurrence of cracked heels.

For an intensive moisturizing treatment, apply a foot cream, or a thin layer of petroleum jelly to your feet before bedtime. Wear cotton socks overnight to trap in moisture and maintain the cleanliness of your linens. This routine ensures your feet receive the hydration they need, promoting soft and healthy skin.

Pamper Your Feet

Regular professional or DIY pedicures are a great way to stay ahead of calluses and keep your feet in good shape. Pedicures are effective for preventing the buildup of calluses, and it's safe to gently remove some dead and callused skin. For an at-home pedicure, start by soaking your feet in warm water for around 20 minutes. And then exfoliate it with a scrub then, finish it off with a moisturizing foot cream.

What are the Preventive tips?

Avoiding Dry Skin on Feet

To steer clear of dry skin on the feet, individuals can consider the following suggestions:

• Maintain proper foot hygiene by thoroughly cleansing the feet, eliminating dead skin, and ensuring skin hydration with an effective moisturizer.
• Steer clear of lotions, soaps, and body washes that contain alcohol, added fragrances, colours, or other potential irritants.
• Opt for warm water, rather than hot, during showers, baths, and foot soaks.
• Ensure proper-fitting shoes are worn.

Take Aways

Wearing improper shoes or standing for extended periods can lead to dry, itchy feet and irritated, scaly skin. If left untreated, dry skin may become thicker and crack, making the feet prone to infections. Use pumice stones, exfoliants, and foot soaks to remove dry skin at home. Regularly moisturize and remove dead skin to maintain healthy, hydrated feet.

P.S.:- As Indians, most of you have the habit of walking barefoot in the house. But if you have a dry or callus problem it's important to wear footwear all the time to avoid it.

FAQs: