Many people experience dry, flaky skin on their feet due to a lack of moisture and a buildup of dead cells. Dead skin can build up because of a lack of moisture in the area or a lack of exfoliation.
Exfoliating and moisturizing can help prevent dead skin cells from stacking up and make it easier for the skin to renew itself and improve the health of your feet.
1. Use Foot Scrubs
You may get a variety of foot scrubs at most medication shops and pharmacies. You should try to get one that has grains to assist in exfoliating your skin. You may buy one or create your own by dissolving two teaspoons of sea salt in a mixture of baby oil and lemon juice.
Apply the scrub straight to your foot and massage gently with your hand to clean your feet. Scrub your feet with a brush or sponge to eliminate dry, flaky skin. After using, properly wash the scrub with warm water.
2. Moisturize to Prevent Dead Skin Cells from Accumulating
Moisturizing is essential because it helps keep your skin smooth and supple, so it isn’t easier for your skin to absorb dead cell buildup. You can use lotions or oils since they will soak into your skin and encourage the cells to peel off naturally without leaving behind any dry, flaky surface areas.
Try to use a light moisturizer rich in oils such as coconut oil that can break down dead skin cells and increase circulation. Coconut oil has powerful moisturizing properties that can help fight dryness and flakes on your feet and legs.
3. Wear Moisturizing Socks During Bed Time
Wearing socks packed with a moisturizing gel can help keep your feet supple and hydrated all day. The dry skin on your feet will be hydrated and repaired due to the vitamins and natural oils in these socks.
A high-quality pair of cotton socks and a moisturizing lotion will provide comparable results. Make sure your feet are well moisturized and you wear quality cotton socks. In the morning, take off your socks and wash your feet well.
4. Gently Exfoliate
Dead skin cells on the legs can cause rough, dry patches that are hard to remove. You can gently exfoliate your legs with a pumice stone to remove dead skin cells from your skin and create an even smoother surface area. Foot masks can also help exfoliate your feet, leaving them soft, smooth and hydrated.
Use the pumice stone to rub the areas that have accumulated dead skin cells gently. Gently rub in circles for about 10 minutes once a day before you take a shower.
5. Get External Skincare
In addition to using moisturizers, consider getting external treatments such as waxing, chemical peels and microdermabrasion. These treatments will help exfoliate the dead skin cells on your feet and legs, leaving them smooth and soft.
The procedure can result in a temporary sting or reddening from the chemicals used in these chemical peels, but this should be temporary, with your feet feeling smoother after a few days.
Waxing is especially beneficial if you have thick or coarse hair that might clog pores preventing dead skin cells from being removed because of the tiny openings that allow it to exfoliate.
6. Soak Your Feet and Legs in Warm Water
Feet that have become rough and calloused benefit from a soak in warm water. Increased blood flow to the foot has other benefits, including a reduced risk of skin drying up.
You can use a splash of vinegar to soak your foot. Vinegar has antibacterial and antifungal properties, making it worthwhile for disinfecting and deodorizing feet.
You can also use Epsom salts. Epsom salts contain magnesium sulfate and other minerals that can help soften and exfoliate your skin. Magnesium sulfate helps remove dead skin cells from the skin’s surface due to its exfoliating properties, while Epsom salts draw out impurities and toxins from within the body.
Making efforts to eliminate dead skin cells from your feet and legs could improve your skin’s health and let you see the results of these efforts. Dead skin, calluses, cracked skin, cuts and rashes that don’t heal after a week or two of at-home care should prompt a visit to the doctor or a podiatrist.
