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Dry, dead skin on the feet is an extremely common condition that affects all of us. So common that
No surprise, as the average person walks 115,000 miles in a lifetime.
Thankfully, there is a plethora of treatment creams and tools you can use to remove even the thickest dead skin on your feet.
We will explain the causes of dry, cracked feet and list all of the ways to remove thick dead skin on your feet.
There are plenty of reasons why we build up thick, hard and dry skin on our feet, from standing for long periods of time to using harsh soaps and improper foot care.
The skin on our feet lacks moisture due to regularly being encased in closed shoes, and shoes can make them susceptible to friction, rubbing and pressure, which experts say can stress the feet, leading to irritation and blistering. Even if you wear shoes that fit well, excessive walking or running can lead to corns and calluses, too.
Charlotte McHale, Clarins Training Manager, explains: “The skin on our feet is the thickest compared to the rest of the body. For this reason, it is prone to drying, thickening (callus) and peeling.”
In addition, the skin on the feet is made of several sweat glands but no oil glands, making it more susceptible to being dehydrated and sensitive. Smoking, stress, excessive exposure to the sun, dehydration, hot baths and showers, and low humidity worsen the picture.
Plus, as you age, sweat glands lose their effectiveness, meaning feet get drier and more cracked the older we get.
Certain medical conditions can cause dead skin on the feet. These conditions include diabetes, psoriasis, athlete’s foot, fungal infections, and eczema.
Common causes of irritation on the feet include dry skin, athlete’s foot, blisters, and contact dermatitis.
As we age, our skin becomes less elastic and tends to dry out more easily, which can lead to dead skin cells accumulating on the feet. The feet are also more prone to developing calluses and corns due to the constant pressure of walking and standing.
When the skin on your feet is not properly hydrated, it can become dry, cracked, and flaky. This can lead to dead skin buildup. Keeping your feet moisturised can help prevent dead skin buildup.
High temperatures and humidity can cause your feet to sweat, which can lead to an accumulation of dead skin cells. Sudden increased moisture can also cause the skin to become soft and prone to cracking, which can lead to dry skin buildup.
Don’t soak your feet yet. Instead, remove the bulk of dead skin when feet are still dry with a pro foot file. When feet are wet this can mask areas that need to be treated and also tear skin too. Begin filing with the coarse side first in one direction and then finish with the smooth side. It’s satisfying as you see the dry skin turn to dust.
Tip: Place a towel down to catch the debris that falls from the feet.
Soaking your feet will soften the skin and prepare it for the granular-style scrub or pumice stone.
When removing dead skin from the heels and pads of your feet, McHale recommends using a pumice stone. “It’s a light, yet abrasive, stone that can effectively slough and shed off dead skin cells. It can also soften your calluses.”
Tip: Choose natural stone pumice as they are kinder to your feet and for the environment too. Look for versions that are ‘natural’ or state they are made from ‘pure volcanic lava rock’.
Start gently massaging your feet, focusing on specific areas like the heel and the ball of the foot (especially if you have calluses), but leave the softer arch or top of the feet alone.
Follow up with a foot scrub to exfoliate the dead skin that sits superficially on the skin’s surface.
We recommend using the
Experts say the best way to prevent dead skin from forming on your feet is to moisturise regularly. So, once the hard skin is removed post-soaking, scrubbing and exfoliating – soothe the soles of the feet using a rich, moisturising and hydrating foot cream.
When looking for foot creams, opt for the ones formulated with shea butter. Multiple studies have shown that shea butter has anti-inflammatory properties and can reduce the redness of dry and cracked feet. Shea butter is also beneficial for treating itchiness and eliminating walking discomfort.
Clarins
After generously slathering on the foot cream, slip into some cotton socks and leave on overnight. This can help your feet lock in moisture while you sleep.
Experts say wearing cotton socks after moisturising can help keep your heels from drying out and improve cracked heels in a super-quick time.
Wash your feet daily with a mild soap and warm water. Always make sure to dry your feet completely, especially between the toes.
Be careful not to have your bath water too hot and avoid harsh soaps and lotions.
Make sure your shoes are not too tight and that your socks are made of a breathable fabric.
Instead of vigorously rubbing your feet dry after a shower, gently pat them dry with a clean towel.
Use a thick, oil-based moisturiser to help lock in moisture and protect your skin. Using a
Walking barefoot can expose your feet to bacteria and other irritants that can cause dryness.
They are designed to keep your feet dry and reduce friction, which can help prevent the buildup of dead skin.
If your feet still suffer from drying and cracking, we recommend seeking a professional approach to care – find a podiatrist.
If you have dead skin on your feet that is causing pain, redness, swelling, or other symptoms, you should see a doctor. Especially if these symptoms are accompanied by an infection, an open wound or if the dead skin does not heal after a few weeks.
It is not recommended to peel the dead skin off your feet. Instead, use a pumice stone or foot file to help remove the dead skin, and make sure to moisturise your feet afterwards.
Try using a foot file once every two weeks to remove dead skin and keep feet smooth.
The best way to get rid of a blister or dead skin on your toes is to soak them in warm water for 10 minutes and then use a pumice stone or foot file to gently remove it. You can also apply a
Calluses are thick, hard areas of skin that are generally caused by repeated friction, irritation or pressure. While dead skin may build up on the surface of a callus, dead skin is generally not the root cause of calluses.
In short, no. Dead skin cells are a normal part of the skin’s natural regeneration process. A skin cell has a life cycle which lasts around six weeks – the last stage of which is for it to die, before being replaced. Most dead skin cells will shed on their own, however, sometimes the skin needs a helping hand when there is excess buildup.
