Struggling with dry, cracked, or flaky feet? Dead skin is a common issue, but luckily it’s also easy to deal with at home.
Here are some effective methods you can use to get baby-soft feet without a salon visit.
Pumice stone
A pumice stone, made from natural volcanic rock, is a gentle and effective tool for removing dead skin.
Soak your feet in warm water for 10 minutes, then rub the stone in circular motions. Focus only on the top layer. Always finish with a hydrating lotion.
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Paraffin wax
Paraffin wax treatments soften skin and peel away dead layers. Heat the wax, dip your feet several times, and wrap in plastic.
Once the wax hardens, peel it off along with dead skin. Avoid if you have poor circulation or open wounds.
Foot scrub
You can buy foot scrubs or make your own by mixing sea salt with baby oil and lemon juice.
Apply the scrub and rub gently with your palm or a brush. Rinse well with warm water and pat dry. Regular use can keep feet smooth.
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Oatmeal scrub
Mix equal parts oatmeal and rosewater or milk to create a paste. Apply it to your feet and let it sit for 20–30 minutes.
Scrub gently with a foot brush, rinse, dry, and moisturize. Repeat every other day for best results.
Epsom salt soak
Epsom salt, or magnesium sulfate, can soften and exfoliate rough feet. Add ½ cup to a footbath and soak for 20 minutes.
Use a pumice stone or brush afterward to remove loosened skin. You can also mix Epsom salt with oil for a shower scrub.
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Vinegar soak
Mix 1 part vinegar with 2 parts water to create a softening soak. Apple cider or white vinegar both work. Soak for 5–10 minutes, then gently scrub with a pumice stone.
Moisturize afterward and limit this treatment to a few times per week.
Baby Foot Peel
This one-hour foot treatment uses fruit acids to break down dead skin. Simply wear the plastic booties provided in the kit, let them sit, then rinse.
Peeling starts within days and continues for up to a week. Always follow the instructions closely.
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Baking soda soak
Though popular, baking soda can irritate sensitive skin and disrupt pH balance.
If you try it, dissolve 2–3 tablespoons in warm water and soak for 10–20 minutes. Rinse well and moisturize. Stop immediately if you feel irritation or redness.
Lemon water soak
Lemon juice can help dissolve dead skin thanks to its acidity. Add juice to warm water and soak your feet for 15 minutes. Scrub gently afterward.
Avoid this if you have cuts or sensitive skin, and moisturize well post-treatment.
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Avoid razors or scrapers at home
Never use razors or sharp scrapers on your feet at home. You risk injury and infection.
If you need serious dead skin removal, consult a podiatrist or foot care professional instead of trying dangerous DIY methods.
This article is based on information from Healthline.com.