Everyone wants to have soft, youthful feet, especially when sandal weather arrives.
And exfoliation is one of the best ways to get rid of those dull, dead skin cells and reveal the soft, smooth skin underneath.
Just like other parts of our bodies, our feet naturally shed skin cells. As those dead cells build up, they lead to a dry, cracked appearance. The skin also thickens over time, in response to normal wear and tear from walking and running. Some people develop unsightly callouses and corns, which may eventually become painful to walk on.
On top of this, our feet are often overlooked when it comes to our self care routines. Even those with a well-established skin care regimen for their face and body may forget to give their feet a little TLC.
The good news is that you can enjoy softer feet with regular foot care. Along with soaking and moisturizing your feet, exfoliation is recommended every 4 to 6 weeks to get the results you’re looking for. In this article we’ll go over a simple process for exfoliating your feet and some of the most popular methods available.
Three Steps for Removing Dead Skin from Your Feet
A simple, three-step process helps you remove dead skin cells for softer feet.
- Step 1: Soak and soften your feet. As the skin on our feet becomes thicker, it has a harder time absorbing moisturizer. Soaking in a foot bath or applying a foot mask for 10 to 30 minutes makes it easier to exfoliate and moisturize.
- Step 2: Slough and exfoliate feet. A foot peel such as Baby Foot uses chemical exfoliants that cause dead cells to peel off naturally. You may also use tools such as a pumice stone or foot brush to slough off your feet after soaking.
- Step 3: Seal in moisture. Apply a moisturizer or lotion after exfoliating to lock in moisture and promote softer, smoother skin in between treatments.
Options for Exfoliating Your Feet
There are many different methods available for exfoliating your feet. Here are a few of the most popular options you may have heard about.
Pumice Stone
A pumice stone is a natural lava stone commonly used to remove dead skin or callouses and promote healthy cell turnover.
- Start by soaking your feet for 10 to 20 minutes.
- Dip the pumice stone in warm water.
- Gently move the stone in a circular or sideways motion over the surface of your feet.
- Only remove the top layer of dead skin cells. Over-doing it may lead to redness or even bleeding.
- Apply a lotion or oil afterward.
As a precaution, never use a pumice stone on broken or injured skin.
Paraffin Wax
Paraffin wax is a soft wax that melts at a temperature of 125℉, which is warm enough to be effective without burning or irritating the skin.
- Dip your feet into the melted wax a few times.
- Wrap your feet in plastic and allow the wax to harden.
- Remove the plastic to remove dead skin cells along with the wax
Do not use paraffin wax if you have any cuts or scrapes on your feet. You should also avoid this option if you have poor blood circulation or any condition that causes you to lose feeling in your feet, such as diabetic neuropathy.
Foot Scrub
Commercial foot scrubs contain special exfoliating granules that remove dead cells from the surface of the skin. You can find them at most drug stores and pharmacies. You can also make your own foot scrub by diluting two tablespoons of sea salt in equal amounts of baby oil and lemon juice.
- Apply the product directly to your feet.
- Gently rub into your feet using your hand, a scrub brush or sponge.
- Rinse thoroughly with warm water.
Epsom Salt Soak or Scrub
Epsom salt is a crystal form of the mineral compound magnesium sulfate. To exfoliate and smooth your feet, combine ½ cup of epsom salt into a foot bath, or one cup of epsom salt into a bathtub of warm water.
Soak your feet for up to 20 minutes in the epsom salt solution. Use a pumice stone or foot brush afterward to gently slough away dead cells. Rinse feet thoroughly.
Vinegar Soak
For this option, you may use either apple cider vinegar or white vinegar. Combine one part vinegar to two parts of cool water to make your soak.
- Soak your feet for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Gently rub with a pumice stone afterward.
- Apply moisturizer, petroleum jelly or coconut oil.
- Put on socks to seal in moisture.
Baby Foot Exfoliation Foot Peel
Baby Foot Exfoliation Foot Peel is a one-hour treatment that is similar to a chemical peel for your feet. The exfoliating gel contains fruit acid inside a pair of plastic booties. It also contains salicylic acid to induce peeling. It works by gently loosening dead skin cells so they peel away naturally.
- Remove all nail polish from your toes before getting started.
- Wet your feet thoroughly before putting on the booties.
- Put on the booties to soak your feet in the exfoliating gel. Leave them on for one hour.
- Rinse thoroughly after removing the booties.
- Avoid using lotion after removing. Instead, apply oil-free moisturizer if your feet feel dry.
For best results, soak your feet for one hour daily after treatment. Dead skin cells typically start peeling within 3 to 7 days. For some people, it may take 1 to 2 weeks. If any dryness or cracked skin remains, we recommend repeating the treatment with a new set of booties after 4 weeks.
If you’re ready to uncover the soft, youthful skin underneath those dry, cracked feet, order Baby Foot Original Exfoliation Foot Peel today!
