Dear Earth Therapeutics:
I run around in flip flops all summer, and now the skin on my feet is so dry and leathery.
I've never been very clear on how to get softer skin on my feet -- should I be trying to add moisture or just sloughing it off or what? How often should I need to do whatever it is?
Thanks for your help!
Toasted Tootsies
Dear TT,
As someone who used to do a little pre-pedicure at home before letting a professional get a look at the embarrassing condition of my feet, your letter hits close to home!
Back in the day, the usual way of getting baby soft feet meant using a coarse foot file or pumice stone and grinding away at cracked heels and calluses. The results were mixed. It was time and labor intensive and the risk of injury pretty great, either from too abrasive filing or slipping in the shower trying to reach the soles of your feet.
Thankfully, we have a more elegant solution: a Foot Peel Mask. I started using these regularly in the last year, and it's been a total game-changer. With regular use, about every other week, my feet are softer, smoother, and feel better than ever before.
The masks are so easy to use and really do all of the heavy lifting while you kick back and relax. The Foot Peeling Masks work like this:
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Wash and dry your feet and remove nail polish.
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Slip on a pair of the sock-type masks loaded with a specially formulated serum and park yourself for about 60 to 90 minutes.
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A blend of Alpha Hydroxy Acid and natural botanicals goes to work, gently softening and peeling away rough, dead skin while deodorizing and moisturizing your feet.
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Over the next few days, the rough, dry patches will start to slough off. It’s especially noticeable in the shower or after a bath. If it’s your first time with a mask like this, you might be surprised at the amount of dead skin peeling away, but it’s totally normal.
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Follow up with a rich, hydrating foot balm or cream of your choice – this is a favorite of mine – and a pair of Aloe Socks to lock in the moisture overnight.
Because it’s recommended not to walk around too much while wearing the masks, these are great for winding down at the end of the day or any time you’re planning to sit for a while. In fact, I’m wearing a pair of the Purifying Charcoal Gentle Peeling Foot Masks as I type this. If you do need to walk around, wear a pair of socks like these with no-slip treads.
Now, don’t throw away your foot files and pumice stones just yet – they’re great for in-between light maintenance to keep calluses at bay. Alternatively, a Foot Peeling Spray will also work wonders anytime your feet need a little extra TLC.
In the winter months, when skin needs lots of extra hydration, I recommend adding a deep moisturizing foot mask to your routine, like this Hemp Seed Oil mask.
Minimal Effort Maximum Results Pedicure
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Wash feet in warm water using a foot soak to cleanse and soften skin.
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Every other week or so, don a foot peeling mask and relax for 60 to 90 minutes.
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When time’s up, wash off the extra serum, dry and moisturize feet as usual.
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Over the next few days - up to two weeks - the dead, rough skin will start to slough off on its own.
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Avoid picking or peeling as you may cause damage to delicate skin. Instead, in the shower or after a bath, use a wet pumice stone or washcloth to gently rub away peeling skin.
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It can take up to two weeks to see full results, so keep that in mind if you have a special event on the calendar.
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On the off-weeks, swap in a moisturizing foot mask to shore up your skin’s natural barrier and keep feet smooth, and baby soft.
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At night, every night, use a rich hydrating cream and aloe socks to lock in moisture while you sleep.
