As important as they are, our feet often get neglected. It’s really surprising how many of us treat our feet so poorly even though we depend on them so much. If you have dry, rough or cracked feet, there’s no need to despair. With a little effort, you can actually get salon quality soft feet right in your own bathroom.
Regular attention to your feet is important for good hygiene and overall well-being so it’s best to set aside time every week for foot care.
Step 1: Cleanse
Even though the feet can get dirtier than pretty much any part of the body, many people don’t wash their feet properly in the shower. Since it can be a delicate balancing act, consider washing your feet separately while sitting down, either on the edge of a bathtub or in a chair using a basin for a foot wash. Simple warm water and soap is sufficient but you can also consider using a foot bath or foot soak with Epsom salt. Take the time to wash between your toes and clean underneath your nails using a nail brush or an orange stick.
Step 2: Exfoliate
Facial exfoliation may be a part of your regular beauty routine but have you considered your feet? The feet have a tendency to develop, thick, callused skin, especially if you’re active, and the longer you neglect the issue, the harder it is to address. Weekly exfoliation targets the build-up of dry, rough skin, leaving the feet smooth and soft.
There are a number of ways to exfoliate:
- Foot scrubs contain abrasive particles which slough off dead skin.
- Pumice stones and files can be used to smooth rough, hardened areas on the feet.
- Electric callus removers use a spinning abrasive head to buff away calluses.
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Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) gently soften and remove outer layers of dead skin cells without abrasives.
- Dr. Scholl’s® Ultra Exfoliating Foot Mask exfoliates in the form of slip-on booties infused with AHAs, essential oils and natural extracts. You simply leave the booties in place for 60-90 minutes and let them work their magic, leaving your skin feeling silky, smooth, and soft within days.
- Dr. Scholl’s® Ultra Exfoliating Foot Lotion has a proprietary blend of ingredients to hydrate & exfoliate the thick, callused and flaky skin on the feet. The alpha hydroxy acids safely begin exfoliating while the Epsom salt and essential oils soothe irritated dry skin.
Step 3: Moisturize
Once your feet are clean and exfoliated, it’s important to seal in moisture. There are lots of options for hydrating:
- Apply a rich cream specifically formulated for dry skin such as Dr. Scholl’s® Ultra Hydrating Foot Cream which repairs damage while rebalancing the natural moisture barrier of the skin. Urea in the cream starts working instantly to draw water deep into the skin and enables the Epsom salts and essential oils to penetrate and become more effective to help soothe irritated, dry skin.
- If you’re headed to bed, consider wearing a pair of socks to keep the cream in place while you sleep.
- Treat yourself to a moisturizing treatment such as Dr. Scholl’s® Ultra Hydrating Foot Mask. The moisturizing formula is contained in disposable booties you wear for a half hour. During that time, your feet are bathed in a super-hydrating enriched formula of urea, humectants and essential oils to restore your skin’s natural moisture balance, leaving your feet feeling silky smooth and soft.
- If you have serious cracks in your heels, consider a specialty treatment product such as Dr. Scholl’s Severe Cracked Heel Balm. The convenient stick applicator delivers extra help right where you need it. Intense moisturizers repair, hydrate and fill in cracks to leave the skin smooth and soft.
With some effort, rough, dry and cracked feet can be transformed into soft, smooth feet when you have the right tools and products. Foot care should be enjoyable and pampering, and it’s one investment that really pays off. The next time you’re tempted to neglect your feet, consider how vital they are and you’ll realize how important it is to make some time for some foot-centric TLC.
