Because of this neglect and constant wear, it’s not uncommon to have dead skin around the feet. However, it can still be frustrating to deal with and prevent—so here’s the 101 from skin experts. But can you use these tools daily? “Yes, if your skin is not sensitive, it is safe to give your feet some love by doing a light exfoliation daily,” says NYC-based medical esthetician and founder of JTAV Clinical Skincare Joie Tavernise. However, you shouldn’t apply too much pressure when using the foot file. If you do, you’ll risk over-exfoliating them and even causing painful wounds on the bottom of your feet. Simply let the tool do the work for you. Reserve your foot file for those really tough spots like the heel or the balls of your feet—not the softer skin of the sole. For those areas, choose one of the options to come. The difference between facial exfoliant serums and foot serums is generally the strength of the active ingredient. Your feet have tougher skin and tend to be less sensitive, so they can handle those stronger formulas. Board-certified dermatologist Lindsey Zubritsky, M.D., FAAD, recently shared her go-to hack for dry feet on Instagram. Her pro tip: Slug your feet with glycolic acid. Zubritsky uses a cotton pad to apply a layer of The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toning Solution and follows up with a petrolatum jelly and cotton socks—but you can use any AHA or BHA serum (think lactic acid, salicylic acid, etc.) and an occlusive moisturizer (like a botanical oil or thick body lotion) for the same effect. This method of slugging with exfoliants is generally not recommended for the face but is one A+ method for the feet. Leave your products on overnight, and in the morning, you’ll wake up to smoother skin. As always, be sure to patch test before going all-in with any strong exfoliant. You can opt for animal milk for the lactic acid content or alternative milk like oat and coconut for deep hydration. Whatever you choose, feel free to dress it up with some bath oil, dried rose petals, or whatever else fits your fancy. Think of it like an all-natural pedicure, DIY-style. If you want to learn more about the benefits of milk baths and dive into how to create your own, here’s a quick breakdown. After you apply the lotion to your feet, you might even slide a breathable cotton sock over the top to lock in moisture—again, slugging the feet. If sleeping with socks makes you cringe, then layer a body oil over your body lotion to hold in the moisture instead. “This is especially true in the cold winter months when skin tends to be drier,” she adds. So even if your feet feel silky smooth in the summertime, you may be more prone to dryness as the temperature drops. “The friction of jumping or intense exercise can lead to cracking of the feet on the heels and making it look extremely dry,” Tavernise explains. This doesn’t mean you need to quit jumping exercises altogether, just tend to the feet afterward to nip the dryness in the bud. In addition, you may want to limit the time spent showering too. “Being mindful of how much time you spend in a bath or shower is another simple solution, as overexposing your skin to water can strip the water from your skin, resulting in more dehydration,” board-certified dermatologist Shereene Idriss, M.D., told us about dehydrated skin. So, it’s no wonder the feet are also affected by this shift. Luckily, you can boost your internal bank of essential hydrators via skin supplements—here’s our list of top picks if you’re in the market. Further, if your dead skin is conjoined with redness, irritation, or scales, then it may be eczema or psoriasis. These skin conditions call for much more specific care and products, so it’s best to visit a dermatologist if that’s the case.
