We use our feet every day. But what happens when they become irritated by dry skin on your feet?
Pain. It starts with an itch from a large callous. Then the dry skin begins to crack, becoming a skin rash. In rare cases, the dry skin will crack down so deep in your foot it becomes infected. Before you need a trip to the podiatrist, why not take care of the problem before it starts?
Dry skin on your feet can be caused by stress, some soaps, medical conditions, cold weather, and aging.
How to Get Rid of Dry Skin on Feet
First, try treating your feet using a foot cream with alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) in it. AHA gets rid of dead skin cells and increase moisture retention. (https://www.verywellhealth.com/coping-with-dry-cracked-feet-1337642)
If that doesn’t work, you could try Lanolin- common cure for breastfeeding mothers. While Lanolin is usually used to correct cracking while breastfeeding, it is one of the best remedies to stop cracking on your feet too.
If you have particularly heard calluses, you could try using a pumice stone. Pumice stone is a porous natural lava rock which can be rubbed along your foot to get rid of dead skin. Make sure to soak your foot before using the stone.
Other Tips
For the top of your foot, try using a loofah. A loofah is a great way to scrub off dead skin cells on your softer skin.
As you’re taking a shower, you could try a foot scrub with granules. A foot scrub will help to rub off all of your old skin, leaving room for new skin to grow.
When it comes to how to get rid of dry skin on feet, no way is more time-tested than the Epsom salt soak. Put some Epson salt and in some water, then kick back and enjoy the game. After about 15 minutes your feet will be soft, with the dead skin will have accumulated in the water.
Another method to try is the apple cider vinegar soak.
If you’re ready for a hard-core solution, try paraffin wax. Once the wax is melted, dip your feet in several times, then wrap in plastic until it dries. Paraffin wax will peel off the dead skin, leaving your soles smooth.
Increase your dietary GLA (gamma-linolenic acid) and ALA (alpha-linolenic acid. (https://www.verywellhealth.com/the-benefits-of-gamma-linolenic-acid-89185). Together, they help decrease water loss in your skin. ALA can be found in walnuts, canola oil, and flaxseed oil among others. Good sources of GL A are evening primrose oil and borage oil.
The next time your feet start to ache, and you are wondering how to get rid of dry skin on feet, try some of these solutions. You might be surprised at how well they work.
Also try a product like Nutrixen Multi Collagen Protein Powder, which can help you to get smooth skin from the inside out.
Mia E. says
My feet can really get dry during the summer months so these are good ideas to try especially the Epsom salt or vinegar soak.
kathy pease says
I think I will try the the apple cider vinegar soak tonight since I have a bunch.Thanks for sharing.