Our feet are often a little more neglected than our face and hands, but if you're keen to wear feet-baring sandals anytime soon, it might be time to give your tootsies some TLC. Hard skin can look unsightly and sometimes it feels uncomfortable. Thick skin, or a callus as it's called by the medical profession, on the bottom of the foot is easy to identify as it's typically yellow in colour.
You don't have to go to a salon to get your feet summer ready
It can be found at the ball of the foot, the heel and the toes, and is the result of excess force or friction. Your body responds to the friction by building up extra layers of skin as a normal form of protection. A pedicure is great, but you don't have to go to a salon to pamper your feet as there are great treatments available to give you a spa-style pedicure in the privacy of your own home. If your heels are the texture of a cheese grater, don't worry, there is a product out there for you. Read on for our guide to the best footcare products to get your feet summer ready...
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One of our favorite remedies are peels that literally remove all the dead skin from the bottom of your foot, like Baby Foot. The foot mask is a Japanese kit that comes with a set of plastic booties filled with clear gel which, after wearing for an hour, will painlessly remove leathery layers of dead skin, revealing your renewed baby soft feet in a matter of days. Just make sure you don't have any feet-baring social engagements that week!
Starskin's Magic Hour Exfoliating Foot Mask Socks, an all-in-one feet exfoliating and nourishing treatment, work in a similar way to remove dead skin and calluses without the use of harsh scrubs or physical exfoliation. The mask contains 35 botanical ingredients including soothing Rooibos, softening Soybean, brightening Acerola and Calendula to rejuvenate tired feet. Simply slip on the double-layer foot mask socks for 60 to 90 minutes and within 7 to 10 days the dead skin and calluses will start to gradually peel away, unveiling smooth, baby soft feet.
For exfoliation try Dr Ceuticals Pumice Foot Scrub, which is enriched with Peppermint and Menthol. It's perfect for dry and hardened feet and is also exfoliating, as the scrub is boosted with cocoa and Shea butters, which will moisturise and condition your skin to leave them smoother and softer.
Foot Expertise Kerato Scratcher is a gentle exfoliating scrubbing massage which will remove dead cells from the upper layers of the skin's surface, allowing more effective cell renewal and help soften rough skin. Gently massage onto clean, dry skin once or twice a week. If your hard skin is particularly stubborn, or painful, don't take a sharp object to it. In these circumstances, it's best to see a chiropodist for professional treatment.
