How to Get Rid of Rough Skin on Feet
Having rough and dry skin on your feet is uncomfortable, unsightly, and often embarrassing. During the winter rough skin on feet can develop or become worse because of the cold and dry air and constant need to wear heavy and thick shoes and socks. With spring and summer quickly approaching, it is time to get rid of that rough, dry skin on your feet so you can feel comfortable wearing sandals or going barefoot at the beach or pool. There are so many ways to get rid of rough skin on feet, thus it is hard to know which option will work the best for you. Luckily, all of the research and heavy lifting has been done for you. Read on to find out what the best ways to eliminate rough skin on feet are!
Quick Reference Corn and Callus Remover Guide
| Category | Product | Description | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best Electric Remover |  | - Easy to use - Needs 4 AA batteries - The cylindrical head spins 360 degrees |  (5 / 5) | |
| Best Manual File Scraper |  | - Perfect solution for dry, calloused and cracked heels - Large yet light weight design - Gives equally good results on both dry and wet foot surfaces | (5 / 5) | |
| Best Callus Gel Remover |  | - Does the work for you - Breaks down calluses in 3-5 minutes - Simply file or buff calluses away | (5 / 5) |
Why Are My Feet Rough?
There are numerous causes for rough and dry feet. Essentially, rough feet are caused by lack of proper moisture within the foot skin. Below are the most common reasons people experience rough skins on the feet. Evaluate your living conditions, lifestyle, and/or environment to gain a better understanding of why you may have rough feet.
- Cold weather – rough skin worsens in the winter months
- Low humidity levels – heat in the house/place of work during winter months is often the culprit
- Getting older – as we age the body loses moisture
- Medical conditions – such a thyroid conditions and diabetes
- Harsh soaps
- Skin conditions – such as psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis, etc.
- Dehydration
- Very hot baths and showers
Treatments to Get Rid of Rough Skin on Feet
Paraffin Wax
Paraffin wax is a cost effective and simple way to heal rough skin on your feet. This type of wax treatment is highly effective at treating dry and rough skin because it is warm and soothing to tired and dry feet and provides the skin with necessary moisture from natural oils.
Paraffin is a petroleum-based wax that is combined with mineral oil. You can buy this wax in-stores, online, or have the treatment done at a spa. If doing this treatment at home, all you have to do is gently heat the wax in the microwave (make sure you don’t make it too hot – about 125 degrees is ideal). Keep feet in for a few seconds, pull feet out, and let the wax harden. Dip your feet in 2-3 more times for a thick layer and keep on for about 15 minutes. Peel wax off to reveal silky soft feet!
Avoid paraffin treatments in the very young and very old, as the temperature of the wax can be dangerous and uncomfortable. Additionally, if you have diabetes or other medical issues that limit sensitivity in the feet, your best bet is to find a gentler and more suitable option to treat rough feet.
Warm Water and Lemon
Chances are you already have lemons at home, which means you have a perfect and effective rough skin treatment. Lemons have a high acidity level, which helps break down the rough and dry skin so it can be removed more easily. This treatment is also completely natural and free from any questionable ingredients.
To prepare your lemony solution, take some warm water and squeeze a full lemon into the water. Place your feet in the lemon water solution for about 15 to 20 minutes. After the soak is complete take a foot/body brush, or another abrasive surface (like a pummel stone) and scrub your feet to remove the dry skin. The rough and dry skin should come off rather easily.
Wash your feet off with a gentle moisturizing soap to remove any residual lemon. Use a natural moisturizing lotion, like Shea Moisture brand, to lock in moisture and keep your feet silky.
Oatmeal and Olive Oil Paste
This is another wonderfully natural, easy, budget friendly, and effective rough foot solution. Olive oil is highly moisturizing and has been used for dry skin for centuries. It keeps skin smooth and soft and stimulates circulation as well.
Oatmeal is great for calming irritation, soreness, and dryness. When used whole in a foot soak and scrub it also acts as a great, yet gentle abrasive. Mix olive oil and oatmeal to form a thick paste. Leave on feet for up to 30 minutes. To remove, scrub foot with the mixture to loosen up the rough and dry skin. Wipe clean with warm, damp towel. Finish with a moisturizer.
Follow Up
Choosing a treatment for dry and rough skin on feet is an important first step to healing. It is essential to remember that moisturizing and protecting new skin should follow any treatment you may choose.
Make sure the treatment you do pick is friendly to your specific needs, like medical conditions, lifestyle, and budget. Going with more natural solutions may reduce the risk of irritation or reactions.
