Do you have dry feet? Try these 5 home remedies for softer, smoother skin

11/25/2019 / By Melissa Smith

Do you have dry feet? You are not alone; this problem is quite common. This is because the feet have fewer oil glands than other areas of the body. In addition, they experience daily wear and tear.

Many everyday factors may be the culprit behind your dry feet. One of these is standing for too long or wearing poorly fitting shoes, which can put constant pressure on your feet or cause friction, resulting in dry, callused, or cracked skin on the feet.

Heat can also cause dry feet as it causes water loss from the skin and eventually leads to the thickening of the skin’s top layer. Cold weather can also cause dry skin, primarily due to low humidity.

You should also check the soap or skin cleansers that you are using. Some soaps and body washes contain chemicals that can be harsh on your skin as they remove protective oils from the skin or leave irritating residues that contribute to dry skin.

Older people also experience dry feet as a result of the natural aging process. As you age, hormonal and metabolic changes over time reduce skin cell turnover, which results in the thickening of the skin’s outermost layer. In addition, the protective fat pads on the soles of the feet get thinner with age, resulting in cracked, callused skin. The skin also loses its ability to retain water with age, causing it to become thinner and less plump.

Dry feet may also occur as a result of a medical condition. This can be an athlete’s foot, eczema, psoriasis, hypothyroidism, or diabetes.

Natural remedies for dry feet

Fortunately, treating dry feet is easy and simple with natural remedies. Here are five ways to treat and remove dead skin from the feet:

Exfoliate – Exfoliation is the process of removing dead surface-layer skin using exfoliators, such as foot scrubs and body brushes. You can buy foot scrubs or make your own at home by mixing honey, sugar, and warm water.
Foot soak – Soaking your feet in warm water helps soothe and loosen dry skin. At the same time, this improves blood circulation to the feet, which can help prevent dry skin in the future. If you have athlete’s foot, you may add a small amount of vinegar to warm water to help disinfect your feet and eliminate foot odor. You may also add Epsom salts, honey, oatmeal, lemon juice, or peppermint essential oil to your foot soak. (Related: Smelly feet? Try soaking them in an apple cider vinegar foot bath.)
A pumice stone or foot file – A pumice stone or a metal foot file can help remove dry skin and calluses from the feet. To use, soak your feet first in warm water, then wet the pumice stone or foot file. In a circular motion, gently rub the pumice stone or foot file over the dead skin or callus. Rinse the dead skin off the feet, dry them with a clean towel, and moisturize your feet with oil, cream, or lotion.
Moisturize – Regularly moisturizing your feet will help reduce dry skin and prevent it from accumulating. Avoid using creams, lotions, and moisturizers that contain alcohol, added scent, and artificial colors as these ingredients are harmful and can worsen dry skin. Instead, look for products that contain humectants, such as aloe; emollients like plant-based butters and oils; and occlusives, such as coconut oil.
Wear moisturizing socks to bed – Moisturizing gel-lined socks, which contain natural oils and vitamins that hydrate and repair dry feet, can be bought in stores, but you can also make your own. Before you go to sleep, apply a generous amount of moisturizer to your feet. Then, put on a pair of breathable, cotton socks. In the morning, remove your socks and rinse your feet.