A pair of delicate feet slip into a gorgeous pair of sandals to go with the lovely summery weather outside. There’s just one thing that’s not quite right. The feet are dry, cracked, and flaky. There’s nothing left to do but hide these feet in a pair of stockings. 

Dry feet are unsightly. But, why hide them when you can restore them to health, leaving you with smooth feet? 

Here’s a look at five ways to remove dry skin from feet the right way.

Table of Contents:

• How do feet become dry and cracked?
• Why is foot health important?
• What causes dry feet?
• Five serious diseases accompanying dried and cracked feet
• Five ways to remove dry skin from feet safely
• Exfoliation
• Foot soaks
• Coconut oil
• Pumice stone
• Paraffin wax
• Moisturizing ingredients that help remove dry skin from feet

How do feet become dry and cracked?

Dead cells continuously fall off and are replaced by new ones. When a person does not remove the build-up of dead cells regularly, it can collect on the skin and form flaky patches. The skin becomes dry, and it becomes thick and cracked over time.

Why is foot health important?

What causes dry feet?

Climate plays a crucial role in the health of your feet, and cold temperatures and low humidity are the biggest culprits.

Five serious diseases accompanying dried and cracked feet

What many people write off cracked heels due to neglect can also be a symptom of a more severe ailment. 

Here are five diseases that are often accompanied by cracked heels.

Five ways to remove dry skin from feet safely

Exfoliation

There’s no easier way to remove dead surface-layer skin than by exfoliation. There is a wide range of exfoliators for the feet, including:

• Body brushes
• Foot scrubs
• Electronic callus removers.
• Chemical exfoliators
• Foot peels

Chemical exfoliators and foot peels contain lactic acid, glycolic acid, and alpha-hydroxy acid that gently lift away dead cells to reveal new, hydrated skin. Scrubs contain granules that gently slough away dead cells.

WOW Skin Science Ubtan Face & Body Scrub gently sloughs away dead skin cells and protects the skin from environmental damage. It also supports the skin’s natural renewal process, so your feet are always soft and supple. The scrub can be used on the face and body and contains vitamin-e rich almond powder that gently exfoliates the skin and prevents dryness and fine lines. Chickpea flour removes dead skin cells, and sandalwood oil helps control excess oil.

Foot soaks

If you have very dry feet, a regular night-time routine for your feet is essential. Foot soaks are excellent for removing dry skin from feet and leaving you feeling relaxed after a long day.

1. Soak your feet in a tub of lukewarm water for 10 minutes. The water can be mildly soapy or plain or infused with skin-softening agents and essential oils.
2. Pat your feet dry.
3. Gently rub the heels with a foot scrubber or loofah to loosen and sough away dead cells.
4. Rinse your feet in warm water.
5. Pat dry.
6. Apply a heavy foot cream or petroleum jelly on the soles and heels. You can use the same cream or jelly on the top part of your feet or apply a moisturizer. Don’t forget the areas between the toes.
7. Slip on a pair of cotton socks to help the moisturizer and cream work.

Raw African Shea Body Butter is fantastic for the top and soles to repair and revive dry and rough skin. This thick and creamy butter contains shea butter, sweet almond oil, and multiple vitamins that soak into your skin to support its health.

Coconut oil

Coconut oil has excellent antibacterial, antiviral, anti-fungal, and moisturizing properties and is even recommended being used by people with eczema.

When warm coconut oil is massaged over the feet, it moisturizes them. 

But also:

• The fatty acids in the oil act as trans-epidermal water loss barriers that retain moisture.
• Vitamin E and natural proteins repair damaged skin cells.
• Saturated fats in the oil are excellent for treating dry and flaky cuticles.
• When used daily, the oil reduces and heals cracks.
• Topical application on the skin of the feet reduces redness, abrasions, and thickened skin considerably.
• Coconut oil has antifungal properties. That means it can be used safely on the legs, feet, and heels daily for smooth feet and to prevent foot fungus.

How to use warm coconut oil to remove dry skin from feet:

1. Before you get into bed at night, wash your feet.
2. Apply a generous amount of coconut oil on your feet and rub in circular motions.
3. Massage the oil into the feet, between toes, soles, heels, and ankles.
4. Pay particular attention to the nails – you can even dip your nails into a bowl of coconut oil and give them a gentle massage.
5. Massage your feet for five to seven minutes.
6. Cover your socks immediately after the massage with a pair of cotton socks.

Following this routine daily will soon give you soft, crack-free, healthy feet and nails.

If you are averse to using raw coconut oil on your feet, try WOW Skin Science Coconut Milk & Argan Oil Lotion. Not only does it smell fantastic, but this lightweight formula also melts into your skin and provides it with the nourishment it needs. WOW Skin Science Coconut Milk & Argan Oil Lotion provides medium hydration and is best for those whose feet are not too dry.

Pumice stone

Pumice stone made with natural lava is one of the most effective foot care tools for dry skin removal. 

When used the right way, it removes callouses and dead skin and treats infections like athlete’s foot.

• Soak your feet in a tub filled with hot or warm water for at least 10 minutes. Soaking your feet softens dead skin, so it sloughs off easily.
• Hold the stone in the palm of your hand and gently move it across one foot in circular or sideways motions.
• Dip the pumice stone in water at regular intervals to keep it wet. That will help with the process.
• Avoid rubbing the stone over injured or raw skin.
• Repeat with the other foot.
• Rinse feet, wipe and moisturize.

WOW Skin Science has a wide range of creams and lotions that you can try on your feet after the pumice stone treatment.

Paraffin wax

Paraffin wax treatment is an essential feature of high-end spa foot treatments. That’s because paraffin wax is known to soften hard skin and get rid of dead skin patches. You can give yourself a paraffin wax treatment at home.

Prepare a paraffin wax foot bath or melt the paraffin wax in a pan. The wax should not be too hot, or it will scald your feet. Add the wax to a tub large enough to dip your feet.

• Dip your feet in the wax several times, so every inch of skin is covered in wax.
• Wrap your wax-covered feet with plastic sheets and allow the wax to harden.
• Remove the wax. Dead skin comes off along with the wax.
• Rinse your feet and moisturize.

Moisturizing ingredients that help remove dry skin from feet

Some ingredients commonly found in creams, moisturizers, and body lotions are excellent for getting rid of dry, scaly skin. 

Here are some of the best ingredients to look out for in creams and moisturizers for your feet:

• Hyaluronic acid
• Jojoba oil
• Shea butter
• Petroleum jelly
• Lactic acid

Try the WOW Skin Science range of creams and moisturizers to get rid of flakes, cracks, and dry skin to reveal soft, smooth, healthy feet.

Dry, flaky, or cracked feet are unsightly, but they can also affect your health. Ensuring you remove dry skin from your feet regularly will give you healthy and nourished feet worth showing off. Follow these tips to keep your feet in tip-top condition. However, if your dry skin condition does not improve, it might be good to see a podiatrist.