Dry, cracked feet can be uncomfortable, unsightly, yet easy to repair. This guide will give you four easy-to-follow steps to soften your feet rapidly overnight.
1. Prep the feet with a pumice stone or foot brush
Pumice stones can be purchased online or at your local drugstore for less than $5. Additionally, some come with a wooden handle, making it easier to reach your feet.
To use the pumice stone on your feet, take the following steps:
- Soak your feet in warm water for 10 minutes; a shower or bath also works.
- Run your pumice stone under warm water for 10 to 15 seconds.
- Cover your feet with a light coating of warm water.
- Gently rub the pumice stone on your feet in a circular motion until you remove all the dry skin.
- Rinse and dry your feet.
2. Go with a deep moisturizer for your feet
Moisturizers come in many different forms. However, to soften the thick and dry skin on your feet, you need a cream that penetrates deep.
Apply a liberal coating with any of the following moisturizers (ranked from most to least effective):
- Foot masks and peels
- Foot cream
- Petroleum jelly (vaseline)
- Body lotion
- Hand lotion
- Face lotion
A note about foot creams and petroleum jelly: these moisturizers are much thicker than a hand or face lotion and will provide effective results. If you plan on moisturizing your feet regularly, consider investing in a quality foot cream.
For the extra mile:
Aside from some more popular moisturizers, companies make foot masks or foot peels. Some foot masks are thin fabric sheets that wrap around your feet, typically from your lower calf downwards, for 10 to 15 minutes. A foot mask sheet provides even deeper hydration and nourishment to the skin.
You can also find foot masks in topical solutions such as creams or gels.
3. The right pair of socks
After applying your preferred moisturizer, put on a pair of thick socks. Thick socks help your skin retain moisture, so the cream you use can penetrate the skin deeper.
Polyester or non-breathable socks may work better but can result in sweating or discomfort.
For the extra mile:
While thick casual socks work well for retaining moisture, moisturizing socks may provide more effective results. Some moisturizing socks infuse humectants and nutrients for the skin, including aloe vera, vitamin E, and more. Additionally, they may also contain fragrances such as lavender.
4. Repeat until desired results
To achieve soft and smooth feet, persistence is key. Applying a foot cream every day can help keep the skin soft and well-nourished. Don’t use a pumice stone more than a few times per week. Overuse can result in bleeding or infection of your feet.
Lastly, wear house socks or slippers rather than walking barefoot at home. It’ll help protect the bottom of your feet better to prevent future cracking.