How to Remove Thick Dead Skin from Feet Home Remedy

 

 

Outline

Causes of Thick Dead Skin Buildup on Feet

Dryness

Calluses

Pressure and friction

Improper hygiene

Medical conditions

Signs of Excess Dead Skin on Feet

Thick, yellowish calluses

Cracked heels

Flaky, peeling skin

Rough patches

Home Remedies to Remove Dead Skin from Feet

Soften Skin First

Take warm foot soaks

Apply a rich foot cream or moisturizer

Use petroleum jelly as an overnight treatment

Physical Exfoliation

Use a pumice stone

Try a foot scrub

Make a DIY sugar scrub

Use a foot file

Chemical Exfoliation

Apply alpha hydroxy acids

Use urea creams

Try enzymatic exfoliants like papaya

Gentle Removal

Use a callus remover gel

Apply salicylic acid pads

Try corn and callus remover bandages

Other Remedies

Use apple cider vinegar

Apply lemon juice

Try essential oils

Tips for Prevention and Aftercare

Moisturize feet daily

Exfoliate regularly

Wear properly fitted shoes

Trim toenails properly

Let feet breath when possible

Conclusion

FAQs About Removing Dead Skin from Feet

 

 Introduction to Removing Thick Dead Skin from Feet

 

Having thick, dead skin on the feet is an extremely common annoyance that can cause discomfort and self-consciousness. Dry, cracked heels, calluses, and excessive peeling skin on the feet occurs when dead skin cells build up faster than the body can shed them. 👣

 

While professional pedicures at salons can help buff away some of the dead skin, there are also many DIY home remedies that can be used to gently yet effectively remove those stubborn layers of dead cells from your feet. Removing and exfoliating away the dead skin not only makes feet smooth and soft again, but also allows for new cell turnover, preventing thicker calluses and cracks from forming. ☺️

 

In this comprehensive guide, we will first look at some of the common causes for dead skin accumulating on the feet along with signs to watch out for. We will then provide over 15 home remedies and step-by-step removal tactics you can use to banish even the thickest, roughest calluses using ingredients likely already in your home. Tips for prevention and aftercare are also included so you can maintain beautifully soft feet long-term. 👣

 

 Causes of Thick Dead Skin Buildup on Feet

 

Before looking specifically at ways to remove existing dead skin on the feet, it is helpful to understand why it develops in the first place. There are several common causes that can lead to dry, thick calluses and peeling skin on feet:

 

 Dryness

 

Lack of sufficient moisture is one of the most common culprits when it comes to the accumulation of dead skin on feet. 👣 Our feet are already prone to dryness just from being the farthest extremity from the heart and containing relatively few oil glands compared to other areas of skin. Walking around on them all day also contributes to dryness.

 

If the skin on feet becomes excessively dry, new skin cells are not able to properly mature and lack elasticity. This causes them to die off and amass as dead flakes and calluses rather than shedding neatly on their own. Using moisturizers is key for preventing this dry skin buildup.

 

 Calluses

 

Calluses are thickened areas of rough, tough skin that develop as a response to repeated friction and pressure on the feet. They form as a kind of natural protection to shield areas of feet prone to rubbing.

 

The excess friction causes the skin to produce more keratin protein in these regions as reinforcement. This collection of densely packed dead keratin cells is what forms into hardened calluses. If they become too thick, calluses can crack painfully and contribute to even more dead skin accumulation.

 

 Pressure and Friction

 

As mentioned above, one of the ways calluses develop is through excessive pressure on parts of the feet. Pressure primarily arises from footwear that fits too tight or does not offer proper support. 👟

 

For example, shoes that pinch at the toes can put extra pressure on the balls of the feet leading to callus formation. High heels and narrow shoes cause more pressure on the heel area and bunions. Even going barefoot can put uneven pressure on feet.

 

Besides pressure, friction also builds up dead skin. Constant rubbing against shoes can literally scrape away at the outer skin layers causing excess accumulation of dead cells. Friction combined with pressure is why calluses tend to arise on ball of foot, heels, and sides of big toes.

 

 Improper Hygiene

 

Allowing dead skin cells to buildup rather than properly exfoliating feet can compound issues further. With inadequate hygiene, the layers of dead skin cells are allowed to grow thicker and thicker, especially in callus-prone areas.

 

Forgetting to regularly scrub the feet of dead skin or soak them to soften and hydrate the skin enables the dead cells to compact together even more densely. Making dead skin removal part of your regular foot hygiene regimen helps prevent this excess accumulation.

 

 Medical Conditions

 

There are also some medical conditions that make people more prone to dry, cracking skin and calluses on feet such as:

 

- Athlete's Foot - This fungal infection leads to scaling, peeling, itching and burns. The fungi feed on the keratin in the outer skin layers leading to dead skin buildup.

 

- Eczema - This condition characterized by dry, sensitive skin is marked by scaly, flaky patches which can occur on the feet.

 

- Psoriasis - Symptoms of this autoimmune condition include raised dry scaly patches. Thick silvery scales can appear on the feet.

 

- Diabetes - High blood sugar levels and nerve damage in diabetics often manifests as dry, cracked feet and poor wound healing. 

 

- Hypothyroidism - An underactive thyroid slows skin cell turnover leading to dryness, peeling skin, and yellow calluses.

 

Managing any underlying conditions with medication can help improve associated dead skin buildup on feet. Consult a dermatologist for rashes, itching, or other changes.

 

 Signs of Excess Dead Skin on Feet

 

In order to remove dead skin from the feet, you first need to recognize the signs indicating a buildup. Here are some of the most common symptoms:

 

 Thick Calluses

 

Calluses themselves are composed of tightly compacted dead skin cells pressed together. If you notice firm, yellowish, very rough patches of skin on your feet then that dead skin needs to be exfoliated away to reveal the softer skin underneath. Calluses typically form on the balls of feet, heels, and sides of big toes.

 

 Cracked Heels

 

Deep cracks or fissures on the heels are also strongly indicative of dead skin buildup. As moisture gets trapped in the layers of dead cells, it can lead to cracks forming. The cracks get filled with more dead skin cells and debris and become deeper over time. Excess accumulation in the crevices needs to be scrubbed away.

 

 Flaky, Peeling Skin

 

If you notice your feet frequently have dry, peeling bits of skin coming off in sheets or flakes, it means there is likely a whole layer of dead skin built up ready to shed. Allowing the flakes to simply fall away on their own can lead to drying and permit even more dead skin to amass underneath.

 

 Discoloration

 

In some cases letting dead skin fully build up can cause a darker, yellowish discoloration on parts of the feet as the thick skin collects keratin and dirt. Exfoliating away the dull layers refreshes the skin and brings back a natural, healthy, pinkish tone.

 

 Rough Texture

 

Built up dead skin will feel quite rough and almost sandpaper-like to the touch. If your heels or bottoms of feet feel very rough, coarse, and uneven, you likely have accumulated dead cells. Buffing away these bumpy layers reveals smooth soft skin.

 

When you notice these symptoms, it means dead skin removal and exfoliation is needed to keep your feet looking and feeling their best. Addressing it early prevents even thicker calluses and potential pain, infection risk, or complications down the line.

 

 Home Remedies to Remove Dead Skin from Feet

 

Regularly removing dead skin from feet as part of your foot care regimen is key to preventing excessive buildup and keeping feet soft. While professional pedicures at salons use specialized tools to buff away dead skin, there are also many effective home remedies you can try using simple ingredients to exfoliate feet right in your own home.

 

Below we will look at over 15 home remedies that can safely and effectively help dissolve and scrub away even the toughest, thickest, roughest calluses and dead skin layers from feet. We've broken them down into categories based on the removal mechanism.

 

 Softening Treatments

 

The first category involves treatments that help soften and hydrate the feet in order to allow the dead skin layers to more easily shed.

 

 Foot Soaks

 

One of the simplest yet effective home treatments for softening and exfoliating feet is a good warm foot soak.💦 Soaking the feet allows moisture to penetrate into thick calluses and loosen the compacted dead skin so it can be scrubbed or sloughed away more easily afterwards.

 

Start by filling a basin with warm - not hot - water. The ideal temperature should feel comfortably warm to the touch. The water should cover above ankles. Add a couple tablespoons of bath salts, epsom salt, essential oils, or a foaming bath butter to the soak. These can help soften and moisturize the skin even further.

 

Soak feet for 15-20 minutes to allow the skin time to absorb the moisture and dead skin to soften. Avoid soaking too long as this can dry out the skin. Finish with a gentle foot scrub or buff with a pumice stone to gently slough away the loosened skin. Perform these soaks 2-3 times a week to keep skin soft.

 

 Hydrating Foot Creams

 

Applying rich, ultra-hydrating foot creams and moisturizers can also help soften thick calluses and prepare the skin for dead skin removal. They supply much needed moisture to prevent drying and cracking.🧴

 

Look for creams containing intense moisturizing ingredients like shea or cocoa butter, glycerin, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, jojoba oil, etc. Massage the cream thoroughly over clean dry feet daily, focusing especially on callused areas and cracked heels where dead skin is likeliest to accumulate.

 

The moisturizers help break down the keratin proteins holding the dead skin cell layers together so the calluses can be more easily scrubbed off later. So apply foot cream generously before using other removal tactics.

 

 Petroleum Jelly

 

Petroleum jelly is an occlusive moisturizer long used to soften and hydrate extremely dry, cracked skin on feet. It works by sealing in moisture.👣

 

Scoop some petroleum jelly onto clean dry feet before bedtime. Put on a pair of moisture wicking socks overtop to allow the jelly to penetrate skin overnight without rubbing off on sheets. This provides intense hydration to soften and loosen calluses and dead skin so it sloughs away easier.

 

Wash off residue in the morning. Use once or twice a week. The softened dead skin cells can then be gently scrubbed off with a damp washcloth, pumice stone or foot file.

 

 Physical Removal Tactics

 

The next category includes exfoliating tools that help physically scrub away and slough off the softened dead skin cells:

 

 Pumice Stones

 

One of the tried and true tools for physically exfoliating away dead, callused skin on feet is a pumice stone.🧔‍♀️ These natural volcanic stones have an abrasive, porous texture perfect for rubbing away and buffing thick calluses and built up flaky skin on heels and toes.

 

Soften skin first through soaking. Wet the pumice stone then gently rub it over one callus at a time using light circular motions. Do not aggressively scrub all over or it may damage healthy skin. Rinse and moisturize feet after each use.

 

Use a pumice stone 1-2 times per week to smooth away dead skin. Look for fine grain stones to avoid being too harsh. Replace stones every 2-3 months when they become overly smooth.

 

 Foot Scrubs

 

Using a physical exfoliating foot scrub can also slough away dead cells from feet. These contain gentle abrasive ingredients that literally scrub the rough skin away as you massage.🧼

 

Some examples of common scrubbing ingredients include:

 

- Sea salt

- Epsom salts

- Sugar (brown or white)

- Coffee grounds

- Coconut husks

- Oatmeal

- Crushed fruit seeds or nuts

- Diatomaceous earth

 

Look for scrubs with rounded ingredients to avoid micro-tears in skin. Or make your own safe, all-natural foot scrub at home.

 

Massage a quarter-sized amount of foot scrub over damp soles using gentle circular motions focusing on callused areas and cracked heels. Rinse. Follow with a moisturizer. Use a foot scrub 1-2 times per week to slough off layers of dead skin.

 

 Foot Files  

 

Foot files provide an even more intense physical exfoliation for removal of thick dead skin on feet.🗝 They are boards with coarse abrasive surfaces like emery boards, metal, ceramic, crystal, pumice, or woven fabrics.

 

Rubbing the file over damp soles scrubs away calluses similar to sandpaper. It is very effective for reducing thickness but can damage skin if overused. Limit to once every 2-3 weeks. Gently buff callused areas using light pressure in one direction rather than sawing back and forth.

 

 DIY Sugar Scrub

 

For a more customizable foot scrub option, you can easily make your own effective scrub at home using just 2 ingredients - sugar and oil.🌡️

 

Pick an oil like olive, coconut, almond, or melted coconut oil. Mix 2 parts sugar (white or brown) with 1 part oil until it forms a gritty paste. Add essential oils if desired for aroma and skin benefits.

 

The grainy sugar particles will provide the scrubbing action to buff away and exfoliate thick layers of dead skin cells. The oil helps hydrate and does not irritate like salt might.

 

Use just like a store-bought foot scrub, massaging over damp feet and rinsing. Adjust ratios to get desired texture. Store excess in an airtight container.

 

 Chemical Exfoliating Treatments

 

Other home remedies rely on chemicals like acids and enzymes to help dissolve the "glue" holding the layers of dead skin cells together:

 

 Alpha Hydroxy Acids

 

Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) like glycolic acid and lactic acid are chemical exfoliants that work by breaking down the bonds between dead skin cells. This helps them shed away more rapidly to reveal fresh new skin.👶

 

Look for foot creams containing AHAs like 10% glycolic acid or try applying plain yogurt which contains lactic acid. Use it once or twice a week after soaking feet. Over several weeks, the acids gradually help dissolve calluses. Avoid getting acids on healthy skin.

 

Alpha hydroxy acids can increase sun sensitivity so wear sunscreen if going outside after application. Start with lower concentrations. Tingling is normal but stop if there is irritation.

 

 Urea Cream

 

Topical creams containing ingredients like urea also provide chemical exfoliation that can rejuvenate extremely dry, cracked feet. 👣

 

Urea is a humectant that softens and exfoliates by dissolving the intercellular matrix that binds to dead skin cells. This allows them to shed away, hydrating newly exposed skin simultaneously.

 

Look for foot creams containing between 10-40% urea concentration. Apply a thin layer to clean dry skin once daily, especially on calluses and cracked heels. Use consistently for several weeks allowing time to penetrate and break down the thick layers of dead skin.

 

 Papaya

 

Papaya contains an enzyme called papain which helps dissolve dead or damaged skin tissue. Using papaya on feet can provide gentle enzymatic exfoliation.🍎

 

Mash up some ripe papaya flesh to form a pulpy paste. Apply onto clean dry heels and calluses. Leave on for 10-15 minutes then rinse. The papain works into the layers of dead skin to dissolve the bonds between the thickened cells. Repeat twice a week.

 

You can also find ready-made papaya foot creams. Or soak feet in a papaya milk bath to soften skin and utilize the papain enzyme. Papaya helps chemically exfoliate without harsh abrasives.

 

 Removal Treatments

 

The next remedies help gently remove the dead skin cells after they have been softened, dissolved and broken down:

 

 Callus Remover Gel

 

Look for foot creams containing ingredients like salicylic acid or urea which help dissolve the keratin protein holding dead skin together.🧪 Using them consistently softens calluses allowing the dead skin to be more easily scrubbed or peeled away.

 

Apply the callus remover gel onto clean dry feet once or twice daily, especially on thickened callused regions. Let it soak in fully. After several weeks, you can gently file away the loosened callused skin with a pumice stone or foot file. The gel gradually breaks down the thick, hardened dead skin.

 

 Medicated Callus Remover Pads

 

Medicated callus remover pads or balms containing salicylic acid can also help dissolve away dead skin. 💊The acid helps break down keratin protein.

 

Look for pads with added soothing and moisturizing ingredients like aloe, vitamin E, and green tea. Rub the pad over calluses and cracked areas allowing the medicated gel to penetrate. Use after showering when dead skin is more pliable. Repeat regularly until thick layers diminish.

 

 Exfoliating Socks

 

Exfoliating socks or removable booties lined with a coarse abrasive material offer another hands-free way to gently buff away dead skin from feet overnight or while relaxing.🧦

 

The textured fabric lining made from materials like terry cloth, nylon webbing, or microfiber physically rubs away at the dead skin, similar to a foot file. The coarse fabric loosens and sloughs off the dead cells.

 

Wear the exfoliating socks for 30-60 minutes to gently yet effectively smooth rough skin. Use them once or twice a week after soaking or applying foot cream to remove softened dead skin. Wash socks regularly.

 

 Corn & Callus Remover Bandages

 

Adhesive corn and callus remover bandages can also help gently treat thick, painful calluses on feet.🩹 The gel padding contains humectants and exfoliants like salicylic acid to soften the callus and loosen the compacted layers of dead skin.

 

Apply a bandage around the callus before bedtime. Keep it on overnight allowing the gel to penetrate and dissolve dead skin. Remove in the morning - moisturize the foot, then gently file away the loosened callus using a pumice stone or foot file.

 

Repeat nightly until the callus is smooth and deep layers have shed away. This helps remove calluses without harsh scrubbing.

 

 Natural Chemical Removal Remedies

 

Some common household ingredients also have natural exfoliating properties that can help dissolve dead skin on feet:

 

 Apple Cider Vinegar

 

Apple cider vinegar is mildly acidic which helps soften and exfoliate rough, scaly skin on feet. 🍎

 

Mix equal parts apple cider vinegar and water. Soak a washcloth in the solution and gently rub it over your calluses and cracked heels for 2-3 minutes. Repeat daily.

 

The acetic acid in the vinegar helps gently break down thick, dead skin and calluses over time. It also has antibacterial properties to fight foot odor. Avoid getting vinegar on healthy skin.

 

 Lemon Juice 

 

Lemon juice contains citric acid which acts as a natural chemical exfoliant for feet.🍋

 

After soaking your feet, use a cotton ball to apply fresh squeezed lemon juice directly onto thick calluses and cracked heels. Let it sit for 5 minutes before rinsing. The acid helps dissolve hardened dead skin. Use every other day.

 

Lemon also has antioxidants like vitamin C which can brighten dull tone. Avoid direct sun exposure after using as citrus juice may increase photosensitivity.

 

 Essential Oils

 

Many plant-based essential oils like eucalyptus, rosemary, tea tree, pine, oregano, lemongrass, etc contain properties that help soften skin and improve exfoliation.🌱

 

Add a few drops of your chosen oil(s) into a foot soak or combine with a carrier oil to massage directly onto calluses and heels. The compounds penetrate into the skin to loosen the bonds between dead cells so they slough off easier. This reveals the smoother skin below.

 

Different oils also provide anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, circulation-boosting benefits to rejuvenate feet. Take care diluting oils properly and avoid getting them on healthy skin.

 

 Tips for Prevention & Aftercare

 

While those remedies can help remove existing dead skin on feet, keeping it from building up excessively in the first place through good preventative care is also crucial. Here are some tips for prevention and maintaining soft feet:

 

 Moisturize Daily

 

Dryness is a main cause of dead skin buildup on feet.👣 Be diligent about applying a rich moisturizer onto feet daily to keep them hydrated and supple. Focus on common callus-prone areas like heels, balls of feet, and sides of big toes.

 

Look for thick creams containing ultra-hydrating ingredients like shea butter, glycerin, ceramides, hyaluronic acid etc. Put on moisture wicking socks after to lock in the hydration and allow it to absorb overnight.

 

 Exfoliate Regularly

 

Make manually exfoliating your feet a consistent part of your regimen. Using a foot scrub or pumice stone once or twice a week to slough off dead skin keeps it from accumulating.👟

 

Time the exfoliation to align with the natural renewal process where skin naturally sheds around every 2 weeks. Soak feet in warm water first to open pores and soften skin for easier scrubbing.

 

 Wear Properly Fitted Shoes

 

Choose well-fitted footwear with adequate room in toes and heels to avoid excess friction and pressure that causes calluses. 👠

 

Opt for leather or canvas shoes which mold to feet rather than rub. Have shoes properly measured each year as feet can grow and change over time. Replace worn out shoes regularly.

 

 Trim Toenails Properly

 

Practice good toenail hygiene by trimming them routinely.👣 Cut them straight across to avoid ingrown nails which can lead to infection. Avoid picking at corners of nails which can worsen thick calluses.

 

Apply an antifungal powder under nails to prevent issues. See a podiatrist for chronic nail conditions, deformities, or pain. Keeping nails tidy reduces pressure points.

 

 Let Feet Breathe

 

Whenever possible, allow your feet some barefoot time to air out rather than keeping them confined in shoes and socks all day.🌬️

 

At home let feet breathe socks-free as overheating and sweating can aggravate dead skin buildup. Change into clean, dry socks daily as dampness encourages peeling. Rotate pairs of shoes.

 

 Manage Underlying Conditions

 

If you have any underlying medical conditions causing extra dry, cracked feet like eczema, psoriasis, diabetes or hypothyroidism, properly managing them can help. 🩺

 

Work with your doctor to keep the associated symptoms in check. Use prescription medications as directed. This in turn helps minimize complications like excessive calluses and peeling.

 

 Conclusion

 

Ridding feet of thick dead skin and smoothing calluses results in amazingly soft, vibrant feet. Using these home remedies can remove those coarse layers gently and effectively. A strategic combination of softening treatments followed by physical or chemical removal tactics works well. Just be sure to avoid harsh scrubbing of healthy skin.

 

Paying a little mind to good foot care does wonders keeping your feet touchably soft. So give your feet some TLC and take the time to exfoliate away the accumulated "skeletons in your closet" regularly. Happy, healthy, sandal-ready feet await! Go confidently barefoot and show off your feet with pride this summer!

 

 FAQs About Removing Dead Skin from Feet

 

 What causes dead skin to build up on feet?

 

Dead skin typically builds up on feet due to dryness, friction and pressure from shoes, inadequate exfoliation, and certain medical conditions. Lack of moisture and scrubbing allows skin cells to amass forming calluses, cracks, peeling and roughness. Well-fitted shoes and regular exfoliation helps prevent excess accumulation.

 

 How can I soften thick calluses on my feet?

 

- Soak feet in warm water then use a pumice stone gently

- Apply petroleum jelly & socks overnight to hydrate

- Massage with rich moisturizers containing shea butter, cocoa butter

- Use urea creams and alpha hydroxy acids to soften & exfoliate

- Gently rub pure coconut, olive or almond oil into calluses

 

 What is the fastest way to remove dead skin from feet?

 

Using a coarse foot scrub several times per week or applying an exfoliating foot peel mask to deeply exfoliate feet is the quickest way to slough off layers of dead skin. The abrasive ingredients in scrubs buff away dead cells when massaged vigorously over feet. Peel masks contain acids to dissolve dead skin causing it to shed off within a week.

 

 How do you exfoliate dead skin from feet?

 

- Soak then use a pumice stone, foot scrub, or foot file to physically rub away dead skin

- Apply alpha hydroxy acid foot creams to chemically exfoliate and dissolve dead cells

- Try enzyme exfoliants like papaya which break down dead tissue

- Use callus remover bandages to gently loosen thick skin overnight

- Perform foot soaks with added bath salts or oils to soften and shed skin

 

 How do you treat peeling feet?

 

- Soak then gently scrub with pumice stone to remove loose flakes

- Apply petroleum jelly or thick fragrance-free cream & socks overnight

- Use a foot scrub or chemical exfoliant regularly to slough away dead skin

- Massage feet with oils like coconut, olive or almond oil post-scrub

- Drink water and limit hot showers to prevent stripping moisture

 

 How do you soften feet overnight?

 

- Cleanse & exfoliate feet to remove dead skin

- Apply a heavy moisturizer like shea butter before bed 

- Put on moisture wicking socks to lock in cream overnight

- For extra softening, try a paraffin wax foot treatment

- Use a foot peel 1-2 times per week to dissolve dead skin

- In the morning, soak & gently scrub feet with a damp washcloth

 

 What happens if you don't remove dead skin from feet?

 

If not removed, dead skin on feet can lead to:

- Thick painful calluses 

- Deep cracked heels

- Dark yellow discoloration

- Peeling, flaky skin

- Foot odor from bacteria 

- Higher risk of fungal/bacterial infections

- Discomfort, poor circulation

- Difficulty wearing shoes

 

Regular removal keeps feet soft, prevents odor, infections, and complications.

 

 Can I remove calluses on feet myself?

 

Yes, you can safely remove most calluses at home using:

- A pumice stone & warm water

- Exfoliating foot scrubs with coarse ingredients

- Alpha hydroxy acid or urea creams 

- Callus removal bandages overnight

- Avoid cutting calluses with blades or razors.

- See a podiatrist if they are extremely painful, inflamed or infected.