Healthy Feet Are Happy Feet
With sandal season just around the corner, I thought we could discuss the causes of dead skin on the feet and what to do about it because no one wants scaly feet on the beach or in that perfect pair of open-toed shoes.
Dead skin build-up is linked closely to dryness. Many internal and external factors contribute to the development of excessive dead skin on the feet:
Common causes of dry feet and dead skin build-up include:
· Weather – As the seasons change, our skin may react negatively. Cold weather can cause the feet on the skin to dry out.
· Calluses – When feet experience high pressure or friction due to footwear, sports, or daily activities, calluses can build up on the foot.
· Showering – Dry skin is mainly caused by bathing in water that is too hot. The heat sucks the moisture out of your skin leading to increased dryness.
· Age and Hormones – Skin, including the skin on the feet, may experience dryness due to changes within the body due to loss of collagen as we age.
· Skin Conditions – Patients suffering from skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis are more likely to experience foot dryness and dead skin build-up.
· Diabetes – Diabetes can cause changes in the skin on the soles of your feet. The problem is caused by damage to the nerves in the foot, these nerves are responisible for the control of oil and moisture in your feet. This leads to extreme dryness, peeling and cracking.
Everyone’s feet shed dead skin, it is a natural function of the human body but it is possible to treat most cases of dead skin build-up on the feet at home.
Follow these steps to remove dead skin from your feet:
1. Soak – Make a warm (not hot) footbath and soak your feet for 10-20 minutes. Add our Mint Your Feet foot scrub or Epsom salts to the soak. The natural minerals in the salt will help soften the skin as well as relieve soreness and reduce inflammation.
2. Exfoliate – Using a pumice stone, loofah, buffer, foot file, or another type of foot scrubber, will remove the dead skin on your feet. Be careful not to scrub too hard. The skin on your feet is naturally tougher than other parts of the body.
3. Moisturize – Finally apply a thick moisturizer and socks. Our Mint Your Feet foot balm is perfect for this. The hands-free application makes it easy to apply and the peppermint and eucalyptus help control foot odor and provide relaxation.
Remember, everyone’s skin is different, so you may need to adjust your exfoliation methods to your skin type. For example, if you have sensitive skin, be careful not to exfoliate too much or use harsh soaps when washing your feet our body wash is a good gentle cleanser.
If a routine of soaking and exfoliating your feet does not diminish your dead skin build-up or you notice your heels continue to crack, seek advice from your podiatrist on how to manage your skin’s condition.
