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If your feet don't look sandal-ready, don't panic! Rough, thick and dead skin can build up when you don't give your hardworking tootsies the TLC they require. You needn't book yourself in for an expensive pedicure to get your feet back to their former soft and supple best. With a few tips and tricks, it’s easy to slough away that rough skin at home to reveal soft and beautiful feet.
Simply Soak
Take the time to treat your feet to simple soak. Fill a bowl with warm water and a splash of milk for an indulgent home treatment. The milk has naturally nourishing properties and the lactic acid helps to smooth rough calluses. If you want to recreate that relaxing spa treatment feel, add few drops of lavender oil to the water for a calming experience. Soak your feet for around five minutes to soften your dry and rough patches.
Scrub Away
Slough away your dead skin with an exfoliating foot scrub. Look for a product that contains coarse particles, such as salts or sugars to combat dead skin buildup. Use your scrub with clean water, paying particular attention to the balls of your feet, heels and toes. Don’t fall into the trap of only exfoliating when your feet are in need of urgent attention. Aim to use a foot scrub once or twice a week to maintain super-soft feet.
Grab the File
When it comes to removing calluses and serious build-up, a foot file should be your go-to option. A metal file designed to remove dead skin from your feet may look like a terrifying implement, but it will combat the rough patches that a simple scrub can’t handle. Skyy Hadley, owner of As U Wish Nail Spa in Hoboken, N.J., recommends avoiding pumice stones that can trap bacteria and using a file instead. File your feet in one direction on dry skin to gently buff away dead skin.
Restore Moisture
Use a foot cream specially formulated for feet to restore lost moisture. Seek creams that contain soothing ingredients such as peppermint and tea tree oil. Take a couple of minutes to thoroughly massage in the cream to help it properly penetrate your skin. If your feet are seriously dull and dry, apply a thick and greasy moisturizer before bed and throw on a pair of cotton socks for an intensive overnight treatment.
