How To Safely Remove Calluses At Home: 6 Steps To Butter-Soft Soles

That said, it's important to slough off the dry skin from time to time. Not to mention, your soles will appear smooth and supple in the process, and who doesn't want that? But before you hack at them with nail scissors or peel off the dry skin (cue the collective shudder), here's exactly how experts recommend removing them safely at home: 

Fill your tub or basin with lukewarm water for a simple soak, or feel free to chuck in some Epsom salts, oils, or gentle soaps for extra soothing benefits. 

Specifically, the solution contains "AHAs like lactic, citric, and malic acids," says board-certified dermatologist Keira Barr, M.D., which work to "exfoliate the uppermost layers of the skin, revealing skin that appears smoother and more hydrated." Consider it a one-step process to soft soles. 

Scoop a dollop of your favorite foot scrub and rub in circular motions on those calluses until they're touchably soft. 

Make sure to use it on clean, wet skin—the soak will loosen the thickened layer of skin and make it easier to buff the calluses smooth. Also, be sure to follow with a moisturizing foot cream: "Since the manual exfoliation of the stone can cause microabrasions on the skin, it's important to apply moisturizer to help repair the small cracks in the skin from the pumice exfoliation," explains board-certified dermatologist Purvisha Patel, M.D., and founder of Visha Skincare.

Here's how to make one at home: After applying your favorite foot cream, cover your feet with some socks to "allow the cream to penetrate into your skin," says Williams. For the best results, wear the socks overnight and wake up to butter-soft soles. 

As tempting as it may be to peel away those rough patches of skin, tampering with your calluses is not (we repeat: not) a good idea. See, so long as you keep up your exfoliating-moisturizing regimen, those calluses should naturally flake off on their own. Tearing at the skin yourself can cause pain, discomfort, and even infection. Says Morgan Rabach, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist and co-founder of LM Medical in NYC, about flaking skin, "It's best to let the dead skin peel itself off naturally without pulling it, as you can tear further into the skin." 

Removing calluses at home requires some diligent foot care; to truly achieve crack-free soles, you'll need a healthy balance of exfoliation and moisture. Of course, you should always see a pedicurist or podiatrist if your calluses are extremely rough or painful—but for your run-of-the-mill upkeep, consider these your marching orders.