How The Pros Remove Dead Skin From The Feet & Keep Them Smooth

When you think of applying skin care, the feet are probably the last area you prioritize. But why? Our feet help us get from place to place and face some pretty intense wear and tear through all of that.

First up is a classic foot file. If the dead skin on your feet is tough and thick, this option might be your best bet. Luckily the feet are much less sensitive than the rest of the body, so using a strong mechanical exfoliation method like this is A-OK.

But can you use these tools daily? "Yes, if your skin is not sensitive, it is safe to give your feet some love by doing a light exfoliation daily," says NYC-based medical esthetician and founder of JTAV Clinical Skincare Joie Tavernise.

However, you shouldn't apply too much pressure when using the foot file. If you do, you'll risk over-exfoliating them and even causing painful wounds on the bottom of your feet. In addition, the reason you get thicker skin on the feet is for protection. Thick skin is able to hold up to daily wear and tear—so “you don’t actually want to completely get rid of that protective layer,” says board-certified dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, M.D.

Chemical exfoliation is just another method of exfoliating the feet. Rather than manually scrubbing or filing the dead skin off, chemical exfoliators work by “dissolving connections between skin cells so they can be shed,” says Zeichner. simply apply an exfoliating serum to the feet. These serums don't necessarily need to be formulated for the feet, but many are.

The difference between facial exfoliant serums and foot serums is generally the strength of the active ingredient. Your feet have tougher skin and tend to be less sensitive, so they can handle those stronger formulas.

Board-certified dermatologist Lindsey Zubritsky, M.D., FAAD, recently shared her go-to hack for dry feet on Instagram. Her pro tip: Slug your feet with glycolic acid.

Zubritsky uses a cotton pad to apply a layer of The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toning Solution and follows up with a petrolatum jelly and cotton socks—but you can use any AHA or BHA serum (think lactic acid, salicylic acid, etc.) and an occlusive moisturizer (like a botanical oil or thick body lotion) for the same effect.

This method of slugging with exfoliants is generally not recommended for the face but is one A+ method for the feet. Leave your products on overnight, and in the morning, you'll wake up to smoother skin.

If you're going to dedicate some time to taking care of your feet, why not make it an intentional and relaxing moment? Whipping up a warm milk bath is just one way to do so—and it's so easy.

You can opt for animal milk for the lactic acid content or alternative milk like oat and coconut for deep hydration. Whatever you choose, feel free to dress it up with some bath oil, dried rose petals, or whatever else fits your fancy. Think of it like an all-natural pedicure, DIY-style.

After you exfoliate away the dead skin, you must apply a topical hydrator. "These two steps will remove dead skin cells that are causing dryness and replenish moisture on the feet," Tavernise explains.

You can get a specialized foot or hand cream, but a high-quality body lotion will do just fine—without overcomplicating your routine. Apply your lotion to the feet every night (and morning, if you feel so inclined). 

After you apply the lotion to your feet, you might even slide a breathable cotton sock over the top to lock in moisture—again, slugging the feet.

"Our feet have fewer oil glands than the rest of our body," Tavernise says. This is why it's essential to keep the feet moisturized—as they're even more prone to dryness than the rest of the body.

The more you move, whether it be exercise, walking around, commuting via foot, etc., the more you subject your feet to wear and tear. Some exercises, however, may be a bit harder on your feet than others.

"The friction of jumping or intense exercise can lead to cracking of the feet on the heels and making it look extremely dry," Tavernise explains.

Hot water strips the skin of its natural lipids and, therefore, can compromise the barrier. Without this critical moisture barrier, skin (including that on your feet) can dry out.

As you age, your skin naturally gets drier with time. This is because your body's levels of hyaluronic acid, collagen, and ceramides all start to decline—three factors that contribute to more hydrated skin.

In addition, with aging comes changes to the pH of the skin. “The skin's outer skin layer, known as the acid mantle, normally has a pH of around 5.5, which is needed for optimal enzymatic functioning and skin barrier activities,” says Zeichner. “As the pH becomes more alkaline [as we get older], the skin cannot protect itself as it used to be able to, leading to dryness and inflammation.”

"People with severely dry feet should contact a medical provider and make sure there is no underlying health cause, like diabetes and thyroid issues," Tavernise notes. So if you're doing everything right at home and still see consistent dead skin on the feet, it's best to consult a medical professional.

In order to remove dead skin from the feet, you'll have to show them some TLC. Use a foot file or pumice stone after showering, and follow up with a thick body lotion or foot cream.