Skin Care – Dead Skin removal
Do you have dead skin on your feet? If you do, you are likely looking for ways that you can remove it.
Read on to find out:
- What causes dead skin on the feet?
- What are the best treatments for dead skin on the feet?
- What are the best dead skin removal techniques?
- Do I need a doctor to carry out dead skin removal?
- How can a podiatrist help with dead skin removal?
- How to prevent dead skin on the feet?
- Dead skin removal FAQs
What causes dead skin on the feet?
There are several reasons why you may experience dead skin on your feet, most of which are caused by unavoidable everyday factors.
The most common dead skin on feet causes include:
A lack of moisture
Dead skin on the heel of the foot and dead skin on the soles of the feet are incredibly common as these are the areas of the foot that have fewer oil glands than the skin on other areas of your body.
This dead skin is often flaky and dry, and sometimes it can be itchy.
Irritation and friction
If you spend long periods of time on your feet or you wear ill-fitting shoes, this can irritate the skin on your feet and cause a build-up of dead skin. This can also lead to footcare issues such as corns and calluses.
Heat and humidity
Both heat and humidity can cause dead skin on the feet. Most notably, this occurs when you wear closed shoes such as trainers or boots, which create hot and sweaty conditions for your feet.
When exposed to heat and humidity, your feet lose moisture which can cause dry skin on the feet and cracked heels.
Harsh chemicals
If you tend to experience dead skin on your feet after a shower, this could be caused by your choice of body wash. Soaps, washing powders, and skincare products that contain harsh chemicals can irritate the skin on your feet and cause dry, flaky skin. A failure to rinse your skin after washing with soaps can also cause a build-up of dead skin.
Ageing
As you age, your skin loses the ability to retain water which means your skin naturally becomes less plump and hydrated. This includes the skin on your feet.
Certain medications
Certain medications such as diuretics can cause dry skin on the whole body, including on the feet.
Certain medical conditions
There are several medical conditions that can cause a build-up of dead skin on the feet, including Athlete’s foot, eczema, psoriasis, and diabetes.
What are the best treatments for dead skin on the feet?
If you are looking for the best dead skin on feet treatment, you will be pleased to hear that some of the most effective remedies can be bought over-the-counter without the need for a doctor’s visit and a prescription.
Foot creams
Foot creams are specially formulated to hydrate, soften and exfoliate the skin on your feet, making them the ideal treatment for dead skin removal.
The best foot cream for dead skin is CCS foot care cream which contains urea, salicylic acid, and vitamin D, all of which work hard to remove dead skin and stimulate the creation of new skin cells.
Foot creams can be used all over your feet including to remedy dead skin in between toes, dead skin on the side of the foot, and dead skin on the bottom of the foot.
Foot scrubs
If you suffer from severe thick and hard skin, it can be a good idea to scrub dead skin off your feet using a foot scrub.
The best foot scrub for dead skin is a physical exfoliator that contains ingredients that dissolve dead skin cells on the surface of the skin. Some of the key ingredients to look out for include glycolic acid, lactic acid, and alpha-hydroxy acid.
You can buy foot scrubs at most pharmacies and supermarkets, or you can choose to make a natural foot scrub to remove dead skin at home.
Foot peels
Foot peels, sometimes referred to as chemical exfoliators, are a good dead foot skin remover for people who suffer from severe or chronic dry skin on their feet.
However, it is worth knowing that these can irritate sensitive skin, especially foot peels that contain artificial fragrances or alcohol.
What are the best dead skin removal techniques?
If you would prefer to use home remedies for removing dead skin from feet, there are several techniques that you can try:
A pumice stone or foot file
If you turn to Google and search “how to get rid of dead skin on my feet”, using a pumice stone is one of the top results.
A pumice stone is a type of lava stone that is highly effective in dead skin removal and is often used to treat dry skin, as well as corns and calluses.
To use a pumice stone or metal foot file:
- Soak your feet in warm water for 15 minutes to soften the skin.
- Wet the pumice stone or foot file in warm water.
- Gently rub the stone or file over the affected area of skin.
- Do not rub too hard as this can cause bleeding.
- Rinse your feet with warm water.
- Apply a foot cream like the CCS foot cream.
Natural foot scrub
As mentioned briefly above, you do not need to buy foot scrubs online or at your local pharmacy, as these can be made at home with just a few simple ingredients.
To create a natural foot scrub for dead skin removal:
- Mix equal parts of oatmeal and milk to make a paste
- Apply the scrub to your feet and leave for 20-30 minutes
- Use a foot brush to gently exfoliate your feet
- Rinse with cold water and allow your feet to air dry
- Apply a foot cream
Vinegar soak
Vinegar is one of the most well-known home remedies to get dead skin off feet, with apple cider vinegar and white vinegar both being good options.
To use vinegar as a dead skin removal technique:
- Mix 1 part vinegar with 2 parts warm water
- Soak your feet for 10-15 minutes
- If desired, use a pumice stone or foot file to remove any leftover dry skin
- Rinse with cool water
- Apply a foot cream
Do I need a doctor to carry out dead skin removal?
In most cases, you do not need to see a doctor for dead skin removal. However, if you have tried OTC treatments and home remedies with little success or you want to remove black dead skin on the foot, you may want to book an appointment with your GP to discuss alternative treatments.
Most likely, your doctor will refer you to a podiatrist who will create a bespoke treatment plan for your feet.
How can a podiatrist help with dead skin removal?
There are certain circumstances when it is a good idea to seek the professional opinion of a podiatrist for dead skin removal. These include:
- The skin on your feet is causing you pain or discomfort when walking
- Wearing shoes is painful or uncomfortable
- You feel like you are walking on a small stone
- The skin on your feet has cracked and started to bleed – this can cause an infection
A podiatrist will be able to safely and with no discomfort remove the dead skin on your feet while ensuring that a layer of skin is left intact to protect the foot.
If your feet are at risk of infections, for example, you are diabetic, or you have problems with blood flow, you should undergo professional dead skin removal.
How to prevent dead skin on the feet?
As the saying goes, ‘prevention is better than cure’, so it is always a good idea to practice good foot care and take the necessary steps to prevent the build-up of dead skin cells on the feet.
Some of the best prevention techniques for dead skin on the feet include:
Moisturise your feet regularly
One of the best ways to prevent dry and dead skin on the feet is by moisturising daily. For optimum results, apply a medicated foot cream such as CCS foot care cream. Avoid foot creams that contain alcohol, as these can irritate the skin and exacerbate the problem.
Avoid hot baths and showers
Hot baths and showers can strip the skin of moisture and significantly increase your risk of developing dry skin on the feet resulting in dead skin under toes. You should also ensure that you rinse your feet properly after washing.
Wear shoes that fit
Ill-fitting or unsupportive footwear can leave the skin on your feet open to pressure, friction, and irritants, all of which can cause dry, thick, and hard skin.
To avoid this, avoid shoes that are too tight or too loose, as well as ones that are open-backed, open-toed, or force your feet into unnatural positions.
Wear cotton socks
Dead skin in between toes is often caused by heat and humidity. This can occur when your feet become hot and sweaty. To prevent this, always make sure you wear socks and, ideally, breathable, moisture-wicking socks that are made from breathable materials such as cotton.
Frequently asked questions
What clears up dead skin?
The best way to get dead skin off feet is to use a gentle exfoliator, followed by a high-quality foot cream such as CCS foot care cream. If your dead skin is particularly stubborn, use a pumice stone or foot file after soaking your feet in warm water.
What can I do for dead skin on my face?
To remove dead skin from your face, use a mild exfoliator or gently wipe a face cloth over your face after washing. If this does not work, try a weekly face scrub which is specially formulated to remove dead skin cells from the face and encourage the growth of new ones. You can make your own facial scrubs using natural ingredients such as coffee, oatmeal, or orange peels.
Should you leave dead skin?
The shedding of dead skin is completely normal and does not always require dead skin removal. However, if dead skin on your ankle and other parts of your feet has left your skin looking dry, flaky, hard, or thick, then you need to take steps to remove it. Some of the most effective dead skin removal techniques are exfoliation and moisturisation.
How do you get rid of dead, thick skin?
If you have thick, dead skin on your body, especially on your feet, then you can start shaving dead skin off the foot using a pumice stone or foot file. Make sure that you soak your feet first for 10-15 minutes and then gently rub the skin in circular motions.
How do you remove dead skin from yourself?
Most dead skin removal remedies can be bought over-the-counter and carried out at home. To remove dead skin yourself, soak your skin in warm water to soften it, use a pumice stone to remove any dead skin cells, and then moisturise with a foot cream such as CCS foot care cream.
Should dead skin be removed?
A build-up of dead skin can lead to issues such as dry, dull, and hard skin. By removing dead skin, new skin cells are allowed to grow, resulting in softer and smoother skin. Some of the most effective dead skin removal techniques are scrubs, exfoliators, and medicated moisturisers.
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