The feet are among the parts of the body that suffer most from phenomena such as dryness and thickening of the skin. From the use of closed and sometimes too narrow shoes to the dry climate of heated rooms, passing through the fact that in winter we tend not to take care of them except then run for cover in the summer with do-it-yourself foot peelings, the result is always the same: we are never satisfied with the aesthetics of our feet.
And that's why today we wanted to offer you a short guide to foot peeling. It is a relatively recent treatment but which has already achieved considerable success and which, above all, has once again put the spotlight on the health of our feet. But how to do it? How many types are there? And why is it important? That's exactly what we want to talk to you about today. Ready? Let's start!
Why does the skin on the feet thicken?
The main cause of thickening of the skin on the feet is a lack of hydration. This is especially true for the heels, where even slight calluses tend to form. But that's not all, because if in the mildest cases it is just an aspect of the heels not quite up to the highest aesthetic standards, in the most serious cases it can lead to blisters, fissures and small cuts that can also become infected.
Among the causes of this lack of hydration, there are above all our carelessness – who ever remembers to put a specific moisturizer on their feet? – and some external factors. Swimmers know this well, as pool chlorine often causes significant problems from this point of view.
What can we do for our feet?
Unless it's fissures, in which case you need to act with the help of a dermatologist, the first thing to do is start hydrating them with a cream for cracked heels - to be used cleverly on the whole foot -. These are creams with a special full-bodied and nourishing texture, specially designed for very dry skin. And even if the best time to start taking care of your feet is winter, even in summer you can reap the benefits, because the absorption of these creams is not immediate, so with the warmer months it will be more comfortable to stay on foot naked to let the product work.
Those who don't like using chemical formulations can use coconut oil or shea butter, both of which have particular emollient properties, giving the skin a smooth and compact appearance and preventing the formation of cracks. Or again, footbaths and wraps can be made with essential oils such as almond, mint and lavender, which also leave a fresh and fragrant effect.
And when is a shock operation needed? Remove dead skin with foot peeling
Sometimes simple hydration just isn't enough. We talk about it especially in the summer when, taking off our socks, we find ourselves with really ugly and very visible thickening, with the skin of the heels rough and dry, with some calluses, and with the sole of the foot that often hurts when we walk.
In these cases it is necessary to go to shock therapy, and proceed with an exfoliation to eliminate as much dead skin as possible.
And here we come to the point: peeling. Today we can have two types of foot peeling, both effective, the mechanical and the chemical. Let's analyze them both in detail.
Mechanical foot peeling: pumice stone (also in a no-stress version)
Everyone knows mechanical foot peeling, because we've been used to seeing our mothers and grandmothers dealing with pumice stone since we were children. This is an extremely inexpensive solution – typically this airstone costs no more than a euro and lasts for years – that requires some time and energy but guarantees optimal results.
Today, then, numerous versions are available on the market with a pumice-like stone roller - a material that is always porous and soft, which guarantees delicate but effective exfoliation - which rotates mechanically. These are battery-operated objects and can therefore be used anywhere, ideal if you don't want to put too much elbow grease into them.
How is a mechanical peel done?
- Take a shower or a foot bath for at least 20 minutes: it is essential, in the case of mechanical peeling, that the skin is as soft as possible. You can also add baking soda or essential oils for an enhanced effect;
- Dry your feet with a towel leaving them slightly damp;
- Begin to pass the pumice stone. Start with the heels, the area that tends to have the most dead skin cells, then move on to the small calluses, and finally the soles of the feet. If in the meantime your feet have dried out too much, you can repeat the footbath;
- Rinse your feet to remove dead cell residues, dry them and apply a cream for cracked heels all over the foot. Done!
Chemical peels: the sock-shaped foot peeling mask with more than surprising effects
And here we are with chemical peeling, the remedy that has aroused considerable reactions in recent years precisely because of its… reaction! It is a treatment that was originally performed only in professional studios, capable of making feet incredibly smooth and soft, eliminating calluses, calluses and annoying thickening of the skin. Its main feature is that it is performed without the use of blades or rasps: you can even do it while working from home, because all it requires is to put on a sock.
Chemical peeling is in fact performed with disposable sock-shaped patches into which the feet are slipped. Each patch is soaked in a liquid with an exfoliating action which acts on the most superficial layers of the skin. You put it on, leave it to act for about an hour (less if you have sensitive skin, more if it is very thick) and then rinse. Nothing easier.
Yeah, but then what? And herein lies the surprise effect. Apparently, your feet will be just slightly softer. In short, apparently nothing will have changed. However, it will be enough to wait a week, and you will notice that the skin comes off, as if you were doing a real wetsuit!
The interesting aspect of this type of peeling, in fact, is that it has a delayed effect, continuing to work on the skin until the superficial layers of the epidermis - the famous dead cells - detach naturally, revealing a "new" skin. ” and very soft! Obviously this means that it will be better to plan your chemical peel, because the skin shedding phase can last up to a couple of days. Let's say it's ideal to do it a week or two before the beach.
The plus? Today there are many chemical peels available on the market, from the cheapest to the poshest, from those sold in pharmacies to the famous Korean skincare. Therefore, everyone can find what is right for them. Our advice is to read the reviews, perhaps on Amazon, and move towards a mid-range product that is really effective.
Double foot skincare: our secrets for perfect feet
We always talk about ten-step facial treatments, skincare with double cleansing and maybe with natural cleaners, etc., but do we ever think that the same principles can be applied to our feet?
In fact, the secret to perfect feet is to start treating them like we treat our face. When we take a shower, for example, we can do a light foot scrub - the pedicure will also benefit -, and then practice a light massage with the pumice stone on damp skin. No more than two minutes will be lost, and the effect will be soft and luminous skin every day.
But that's not all: at the end of the massage, always apply a cream, whether it's for cracked heels or a moisturizing butter. This too will make the pedicure more beautiful to look at, because it will also soften the nail cuticles. Furthermore, for those who tend to suffer from swollen feet and ankles, a massage a day is almost essential to restore good circulation and eliminate water stagnation.
Does it end here? Of course not! Before leaving the house, you can apply a moisturizing and refreshing cream, menthol ones are ideal, so that your feet stay fresh. Sweat, in fact, is slightly acidic, and is partially responsible for the thickening of the skin.
And then? A footbath is recommended once a week. How to do? Take a bowl, fill it with warm water, add baking soda and a few drops of essential oil, and soak your feet while you watch your favorite TV series. If you wear nail polish on your toenails, this is the right time to remove it and try almond oil, which has a surprising double action: emollient on the skin, and strengthener on the nails.
Finally, once a month it is advisable to proceed with the chemical peel. If you have taken care of your feet, the "snake that loses its skin" effect will not repeat itself as evidently as the first time, with the plus of having gone to act in depth also to prevent the appearance of calluses and calluses.
And now? Well, the only problem is, you'll want to wear open-toed shoes all year round!
