How to get rid of dry skin on feet: Everything you need

Dry skin on the feet is quite normal, it happens to the majority of people, but it’s knowing the best ways to get rid of it that really makes a difference.

Your feet may simply be dry from non-moisturising soap, excessively hot showers or baths, from running or ageing, as in this process we naturally lose moisture in the skin as we age.

Glycolic Acid

Whilst we're on holiday sand can be a great exfoliator for the feet, but any other time of the year Glycolic Acid could be the best solution for helping to get rid of dry skin.

Glycolic Acid is a natural exfoliator and is often used on the facial skin in a bid to slough away dead skin and reveal new and refreshed skin underneath.

Carnation has a Hard Skin Remover Pen which is formulated with glycolic acid, and you apply the pen directly onto the hard areas of skin. It gets to work by breaking down the bonds of tough skin to reveal softer and smoother skin underneath.

A foot buffer

If you want to help move dry, hard skin along then you’re going to need to use some elbow grease and buff away that dead skin. While some foot buffers require you to get to work, like the Soap and Glory Foot Buffer, others don’t. We particularly love the results of using the Scholl Pedi Electronic Foot File. It feels incredibly gentle and works swiftly to remove dead skin – just remember to clean up the mess afterwards.

Another excellent foot buffer that requires little effort, just a bit of patience, is the Footner Exfoliating Socks. Simply pop these on for an hour and let them get to work, three days later you’ll be surprised at just how much dead skin will come off your feet. It’s a little disgusting but oh so satisfying when you realise how soft your feet can actually feel.

There are numerous exfoliating socks to try, and they're great for ease too, simply pop them on and let the ingredients get to work at helping remove dead skin from your feet.

Expert advice

Michael Ratcliffe, Carnation Footcare Podiatrist explains that it's important to moisturise the skin on your feet daily, to help restore the elasticity of the skin and stop the build up on conditions like corns and callouses.

It's important to use a moisturising cream on your feet so you don't get dry, cracked or painful skin on the feet. And if it does become sore you need to consult your doctor or podiatrist.

Foot cream

Not only do you regularly need to be exfoliating away the dead skin on your feet, but you need to be treating them to foot cream too.

The skin on the feet is much thicker than elsewhere on the body, so you need a cream with a rich consistency containing urea to actually get into the thicker layers rather than a body moisturiser, which can be too watery and cause soles to slip.

These are just some of our favourite foot creams to try.

Banish corns

Corns can cause incredible discomfort even when walking, so it's important that you don't intensify the problem with shoes that don't fit properly.

Podiatrist Dave Wain explains that Carnation Corn Caps can help remove corns effectively and safely at home. The design also helps to relieve pressure from wearing shoes whilst the corn heals too.

Say no to cracked skin

Cracked skin is not only an uncomfortable problem, but it's a little embarrassing too. Wearing sandals in the summer might not be an option for some people who prefer to keep their cracked heels covered, however, putting in the time and effort can make a big difference. Try the What Skin Needs Cracked Skin Cream, a natural option to nourish the skin. Dr Roger Henderson says it's a great choice to help repair the skin.