Good Feet, Good Life: Easy Foot Care Advice for All

3. Regular Exfoliation

Exfoliation is a key yet often overlooked step in foot care. Regularly exfoliating your feet removes dead skin cells, prevents calluses, and keeps them smooth and soft. Use a pumice stone, foot file, or exfoliating scrub to gently remove dead skin, especially from the heels and balls of your feet. Soaking your feet in warm water for about 10 minutes before exfoliation softens the skin and enhances the process. After exfoliating, rinse your feet thoroughly and apply a moisturizer to nourish the newly exposed skin. Avoid over-exfoliating, as it can irritate the skin and increase the risk of infection. For most people, exfoliating once or twice a week is sufficient. However, if you spend a lot of time on your feet or have calluses, gentle exfoliation more frequently may be beneficial. Remember, calluses serve a protective purpose, so aim to manage them rather than remove them entirely. If you have diabetes or circulation issues, consult a podiatrist before adding exfoliation to your routine to ensure your feet receive the proper care.