Menu Lifestyle
By Laura Kensington
Updated: Feb. 4, 2020
Originally Published: Feb. 22, 2016
In my early twenties, I worked as a nail technician at a luxury spa, where I discovered that many clients sought my services primarily to address severe dry heels they couldn’t manage on their own. After a soothing soak in my pedicure chair, I would trim their nails, tend to their cuticles, and then focus on their calluses. The moment I brought out my emory foot file, many would halt me, insisting that it wouldn’t suffice. They demanded the metal file.
It didn’t take long for me to realize a critical issue: no one should be treating their feet like a block of parmesan cheese. These individuals were attempting to eliminate calluses and dry skin rather than smoothing and caring for them.
Our bodies perform numerous regulatory functions that often go unnoticed. When we excessively remove something our body produces—like natural oils—it compensates by producing even more. This is similar to how, as a teenager, I worsened my acne by trying to eliminate oil without any moisturizing.
When skin experiences frequent friction or pressure, it naturally develops calluses for protection. Removing these calluses only leads to thicker, harder, and drier skin. Relying on a metal foot file can be more harmful than beneficial. While your feet may feel smooth temporarily, that effect is short-lived.
Moreover, the only signal to stop using a metal file is pain, which can easily lead to injuries and potential infections. Using such tools on dry skin, rather than on callused areas, can cause even more damage.
For dry or callused feet, the best approach is to gently smooth them and then apply plenty of moisturizer. Assess your feet’s condition; if they need attention, take the time to care for them. An electric file can simplify the work, allowing you to smooth calluses, use a gritty scrub for dry skin, and follow up with a rich moisturizer. Incorporate foot lotion into your daily routine.
Keeping a pumice stone in your shower is an easy way to maintain your feet. Make it a habit to give your heels a quick rub while showering. Choose a pumice stone that can hang to dry for better hygiene and durability.
However, avoid using foot scrubs in the shower, as they can make the floor slippery, leading to accidents. Instead, after your shower, sit on the tub’s edge, scrub your feet, and rinse them off under the faucet for a safer experience.
Before putting on socks and shoes, generously apply a thick foot cream. The warmth from your footwear will help the cream absorb deeply, similar to a paraffin wax treatment. By the day’s end, it will be fully absorbed, preventing your dry skin from snagging your sheets—a sensation we all prefer to avoid.
These suggestions are not a cure for dry skin and calluses; rather, they require ongoing maintenance. As you notice calluses returning, use an emory foot file on dry skin to smooth them out, and always clean your file with soap and warm water after each use. Finish with a quality foot cream, which may be a bit pricier but was always a staple in my spa.
Those clients who committed to home care and steered clear of cheese graters experienced remarkable improvements. Our feet endure a lot; it’s time we soften the impact.
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In summary, to care for your feet effectively, avoid harsh metal files, moisturize regularly, and maintain a consistent foot care routine. Your feet will thank you!
Keyphrase: effective foot care
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