The problem arises when you don’t tend to those calluses regularly: If left untreated, those rough patches will continue to build up and up, which can cause the skin to crack—and when it’s open to the environment, bacteria can easily sneak inside. Use whatever physical exfoliator you have on hand—brown sugar, sea salt, and finely ground flours all make top choices. Might we suggest oat flour, as the ingredient can help soothe inflammation and support barrier function (perfect for more sensitive soles). Simply fill your tub, sink, or basin with lukewarm water and soak for five minutes; you can also drop in some Epsom salts or add a few drops of a nourishing oil or soap for extra skin softening. Remember: With physical exfoliators, you control the pressure—and while you may benefit from medium pressure on tough heels and calluses, be careful not to scrape up the more delicate skin on your soles. “Rubbing too hard can aggravate your skin,” Plescia warns, which can only result in angry, irritated feet. Find a foot cream loaded with emollients, which have the ability to sit in between skin cells, fill in any micro-cracks, and soften irritated skin. (Here, our favorites.) Hot tip: You don’t need to get a foot-specific cream, if you don’t want to. Hand creams effortlessly play double-duty for both your hands and feet. When it comes to any type of exfoliation, a once-a-week cadence is a solid place to start: See how your skin reacts, and work your way up from there.
