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In my early twenties, I spent several years working as a nail technician at an upscale spa. One of the top reasons clients chose my services over cheaper alternatives was their persistent dry heels—issues they couldn’t resolve on their own, no matter how hard they tried. After soaking their feet in my pedicure chair, I would trim and shape their nails, tidy up their cuticles, and then tackle those troublesome calluses. But as soon as they spotted my emery foot file, most would halt me, insisting that I needed to bring out the metal file.
It didn’t take long for me to realize part of the problem: no one should be scraping their feet like they’re tackling a block of parmesan cheese. These clients were focused on eliminating calluses and dry skin, rather than properly smoothing and nurturing them.
Our bodies have a fascinating way of regulating themselves, often without us even noticing. When we strip away something our body is producing, it can react by producing more. Take oily skin, for instance. If you aggressively cleanse it with harsh products without following up with moisturizer, your body will respond by generating even more oil to compensate. Trust me, I learned this the hard way while battling teenage acne.
When a part of your skin experiences frequent friction, it naturally forms a callus to protect itself. If you remove that callus, it will only return thicker, harder, and drier. Using a metal foot file can do far more harm than good. Sure, your feet may feel incredibly smooth for a couple of days, but that sensation is fleeting.
Moreover, with metal files, pain is often the only signal that you’ve gone too far. Many people find their feet become tender after callus removal, and it’s all too easy to take off too much skin and risk bleeding. This opens the door to a range of potential problems, including infections. The damage is even worse when you attempt to use a metal file on dry skin, which can lead to more issues.
So, What Should You Do?
If your feet are dry or callused, the best approach is to gently smooth them out and then lavish them with moisture.
Start by assessing the condition of your feet. If they need some TLC, dedicate some time to caring for them. An electric smoother can handle most of the hard work. Smooth down calluses, scrub away dry skin, and follow up with a generous amount of moisturizer. Make foot lotion a regular part of your daily routine.
Keeping a pumice stone in your shower is a simple way to maintain your feet. Incorporate a quick rub of your heels into your shower routine. Opt for a pumice stone that hangs to dry, as it’s more hygienic and will last longer.
I wouldn’t recommend using a foot scrub while you’re in the shower, though—it can make you feel like you’re in a slapstick comedy trying to avoid slipping! Instead, after showering, sit on the tub’s edge, scrub your feet, and rinse them under the faucet for a safer experience.
Before slipping into socks and shoes, generously apply a heavy foot cream. The warmth from your footwear will help the cream absorb deeper, giving you results akin to a paraffin wax treatment. By the end of the day, your skin will be fully absorbed, preventing that unpleasant snagging sensation when you crawl into bed.
Keep in mind that these tips are not a cure for dry skin and calluses; they require regular upkeep. As you notice calluses returning, gently use an emery foot file on dry feet for smoothing. Don’t forget to clean your file with soap and warm water after each use.
Finally, follow up with a thick foot cream. While on the pricier side, it’s the same one I used in the spa and still rely on today. Those clients who committed to caring for their feet at home (and steered clear of those dreadful cheese graters) saw significant improvements in no time. Our feet endure a lot; let’s give them the love they deserve.
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