1. File those feet. Foot files and exfoliating foot scrubs are a dynamic duo when it comes to removing rough skin. On About Beauty, skincare expert Julyne Derrick suggests slathering a foot scrub or exfoliant on a foot file and smoothing it over rough areas like the toes, heels and the balls of your feet. Your big toes are especially prone to calluses, so show them some extra attention.

• Select an effective file. Don’t skimp when it comes to your feet. While you could use a disposable foot file that lasts just a few times, it’s better to invest in a high-quality file that you can use for months. Try the Bliss Diamancel #20 Callus Rasp, a flexible file designed with nickel and fiberglass for long-lasting use.
• Exfoliate, exfoliate, exfoliate. Double the efficacy of the skin file by applying a foot scrub with exfoliating beads or other miniature, rough materials. These help to slough off dead, dull skin, revealing the newer, healthier and more radiant skin beneath. Try the Molton Brown Unwind Island Sand Foot Exfoliator, which exfoliates the skin, smoothes calluses and softens the feet.
• But don’t overdo it. Your goal in exfoliating your feet with a file and sandy scrub is to make the products work overtime so you don’t have to. Avoid treating your feet like you’re sanding ancient paint off a slab of wood. Use slow, gentle, back and forth motions. If your calluses begin to tingle or feel irritated, stop rubbing. You won’t get smooth, soft skin overnight, no matter how much you scrub. Limit this process to once daily.

2. Never skip moisturizer. Moisturizing your skin plays a big role in making feet look and feel healthier and more attractive. After rinsing your feet, apply a hydrating cream immediately to the skin to retain some much-needed moisture. Skincare experts at Princeton University recommend using moisturizers containing alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), which help to remove dead skin and clean pores and expose sought-after smooth and radiant skin.

• Pick the right lotion. Not all moisturizers are created equal. Avoid using hand and face creams as a substitute for what your feet really need. Use a foot cream that’s up to the challenge, preferably one containing AHAs. Barielle Rejuvenating Foot Cream features glycolic acid and other AHAs along with botanical extracts and essential oils to effectively exfoliate and hydrate the skin.
• Moisturize day and night. Apply your cream several times a day, especially on super-dry places where skin gets itchy.

3. Save your feet and your space. Foot products tend to be greasy. So when you’re done exfoliating and moisturizing your feet, give them a little extra cushion — and save yourself some floor washing — by slipping on a pair of washable furry flip flops, which are cooler in warmer months than full slippers. Slide on some thin socks before getting into bed each night. This helps to seal in moisture, and keeps lotion from rubbing off your feet and onto your sheets.
4. Be patient. Don’t expect miracles right away. Depending on how calloused your feet are, or how cracked your heels tend to get in cold weather, it might take several weeks to completely restore your feet. But you’ll begin to see short-term results right after each exfoliating and moisturizing routine. Speed up the process by scheduling a time each day to care for your feet, so you’ll never forget. Consider performing your routine right before bedtime, since it’ll relax you and give your feet hours of rest and recovery before walking on them.

After many months of chilly temps and wearing closed-toed shoes, your feet are probably in need of some serious TLC. Keep up with the above routine, and you’re sure to see smoother, softer, healthier skin this summer!

See also:

Caring for Your Body

Body Brushing: Revealing Brighter, Smoother Skin

Finding the Best Body Scrub for You

A Step-by-Step Guide to the Perfect Pedicure