Pounding the pavement, hitting the path, climbing the steps—our ft actually take a beating. Fortunately, Mom Nature did us a stable and designed our steppers to be resilient. “The pores and skin on the ft is the thickest on the physique, which is critical to guard the ft from on a regular basis trauma from strolling,” Joshua Zeichner, MD, director of beauty and medical analysis in dermatology at Mount Sinai Medical Heart in New York Metropolis, tells SELF. “In response to persistent friction and rubbing, the pores and skin could grow to be extraordinarily tough, often known as a callus.”
On a regular basis put on and tear and modifications within the climate (chilly or scorching) might imply your ft want a bit further TLC—that’s while you would possibly attain for a pumice stone or a pleasant, thick cream. In different instances, you could want to herald stronger reinforcements. Enter: the foot masks.
“Foot masks are designed to hydrate and soften the pores and skin, and, in some instances, supply exfoliation,” Dr. Zeichner says. Which masks you select will rely in your wants: Calluses reply finest to exfoliating masks, whereas dry ft and cracked heels will profit from one thing extra moisturizing. That can assist you store smarter, we turned to Dr. Zeichner and different derms for recommendation on the place to seek out the most effective foot masks and professional recommendations on learn how to use them—get their insights (and browse their prime picks) beneath.
Our prime picks
- Child Foot Exfoliation Foot Peel
- Patchology PoshPeel Pedi Treatment
- Prequel Foot Rescue Superior Restorative Therapy
- Aveeno Repairing Cica Foot Masks
- Aquaphor Repairing Foot Masks
What to search for in a foot masks
If it’s not crystal clear from the label whether or not a masks is extra moisturizing or exfoliating, examine the ingredient listing. “Exfoliants like salicylic acid and lactic acid gently raise off layers of lifeless pores and skin,” Joyce Park, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Pores and skin Refinery, tells SELF. “Shea butter, urea, hyaluronic acid, and glycerin assist ft retain moisture and soften thick pores and skin.”
As for a way usually it is best to use a foot masks, that will depend on the sort you’re utilizing, Dr. Park says. “If it is an exfoliating peel, then as soon as a month,” she says. “If it is extra of a hydrating foot masks, then it’s secure to make use of weekly.”
Store the most effective foot masks
Under, dive into dermatologist-approved exfoliating and moisturizing picks (plus one which’s in between) on your subsequent self-care Sunday.
Child Foot Exfoliation Foot Peel
Execs
- Efficient on calloused ft
- Lavender scent
- Supplies seen outcomes, in keeping with Amazon buyers
Cons
- Dear for a single-use therapy
- Therapy takes an hour
Ah, the foot masks that launched a thousand gross, but oddly satisfying movies. Calluses are not any match for Child Foot’s peel. “It incorporates pure fruit acids (like lactic and glycolic acids) that lightly exfoliate lifeless pores and skin, leaving ft smooth and easy,” Jenny Liu, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and assistant professor of dermatology on the College of Minnesota, tells SELF. “It’s well-liked for visibly peeling away tough layers over a number of days, which will be satisfying and efficient for very dry or calloused ft.”