In preparation for spring and summer, the seasons of sandals, wedges and bare feet, it's high time to remember and pamper our feet. After stuffing them into chunky boots for months, there's nothing we need more than to remove any dead skin that may have accumulated on them. Dead skin can build up because of a lack of moisture if the feet are constantly in closed shoes or socks or from the friction of walking or running. It can also form if you don't regularly care for, exfoliate or scrub your feet. Dead or loose skin forming on the feet is their way of naturally exfoliating and shedding dead skin cells. The feet require daily care. So, if you want soft feet, try using a pumice stone or foot file on a daily basis. Remove any dead skin after a shower or bath, and then rinse and pat your feet dry and apply some moisturiser. Avoid using hot water for a foot bath and use warm or cool water instead. You can also use either homemade or commercial exfoliating scrubs. Here are some home-made recipes you can use to soften the skin on your feet. Baking soda: Add three tablespoons of baking soda to a bowl of lukewarm water. Mix well until the baking soda dissolves. Soak your feet in this for 15 minutes. Remove your feet and scrub gently with a pumice stone. Rinse with clean water and dry with a clean towel. Repeat the procedure twice a week. Milk: Warm four cups of whole milk and pour into a foot tub. Add a couple of drops of a favourite essential oil. Soak your feet for 10 minutes. Take a handful of baking soda and massage your feet and then repeat. Dip both feet in the milk again for another five minutes. Rinse and pat dry. Vaseline and lemon juice: Soak your feet in warm water for 20 minutes and then rinse and pat dry. Add three or four drops of freshly squeezed lemon juice to one teaspoon of Vaseline. Mix well. Apply this mixture to your heels and other cracked parts of your feet. Wear a pair of woolen socks and let them sit overnight. Then wash using warm water in the morning. Olive oil: Clean your feet thoroughly and dry using a soft towel. Apply a thick layer of olive oil to your heels and toes. Gently massage your feet, paying special attention to the hardest areas. Put on a pair of clean comfortable socks and leave overnight. Repeat on a regular basis for lasting results. Apple cider vinegar: When combined with Listerine, vinegar can soften callouses. Mix one cup of apple cider vinegar, one cup of Listerine and two cups of warm water in a foot bath. Soak your feet for 10 minutes and no more than 20 minutes and then pat dry. Exfoliate the skin with a pumice or foot file. You can also soak a cotton pad in vinegar to fight callouses. Apply this to the affected area in the evening, secure with an adhesive bandage, and then go to bed. Remove the pad when you wake up and exfoliate the skin. Repeat if necessary. Banana: Mash two ripe bananas into a smooth paste. Make sure the bananas are ripe, though, as unripe bananas contain acid that is harsh on the skin. Gently rub the paste over your feet, including the nail beds and sides of the toe. Keep the paste in place for 20 minutes and then rinse off with clean water. Repeat until you are satisfied with the results.
*A version of this article appears in print in the 12 March, 2020 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly
