Easy Tips That Will Give You Baby-Soft Feet

We take care of our faces and hands daily, but many of us forget to give our feet some love. They're easy to neglect, as we don't often look at them so they tend to stay at the bottom of our priorities. However, our feet are our bodies' foundation and they support us all day long. Many of us stand on our feet for hours, whether for work or enjoying a long hike. The constant motion and friction can lead to dry, cracked skin and rough heels.

Dry feet are common in many people, as the heels and soles produce less oil than other areas of the body, Medical News Today explains. Conditions such as athlete's foot and eczema can also contribute to extra dry feet. While cracked heels can be unsightly, it's important to treat them so you don't end up with painful calluses or an infection. The good news is it's easy to care for your feet and it can be fun! Treat yourself to an at-home foot spa day with these tips and you'll have super soft feet in no time.

The first step to achieving baby-soft feet is to get rid of the dead skin. The Healthy suggests using a double-sided pumice stone with a rough and smooth side. First, soak your feet in warm water for 5-10 minutes to soften the skin so as to make the exfoliation process easier. Working on a hard, dry area will be more painful and can damage the skin. Next, take the hard side of the pumice stone and move it along the rougher areas, like the heels and balls of your feet. You'll want to use the softer side for your arch and toes.

Alternatively, you can use a foot file. Unlike a pumice stone, which is a natural rock, foot files are usually made with metal or sandpaper, according to FabFitFun. As with the pumice stone, look for one with a rougher and softer side and use it on damp feet. Apply more pressure on the rougher areas and use gentle circular motions on sensitive areas, like calluses and the toes. Rinse off the dead skin and you'll step out of the shower feeling fresh as a daisy. Want to take it one step further? Try a foot mask that will leave your skin super soft.

Exfoliating foot scrubs are one of the best parts of getting a pedicure. Not only does it slough away dead skin, but the gentle massage is also just what you need for your tired feet. However, you don't have to go to a salon to treat yourself. You can make a foot scrub at home using ingredients you already have. Mix ½ cup sugar and sea salt each with ⅓ cup olive oil until it forms a paste (via Mind Body Green). If you want to add fragrance, you can use two to three drops of your preferred essential oil, such as soothing lavender or peppermint if you want a kick.

Another easy-to-make scrub is baking soda mixed with an emollient. Take one cup of baking soda and slowly add in your desired oil — olive or coconut works well — one tablespoon at a time until it forms a paste. Stir well to blend all the ingredients together. To use your scrub, soak your feet in warm water for five minutes or apply it after you've exfoliated with a handheld tool. Scoop the homemade scrub onto your feet and rub it in until your skin is silky smooth. Rinse off the mixture and be sure to keep your feet hydrated with moisturizer.

After you've exfoliated your feet, don't wait too long to moisturize them. To keep your tootsies hydrated, make sure you slather on lotion while they're still damp. It's also important to choose ingredients that will keep your feet soft. New York Magazine advises using foot creams that contain salicylic acid, lactic acid, and urea. Ammonium lactate is also a heavy hitter for moisturizers. According to Prevention, balms reign supreme over lotion for cracked heels, as they are richer. Look for ones that contain glycerin, which helps draw moisture from the air onto your skin.

Petroleum jelly is also a good moisturizer and many already have some in their medicine cabinet. However, it takes longer to absorb and you will want to slip on a pair of cotton socks to prevent it from spreading everywhere. For extra moisturizing power, apply it before bedtime and leave it on overnight and you'll wake up with the softest feet ever.

Applying a foot cream and then slipping on socks overnight can do wonders for dry, cracked feet. However, did you know that there are socks that have built-in moisturizers? While there are socks specially designed to be used in conjunction with foot creams, you can buy a pair that contain products that will hydrate your feet while you wear them, per How Stuff Works. The socks contain an emollient, such as avocado oils and jojoba, in a polymer gel that will do its magic without you having to do any work. To use these socks, exfoliate the dead skin off your feet and rinse. After drying off, slip on the socks for about 30-45 minutes, or even overnight if your skin is extra dry.

Silicone socks are another great option for keeping your feet hydrated. As Barefoot Scientist explains, silicone gel socks soften rough feet by locking in moisture and preventing the skin from drying out. As with moisturizing socks, silicone sleeves can simply be slipped on over your heels and you can go about your day. An added bonus is that it absorbs shock, which can help with chronic foot pain. With these easy-to-do tips, you'll have baby-soft feet in no time.