How To Make Your Feet Soft

Cracked heels and feet are extremely painful and uncomfortable, not to mention, they can be quite embarrassing, too. So, if you are looking for answers to ‘how to make your feet soft,’ carry on reading!

Our feet play an important role in keeping us functional and walking around. Lack of moisture will cause the skin of your feet to harden and crack over time. It is aggravated by wrong footwear and prolonged lack of care.

Now is the time to stop hiding those feet within socks and closed shoes. Keep your feet moisturized to prevent dryness and crack lines. Additionally, there are other tips you can follow to keep your feet soft and smooth. Check out all the effective at-home pedicure and foot care tips and remedies in this article. Keep scrolling!

Keep In Mind

• After Shower Exfoliation: After Shower Exfoliation Gently rub the towel on your feet to quickly get rid of dead skin cells.
• Caution: After Shower Exfoliation Don’t sleep with socks on every time you apply a lotion or foot cream. Give your skin time to breathe to look healthy.
• Use A Foot File: After Shower Exfoliation Use a foot file on dry skin as it’s easier to buff dead skin when it’s dry rather than wet.

How To Make Your Feet Soft?

Below are some simple everyday care tips for your feet that you can always adopt to cure cracked feet and get smooth and flawless feet. Here are some such remedies –

1. Use Baking Soda
2. The Magic Of Banana
3. Daily Cleaning Regime
4. Wonder Of Olive Oil
5. Use Vinegar
6. Try Peppermint Oil
7. DIY Scrub
8. Treat It With Honey
9. Best Natural Moisturizer – Milk
10. Soak Feet In Lukewarm Water
11. Treat Calluses
12. Clean The Dirt Using Cleaning Needle
13. Remove Hangnails
14. Trim Toenails Regularly
15. Buff Toenails
16. Keep Feet Dry
17. Apply Base Coat
18. Cleanse Feet With Antibacterial Solution
19. Wash Footwear
20. Apply A Foot Mask
21. Try A Foot Peel
22. Paraffin Wax Bath

1. Use Baking Soda

Here, we need the most common ingredient from the kitchen!

1. Add two tablespoons of baking soda in warm water
2. Soak your feet in the liquid for about half an hour.
3. For maximum benefit, you can add bath salts to it. Bath salt is easily available in the market and helps to soften the skin and ease the muscles.
4. Repeat it regularly!

How It Works

Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, releases bicarbonate ions when dissolved in water. These ions can improve blood flow and promote muscle relaxation. This soaking process also helps boost circulation (1 ).

StyleCraze Says

Pick bath salts that contain phosphates as these help soften callousesⁱ  A thick layer of dead skin usually occuring on the palms of the hand or on areas of the feet constantly exposed to friction. and exfoliate dry skin very effectively.

2. The Magic Of Banana

Banana is a tropical fruit that boasts of a number of health benefits. It even helps to cure super-cracked feet without any hassle.

1. Whip a ripe banana in a mixer
2. Apply the paste evenly on your feet.
3. Let it dry for 10 minutes and then wash it off with warm water.
4. Try this remedy once a week and achieve the desired result.

How It Works

As the study shows, bananas contain bioactive compounds like phenolics, carotenoids, and phytosterols, which are known for their antioxidant properties (2). These compounds help protect the body from oxidative stress and improve the overall well-being of the skin. These compounds will help nourish and moisturize dry, cracked feet, promoting smoother and healthier skin.

3. Daily Cleaning Regime

Following a strict regimen for cleaning the feet regularly is very important. It will prevent accumulation of dead skin as well as protect your skin from drying and peeling off. All you need to do is follow a simple procedure every night before sleeping.

1. Just add a bit of salt in warm water
2. Soak your feet in it for 10 minutes.
3. Once you’re done, pat them dry, and follow it up with a good moisturizer.
4. Wearing socks while sleeping will help to lock in the moisture.

StyleCraze Says

It is important to take care and remove any traces of water from between the toes as ignoring them can lead to fungal infections.

4. Wonder Of Olive Oil

Olive oil is a great moisturizer, especially for dry skin.

1. The easiest way is to dip a cotton ball into olive oil and apply it to the affected areas.
2. Gently massage in circular motion and once you’re done with the massage,
3. wear a pair of socks and let your skin absorb the oil. Rinse off your feet after an hour.
4. For maximum benefit, leave oil on the skin overnight and rinse off the next morning.

How It Works

Olive oil is an excellent moisturizer, especially for dry skin. Studies have shown that phenolic compounds in extra virgin olive oil, such as hydroxytyrosol, tyrosol, and oleocanthal, can promote tissue regeneration and improve skin cell migration. This makes it even more beneficial for treating dry, cracked feet (3).

5. Use Vinegar

1. Prepare a warm soak at home by adding apple cider vinegar to it and treat the ugly and dry cracks on your heels!
2. You can also add two drops of dish wash in the liquid for better results.

How It Works

Vinegar is known for its antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, making it effective in treating dry skin and cracks, particularly those often found on heels. Research has shown that vinegar is effective in wound care, bacterial and fungal infections, and even skin conditions like pruritus (4). So, why not turn it into a soothing soak?

6. Try Peppermint Oil

Apply some peppermint oil on your cracked heels every day before going to bed.

The antiseptic properties present in the oil will not only kill germs and bacteria but will also prevent you from getting infections. It will also reduce the soreness (5).

It is one of the easiest home remedies to heal cracked feet.

7. DIY Scrub

Treat your dry and cracked heels with this simple DIY foot scrub.

1. You can make this scrub by mixing oatmeal with lemon juice.
2. Make a paste and apply on the affected heels for about 30 minutes
3. Then rinse it off with cold water.
4. You can also use jojoba oil or Vaseline instead of lemon juice.

Tip:

For an extra boost of hydration, look for a scrub that contains aloe vera or tea tree oil.

How It Works

A study has shown that citrus-based mixtures, including lemon juice, reduce reactive oxygen species production in skin cells and increase collagen content, leading to healthier, more youthful skin. This is perfect for treating those tough cracks on your heels (6). Plus, the added oatmeal works as a natural exfoliant, leaving your feet soft and smooth (7).

8. Treat It With Honey

Honey has many healing properties and is an excellent product for skin.

1. Add a cup of raw honey to a bucketful of warm water.
2. Soak your feet in that bucket.
3. Repeat it every day for around 10 to 15 minutes and say bye-bye to the dryness.

How It Works

Honey has soothing and hydrating effects that provide relief from dryness, making it a go-to solution for pampering your feet. It helps fight off bacteria and infections and also softens the skin, leaving it nourished and smooth (8).

9. Best Natural Moisturizer – Milk

1. Prepare a warm foot soak by adding a cup of hot milk into it.
2. Soak your feet in it for some time.
3. Do this every day and you will soon love your soft feet!

Soothing homemade foot soak recipes can leave your feet feeling refreshed and rejuvenate tired, rough feet.

How It Works

Lactic acid, found in milk, plays a key role in breaking down dead skin cells, making it easier to remove them. You can also make a scrub using it, as it provides gentle and effective exfoliation for your feet. It sloughs away rough patches and leaves the skin feeling refreshed and smooth. This combination rejuvenates your feet and also helps maintain their softness and overall health (9).

10. Soak Feet In Lukewarm Water

1. Once or twice a week, soak your feet in lukewarm water diluted with two tablespoons of sea salt or Epsom salt for about 20 minutes. To enhance the softening effects of the water, you can add some glycerin to the mix.
2. Then scrape off the dead cells with a mild foot scrub or pumice stone.

Anam, a blogger, shares a personal experience of using foot soak as the best way to pamper tired feet and soften the texture. She took inspiration from her friend and started washing her feet with lukewarm water every night, and the resultant baby-soft texture gave all the feels! She adds, “I have been washing my feet with warm water every night & lotioning them up before bed. To my surprise, they have gotten super soft, super fast (i)!”

11. Treat Calluses

If you have the problem of calluses or cracked heels, then Using home remedies for cracked heels can be a game-changer. Apply a heavyweight moisturizing cream or lotion after bath each day or at night before going to bed. Use a heavy layer of creams like Nivea or crack cream.

12. Clean The Dirt Using Cleaning Needle

1. Take a dirt cleaning needle for feet or you can also use the opposite end of a blackhead remover to clean all the dirt from the sides of toenails, especially the thumbs.
2. Be very careful not to prick inside your nails.
3. You can also use the pointed end of a stainless steel nail bufferⁱ  A 3-sided cosmetic tool made of fine sand paper that is used to polish fingernails and toenails to give them a shiny finish. .
4. Avoid rusted dirt cleaning needles and always use clean and stainless steel ones. This protects you from any fungal infections.

Word of Caution:

Please do not use a sewing needle or safety pin for this.

13. Remove Hangnails

1. Scrape and remove hangnails or dead hanging skin from the sides with the help of a cuticle remover.
2. Just swipe carefully over the hanging skin in the opposite direction.
3. You are not necessarily pushing the cuticles here. I personally do not prefer pushing cuticles back( that’s my choice), but I do scrape the hanging skins.

14. Trim Toenails Regularly

Trim toenails at least once every two weeks. Wearing long toenails isn’t very hygienic, stylish or even safe. If they get too long, dirt will accumulate in them. Besides, there is also a possibility of them breaking and coming off with live skin.

15. Buff Toenails

Buff toenails as and when you can. This is as important as buffing your fingernails. Don’t forget to buff and shine your toes nails as they need the same care like your fingernails.

16. Keep Feet Dry

If your feet sweat and give out a bad odor or you have to wear shoes to work which do not allow air to flow, dab on some talcum powder inside the shoes (if wearing shoes on bare feet) or puff on your feet’s underside (if wearing a sock). This will absorb the sweat and get rid of the stench as well. You can also rub two drops of pure sandalwood, lavender or chamomile oil on your feet before putting on your shoes

17. Apply Base Coat

If you do not have the habit of wearing polish on your toenails, try keeping a base coat on with a transparent top coat. This will give a healthy natural look to your toenails.

18. Cleanse Feet Using Antibacterial Solution

If you are someone who wears shoes or sandals for long hours, then you must occasionally soak your feet with antibacterial liquid made by dropping four drops of antiseptic liquid into water. Follow this with cleansing your feet with an antibacterial soap. This will help you remove dead skin on feet and provide you with clear, soft skin under your feet.

19. Wash Footwear

Likewise, you can also wash your shoes with an antiseptic liquid. Later, dry them under the sun.

20. Apply A Foot Mask

A foot mask can help to deeply nourish and hydrate your feet. You can make a DIY foot mask using ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, and honey. Apply the mask and leave it on for 15-20 minutes before rinsing off.

21. Try A Foot Peel

A foot peel is a mix of exfoliating ingredients such as alpha hydroxy acid, glycolic acid, and lactic acid. It helps combat calluses, dry skin, and rough patches. It promotes the growth of healthy skin cells. Within 5-7 days of applying the mixture, the old, dead skin starts peeling to reveal soft, new skin. It is not advisable to use a chemical foot peel for skin problems such as eczema, psoriasis, or allergy.

22. Paraffin Wax Bath

Paraffin has a high heat-retaining capacity. It melts in a heated bath, and when the foot is dipped into it, the heat is effectively transferred to the immersed feet. This heat helps relieve leg pain, opens skin pores, and increases circulation. It makes the feet soft and radiant.

Note: While these remedies can work wonders, some may cause irritation, dryness, or allergic reactions, especially for those with sensitive skin. Over-exfoliating or using strong ingredients like vinegar without proper care can worsen foot conditions. This is why performing a patch test is important. It helps ensure the ingredients suit your skin and minimizes the risk of adverse effects. Always prioritize safety while pampering your feet.

Apart from these tips, there are some other preventive measures as well that you can follow.

• Wear breathable shoes and socks made with lightweight fabrics. Buy shoes with mesh and foam linings that enhance comfort while allowing for proper ventilation. These shoes prevent the accumulation of sweat, reducing the risk of infections and resultant dryness.
• Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your body hydrated and active, preventing the skin on your feet from drying up and wrinkling.
• Schedule two pedicure appointments every month or do it at home every week with natural products to keep your feet clean, soft, and glossy.

Key Takeaways

• Take a foot bath and exfoliate regularly with a pumice stone to remove hardened dead skin cells.
• Soak your feet in water for 15-20 mins for better exfoliation.
• Moisturizing daily to get softer and more supple feet.
• Protect your feet from dirt and infection with proper and comfortable footwear.

Infographic: 5 Best Natural Care Tips For Flawless Feet

Taking care of your feet and toenails is just as important as your hand and fingernails. Having flawless and clean feet helps to prevent potential infections from dirt and dirty water. We have created a list of the top five best natural care tips for smooth feet which you can follow easily at home.

Check out the infographic below to know how you can make your feet look soft without any dryness or crack.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I soften my feet fast?

Soaking your feet in warm water for 10 minutes and then exfoliating with pumice can help you get soft feet quickly. Moreover, a foot spa at home can be a great way to pamper yourself and achieve smooth feet.

Does Listerine soften feet?

Yes. You can use Listerine and vinegar in warm water to soak your feet and make them softer.

How can I make my feet softer overnight?

You can massage and moisturize your feet with various nourishing agents like shea butter, glycerin, and vitamin E and cover them in socks overnight to get softer feet.

Hope you enjoyed reading this article. Share your comments in the box below!

Illustration: How To Make Your Feet Soft Quickly - Top 19 Home Remedies

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

Unlock the secrets to silky smooth feet at your home! Watch this video for 10 natural home remedies to get rid of dry, cracked skin to get beautiful feet in no time!

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Reviewer Author Editor Fact Checker

Dr. Zeel GandhiBAMS

   

Dr. Zeel Gandhi is an Ayurvedic doctor with 7 years of experience and an expert at providing holistic solutions for health problems encompassing Internal medicine, Panchakarma, Yoga, Ayurvedic Nutrition, and formulations.

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Ramya KaramsettiContributor

 

Ramya Karamsetti is a contributor to StyleCraze. She loves writing articles on beauty, health, and wellness and advocates using natural remedies to solve everyday skin and hair issues. When she is not writing, she loves traveling and going on adventure trips.

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Subhrojyoti MukherjeeAssociate Editor

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Joyce JoysonBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

Joyce Joyson is a beauty and lifestyle writer with over a year of experience creating engaging content for the beauty, lifestyle, and tattoo niches. She holds a triple majors bachelor’s degree in History, Political Science, and Geography from IIS University and a Master’s in Mass Communication and Journalism from Kristu Jayanti College.

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