Foot Peeling: What are we talking about?

The feet are among the areas of the body where the skin is thickest. Indeed, the skin cells in this area have a rapid division cycle, in response to the numerous pressures and frictions endured by the feet. This characteristic allows the skin on the feet to be more protected. However, long hikes or wearing ill-fitting shoes can cause excessive thickening, which is both painful and unsightly. The use of a foot peel can then prove to be relevant for improving the texture of the skin and softening rough areas.

Furthermore, with each application, foot peeling can help to reduce corns, calluses, and hard skin that result from the pressures and friction of walking. By gradually eliminating the dead cells accumulated on the feet, the exfoliating agents used in foot peels decrease the size and hardness of calluses. Moreover, by reducing the thickness of the stratum corneum, foot peels help to prevent cracks and fissures that appear when the skin becomes very dry and rough. Finally, by improving the aesthetics of the feet, peels contribute to increasing self-confidence, especially during the months when the feet are most exposed, such as in the summer.

It is indeed interesting to note that a study has demonstrated the benefits of using a solution composed of 1% cantharidin, 30% salicylic acid, and 5% podophyllin, in conjunction with mechanical excision, on 72 patients suffering from corns. By activating the serine protease enzyme, the solution was able to break the connections between the desmosomes, thus promoting skin exfoliation and the removal of corns. After just one session, 57 patients observed the complete disappearance of their corn. A second application was necessary for nine patients, a third for five, and only one patient had to undergo the treatment four times. No side effects or complications were observed during the study.

If foot peeling can be effective for mild to moderate hyperkeratosis, it is not sufficient to treat deeper calluses, corns, and bunions. These require to be removed by a podiatrist.

Foot peels often come in the form of disposable socks, soaked in an exfoliating solution. Before putting them on, make sure your feet are clean and dry. Once this check is done, you can immerse your feet in the socks, which may or may not need to be cut depending on the model and brand. After putting them on, it is necessary to wait about an hour for the peel to penetrate the skin. Then thoroughly rinse your feet. Indeed, poor rinsing significantly increases the risk of irritation.

The results of foot peels are not immediate and are typically felt after four to five days. After this period, the skin gently begins to crack and peel in a rather impressive manner. This "shedding" then continues for three to five days, sometimes requiring adjustments to daily routines. Indeed, it can be quite challenging to expose one's feet in open shoes during this period, due to the visible flaking caused by the peel. Once all the dead cells have fallen off, the roughness of the feet is significantly reduced and the feet appear smooth and soft.

Often accused of weakening the skin barrier, the foot peeling is not dangerous, provided that you choose your product wisely and follow the usage instructions. Indeed, foot peeling masks are formulated with high concentrations of exfoliating agents and should therefore be used exclusively on this area where the skin is thicker. To avoid irritation, it is important not to leave the treatment on longer than indicated on the instructions and not to use it on weakened feet or feet with a wound or blister.

Moreover, while exfoliating one's feet can be beneficial, it is not recommended to do it too often. Once or twice a month is more than enough. Indeed, unlike facial peeling masks that can generally be applied weekly, foot peels are highly concentrated and result in significant exfoliation. If the horny layer in this area is naturally thick, it's because it is heavily used and has a defensive role. To not jeopardize this protective function, it is important not to try to thin it out excessively.