14 Ways to Remove Dead Skin from Feet (with Product Recommendations)

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Board-certified dermatologist Mohiba Tareen, MD, FAAD, explains how to get rid of dead, dry skin

Co-authored by Mohiba Tareen, MD and Raven Minyard, BA

Last Updated: December 10, 2025 Fact Checked

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• Removing Dead Skin
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• Product Recommendations
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• Causes of Dead Skin
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• Prevention
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• Expert Q&A
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Sometimes, it seems like nothing will get rid of the dead, dry skin on your feet, but luckily, that’s not true. Removing dead skin from your feet is super simple, and there are plenty of home remedies to try. We spoke to board-certified dermatologists and podiatrists to teach you the best ways to remove dead skin from your feet, as well as what causes dead skin and how to prevent it in the first place. We’ll also provide recommendations for the best dead skin removal products.

How to Remove Dead Skin from Feet at Home

Board-certified dermatologist Mohiba Tareen, MD, FAAD, recommends soaking your feet in an Epsom salt bath to soften the skin before exfoliating. Use a pumice stone or foot brush to scrub your feet and remove any dead skin cells, then dry your feet and apply a moisturizer to keep the skin soft and smooth.

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Section 1 of 4:

Ways to Remove Dead Skin from Feet

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1. 
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   Scrub your feet with a pumice stone. Board-certified podiatrist Catherine Cheung, DPM, recommends using a pumice stone to get rid of dead skin. Either dip your pumice stone in warm water or soak your feet in warm water for 10-20 minutes to soften them. Gently move the pumice stone in a circular or sideways motion to scrub the dead skin off your feet. Apply lotion or oil afterward to help soften your feet.

   • Don’t scrub too harshly or use a pumice stone on injured or sore areas. This can cause further inflammation, sensitivity, and/or skin pigmentation changes.
   • Scrub a little off at a time and repeat over the course of a few days. This is most effective for broad, shallow calluses, like the ones that form on the heel of your feet.
   • Podiatrist Mark Co, DPM, recommends moisturizing with a thick lotion like Aquaphor or Eucerin: “You’d want to get a lotion that’s pretty thick in formulation so that it matches the thickness of the skin, because the skin on your feet is actually much thicker than other parts of your body.”

   Meet the wikiHow Experts

   Mohiba Tareen, MD, is a FAAD board-certified dermatologist and the founder of Tareen Dermatology, located in Roseville, Maplewood, and Faribault, Minnesota.

   Mark Co, DPM, is a podiatrist who runs his own private practice in San Francisco, California. He was awarded San Francisco’s “Top 3 Podiatrists” in 2018, 2019, and 2020.

   Catherine Cheung, DPM, is a double board-certified podiatrist based in San Francisco, California. She specializes in all aspects of foot and ankle care, with over 20 years of experience.

   R. Sonia Batra, MD, MSc, MPH, is a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of Batra Dermatology, based in Los Angeles, California. She has over 15 years of experience.

   Miguel Cunha, DPM, is a board-certified podiatrist and the founder of Gotham Footcare in Manhattan, New York. He has experience treating a wide array of foot and ankle conditions, from minor problems to complex reconstructive surgery.
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   Do a paraffin wax treatment. Coat each foot in paraffin wax. Paraffin wax is often used in beauty products to moisturize skin. Melt the wax in a microwave-safe bowl until it reaches about 125°F (51°C), not hot enough to burn or irritate your skin. Carefully pour the melted wax onto a plate or pan large enough to fit your foot. Dip your feet into the wax several times, then wrap your feet in plastic. Once the wax hardens, remove it to take the dead skin away.

   • Alternatively, let the wax stiffen, then place a sock on each foot. Leave the wax on overnight, then peel it off in the morning.
   • The exact amount of wax you need depends on the size of your feet. Start with about ½ cup (118.3 mL) and add more as needed.
   • When you peel the wax off, throw it in the trash. Try to keep it from falling onto your carpet.
   • Warning: Do not use paraffin wax if you have poor blood circulation, you have a rash or open sore on your feet, or if you’ve lost feeling in your feet (like from diabetic neuropathy).
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   Try a foot scrub. Look for a granular foot scrub at your local pharmacy or big box store, or make your own by diluting 2 tbsp (29.6 mL) of sea salt into equal amounts of baby oil and lemon juice. Apply the scrub directly to your foot, and gently rub it with your palm. Rinse the scrub off with warm water when you’re done.

   • If you choose to make your own scrub, be sure to dilute the lemon juice, as it’s acidic and can irritate the skin. If you have sensitive skin, avoid using lemon juice altogether.
   • Another option is to mix 1 tbsp (14.8 mL) of lemon juice (or about half of a fresh lemon) with 2 tbsp (29.6 mL) of olive oil and 2 tbsp (29.6 mL) of brown sugar. Massage the paste onto your feet for 2-3 minutes, then let it sit for 15 minutes before rinsing.
   • Check your specific scrub’s instructions to know how often to repeat the process. If you make your own scrub, apply it no more than once a week to avoid irritating your skin.
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   Make an oatmeal scrub. Mix equal parts oatmeal and rosewater (or milk) until it forms a paste. Feel free to add a bit of honey for extra moisture. Apply the scrub directly to your feet and let it sit for 20-30 minutes. Use a foot brush to exfoliate your feet, then rinse with cold water and let your feet dry. Apply a foot cream to moisturize afterwards.

   • Perform this scrub treatment every other day for the best results.
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   Create an Epsom salt soak. Dr. Tareen explains that Epsom salt baths are great for moisturizing feet: “As a dermatologist, I recommend 20-30 minutes for a proper foot soak. Simply add ½-¾ of a cup of Epson salt to water in a basin or foot spa with enough warm water to cover both feet… Be sure to dry your feet off afterwards with a towel and apply a moisturizing cream to lock in hydration.”

   • This treatment works best when repeated every 2-3 days to prevent the feet from drying out again. It may take a few days of soaks to notice a big difference in the skin on your feet.
   • If you prefer, create an Epsom salt scrub instead. Mix a handful of Epsom salt with one tbsp (14.8 mL) of olive oil in your hand or on a sponge. Rub it gently over wet skin to exfoliate, then rinse with water.
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   Soak your feet in vinegar. The acidic nature of both white vinegar and apple cider vinegar makes them effective for removing dead skin. In a foot bath, mix 1 part vinegar to 10 parts cool water (hot water may dry out the skin more). Soak your feet for 5-10 minutes, then gently rub them with a pumice stone. Apply a moisturizer and put on socks when you’re done to seal in the moisture.

   • Only do this treatment a few times a week, as it could dry out your skin.
   • Another way to use this solution is to soak your feet in the vinegar and water mixture for about 5 minutes and then soak in pure apple cider vinegar for 15 minutes. This makes for a stronger soak than diluted vinegar.
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   Try a foot peel. Purchase foot peels online or from a local store, and follow the instructions on the package to apply them correctly. In general, you’ll apply the plastic booties to your feet for up to one hour. You’ll then need to wet your feet daily so peeling occurs over the next 3-7 days.

   • Foot peels are a type of chemical exfoliant. Board-certified dermatologist R. Sonia Batra, MD, MSc, MPH, recommends chemical exfoliants for dry, cracked heels. She says, “The ingredients to look for are alpha hydroxy acid. Some common ones are lactic acid or glycolic acid… These chemical exfoliants help slough that dry, outer layer of skin so that your regular products can penetrate better.”
   • Dr. Batra adds that you should use chemical exfoliants no more than twice a week “because being super aggressive with exfoliants, whether they’re physical or chemical, can really irritate your skin.”
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   Soak your feet in baking soda. Baking soda can irritate some people’s skin, so use this method with caution. Mix 2-3 tbsp of baking soda in a full footbath of warm water. Soak your feet for 10-20 minutes, then use a pumice stone or foot brush to remove the dead skin gently. Apply plenty of moisturizer when you’re done.

   • Warning: Baking soda can cause irritation, redness, and may dry out the skin, as it can disrupt the skin’s natural pH balance. Don’t use baking soda if you have any skin sensitivities or allergies, and check with your doctor or podiatrist before trying a new treatment.
   • If you experience any redness or signs of irritation while soaking your feet, remove them from the solution immediately
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   Prepare a lemon water soak. The acidity of lemon juice may help remove dead skin from your feet. Prepare a footbath of warm water and squeeze in the juice from one lemon. Soak your feet for up to 15 minutes, then use a foot brush to scrub away the dead skin. Wash and dry your feet, then apply a moisturizer to keep them from drying out.

   • Warning: Lemon juice may interfere with your skin’s pH, which sometimes leads to more dryness and dead skin. Talk to your doctor or podiatrist before trying this treatment.
   • Do not use lemon juice if you have any cuts or open sores on your feet, have sensitive skin, or experience redness or other skin color changes. If you notice signs of irritation, remove your feet from the soak immediately.
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    Mash a banana and rub it on your feet. Use bananas that are as ripe as possible (almost to the point of being too ripe to eat). Place one or two bananas in a bowl, and use a fork or masher to mash them into a smooth paste. Apply the paste to your feet, and leave it for about 10 minutes. Then, rinse your feet clean.

    • Make sure you keep your feet off the ground and furniture. Try propping them up on a footrest for the duration. It might also be smart to have a small tub of water handy so you can easily wash them off when you are done.
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    Apply a crushed aspirin mixture to your feet. Crush 5-6 non-coated aspirin with a mortar and pestle, if you have one, or in a small zip-style bag with the back of a spoon. Pour the aspirin powder into a bowl and add ½ tsp (2.5 mL) of water and ½ tsp (2.5 mL) of lemon juice. Combine everything, apply the mixture to your feet, and let it soak for about 10 minutes. Rinse clean.

    • Once your feet are rinsed clean, gently buff each foot with a pumice stone for dead skin removal.
    • The mixture may run off your feet, so consider wrapping a warm towel around each foot to help keep it in place.
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    Rub your feet with petroleum jelly and lime juice. In a small bowl, mix 1 tbsp (14.8 mL) of petroleum jelly with 2-3 drops of lime juice. Gently massage this mixture onto your feet before bed, and wear socks to keep it from rubbing off on the sheets. If your skin is sensitive, skip the lime juice and just apply the petroleum jelly.

    • For repeated treatments, you can designate one or two pairs of socks that are specifically for this purpose.
    • You can also substitute the lime juice for lemon juice, since both have acidic properties that help remove dead skin.
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    Soothe your feet with oatmeal and almonds. Take ¼ cup (59.1 mL) of oatmeal and blend until it is powdery and smooth. Then do the same with ¼ cup (59.1 mL) of almonds. Pour both powders into a bowl and add 2 tbsp (29.6 mL) of honey and 3 tbsp (44.4 mL) of food-grade cocoa butter. Stir thoroughly into a gooey mixture. Apply this mixture to your feet and wear socks to bed. Rinse off in the morning.

    • This process can be done on a weekly basis, or a couple of times a week, to slowly remove dead skin and make your feet softer.
    • If you don’t have a blender, crush the oatmeal and almonds in a plastic bag with a mallet. Do whatever works to get them as close to powder as possible.
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    Have a podiatrist scrape your feet. If no home remedy works, consider seeing a podiatrist or another trained medical professional. They can safely remove calluses or dead skin with a razor or scraper. Do not use razors or scrapers on your feet at home, however, as you may cut yourself, which could damage your foot or cause a bacterial infection.

    • Having your feet scraped will usually only be necessary if you have calluses. Dr. Co says, “At some point, [the skin] gets so thick that it actually can start hurting the underlying skin and even start causing sores. So if it’s getting very thick, you want to shave that down to prevent it from hurting the underlying skin.”
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Section 2 of 4:

Best Dead Skin Removers for Feet

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1. 
   Try popular products to exfoliate and soften your feet. Some brands, like Dr. Scholl’s and Dr. Teal’s, are well-known for treating all kinds of foot problems. Whether you’re looking for a good foot file or pumice stone or a nice cream to soften your skin, try some of these popular products:

   • Dr. Scholl’s Hard Skin Remover Nano Glass Foot File: Exfoliates and smooths hard, rough, and callused skin
   • Freeman Flirty Feet Instant Foot Peeling Spray: Gently exfoliates to remove dead skin cells and cracked heels, and may improve the appearance of bunions
   • Onyx Play Footsie Double-Sided Pumice Stone: Includes a coarse side for exfoliating and a fine side for smoothing and buffing skin
   • Dr. Teal’s Softening Foot Scrub: Includes Epsom salts to exfoliate the feet and aloe and coconut oil to soften the skin
   • Gold Bond Ultimate Softening Foot Cream: Made with 3 vitamins and shea butter to condition and soften feet
   • Dr. Scholl’s Rough, Dry Foot Renewal Ultra Overnight Treatment Kit: Contains an exfoliating foot mask and disposable moisturizing socks to moisturize and soften your feet as you sleep

Section 3 of 4:

Causes of Dead Skin on Feet

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1. 
   A lack of moisture often causes dry and dead skin. In most cases, if you notice dry or dead skin on your feet, it’s probably because you aren’t moisturizing enough. Here are some other common reasons you may experience dry or dead skin:

   • Irritation
   • Heat and humidity
   • Harsh soaps
   • Aging
   • Certain medications, like diuretics
   • Athlete’s foot (a fungal infection that causes a scaly rash between the toes and underneath the foot)
   • Eczema (a group of conditions that cause skin inflammation)
   • Psoriasis (a chronic autoimmune condition that causes thick, scaly patches of skin)
   • Hypothyroidism (a condition in which the thyroid gland cannot regulate sweat glands, causing the skin to become dry)
   • Diabetes (Uncontrolled diabetes can damage the peripheral nerves, which regulate oil and moisture in the feet)
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Section 4 of 4:

Preventing Dead Skin on Feet

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1. 
   Practice proper foot hygiene. Board-certified podiatrist Miguel Cunha, DPM, recommends washing your feet daily and drying them thoroughly, especially between the toes, to prevent fungal infections and other issues. Scrub them with soap and water in the shower to remove dead skin. Then, apply a moisturizer to keep the skin hydrated. Here are some other things to keep in mind:

   • Avoid lotions, soaps, and body washes that contain alcohol, added fragrances or colors, and other potential irritants.
   • Use warm (not hot) water for showers, baths, and foot soaks.
   • Gently pat your feet dry instead of vigorously rubbing them after a shower.
   • Wear shoes that fit correctly.
   • If you notice some scale on your feet, Dr. Cunha recommends using a topical antifungal cream twice a day to clear it up.

Expert Q&A

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• Question

  What causes dead skin to build up on my feet?

  

  Mark Co, DPM
  Podiatrist

  Dr. Mark Co is a Podiatrist who runs his own private practice in San Francisco, California. Dr. Co specializes in treatments for bunions, ingrown toenails, toenail fungus, warts, plantar fasciitis and other causes of foot pain. He also offers custom orthotics for the treatment and prevention of foot and ankle issues. Dr. Co completed a Master of Business Administration (MBA) at New York University and an MA in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at Johns Hopkins University. Dr. Co also completed his DPM at the California School of Podiatric Medicine and a residency and internship at the Kaiser Permanente Medical Center, Santa Clara, California. Dr. Co was awarded San Francisco's "Top 3 Podiatrists" in 2018, 2019, and 2020. Dr. Co is also a member of the CPMA (American Podiatric Medical Association).

  

  Mark Co, DPM

  Podiatrist

  Expert Answer

  There are a variety of dermatological conditions that could cause dry, flaky skin, such as athlete's foot. However, the most common cause of thickened skin on your feet is a callus. The reason calluses develop is to help protect your feet from pressure points or friction. However, at some point the callus can get so thick than it can hurt the underlying skin, and can even start causing sores, so it's a good idea to shave those calluses down before they get too thick.

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• These treatments may not remove all of the dead skin on the first time. If you have a lot of dead skin, it may take 2-3 (or more) treatments to remove it all. Removing skin a little at a time is better, anyway, as it helps avoid your feet becoming overly sensitive by exposing fresh, new skin.
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• If you have dry, flaky skin on your feet, it could be a symptom of a dermatological condition like athlete's foot. Visit a dermatologist or a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis.
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