Winter is wearing on, and millions of people have spent the past months with their feet alternately stuffed in heavy, sweaty boots by day or covered with wool socks & cozy slippers by night.
All that insulation has done the job of keeping the feet warm – but for many, it comes at a price. The feet now feature dry skin, dead skin, maybe calluses, lined and cracked skin around the ankles, hardened cuticles around the nails and more.
Yes, for sure, before the time comes to break out sandals or walk barefoot on the beach, the feet are going to need some tender loving care. They require some form of conditioning and energizing rejuvenation.
A foot peel is the answer. Ask anyone who has undergone a foot peel, and they’ll tell you –- it can truly deliver that “Ahhh” feeling of bliss!
Tips for Choosing a Good Foot Peel Treatment
The first thing to understand is just what a foot peel is. It’s a process of chemical exfoliation. This usually involves the application of various substances, such as a jelly-like preparation mixed with various exfoliating agents.
Common ingredients of foot peel formulas contain alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), beta hydroxy acid (BHA), lactic acid, glycolic acid and other possible active substances.
It is important to note that many people favor peel that is not chemical, per se, but rather made up of all-natural, botanical or mineral ingredients.
Examples of the latter are coconut extract, aloe vera extract, lavender extract, melaleuca plant extract and dozens more. in Some cases, active agents are derived from animal products, such as purified beef tallow. Another popular choice is hyaluronic acid – and this is often made from processing rooster combs!
Keep in mind that some foot peel brands boast a dozen or more natural ingredients all in the same formula.
Making Choices
The wide array of natural and chemical foot peel formulas is what makes choosing the best foot peel product difficult or confusing. On the other hand, the choices represent an embarrassment of riches. That’s because many of these multi-ingredient natural products on the market offer exciting feet peel results.
One of the best ways to make a decision on a foot peel brand is to get a recommendation from a trusted friend. Some consult with a dermatologist. Among the most knowledgeable on this subject are skin care professionals who work at salons or spas.
However, finding the right kind of foot peel is often just a process of trial and error. For some people, a “classic formula of AHA, BHA and lactic acid may be the best. For others, it may be an all-natural botanical formula that’s a mixture of 12 to 16 ingredients.
Some people make their own simple homemade foot peel formula by combining one part lemon juice, one part vinegar and two parts warm water.
What a Foot Peel Treats
There are four basic conditions treated by a foot peel. They are:
- Dry skin
- Rough Patches
- Calluses
- Areas of thickened skin, mostly on the heels
That’s why even dermatologists and podiatrists often recommend a foot peel as an excellent way to “tone up” the skin on the feet to make them not only feel fresher but render the skin surface healthier and more oxygenated.
What to Avoid
The purpose of a foot peel is to address the four problems outlined above. It’s extremely important to know, however, that a foot peel should be avoided if your feet are suffering from specific skin conditions that include:
- Eczema
- Psoriasis
- Contact dermatitis
Other key conditions that indicate avoidance of a foot peel include:
- Fungal infection
- Athlete’s Foot
- Persistent itchiness
- Sores or wounds
- Rashes
- Unusual redness
The best way to be sure about any of these conditions is to consult with a doctor.
How Often?
Experts recommend that a foot peel should be applied only every six to eight weeks.
Also, foot peels are best done only in the winter months when your feet are not exposed to weather, such as on a beach, going barefoot or wearing sandals on a summer day.
Finally, remember …
A foot peel is not instant gratification – but truly great gratification later!
Most foot peels take several days to take full effect. It takes that long to slough off the old skin and for new, healthy skin cells to replenish the surface of the feet.
When that happens, however, the feeling granted by a foot peel is absolutely marvelous! The energizing and refreshing feeling of a foot peel is something that must be experienced to appreciate.
