Callus-Away

Summer shoes require smooth feet... Photo: the talented Tommy Ton

Hi all, hope you're having a great weekend! I received a reader question on how to deal with stubborn calluses. She writes that she's been cutting back on her pro-pedicures in light of the "current state of the economy" (something that most of us can relate to!) and that her calluses are getting "out of control". "I'll be getting back to the spa asap, but in the meantime, I've been using a pediwand and I'm not getting the same results. I'd love to hear from you soon if possible, because summer-shoe season is short.."

No kidding -- in my part of the world, summer lasts for a few short months, so there's no time to waste! On that note, here's something that should work pretty quickly to smooth down those calluses. I shared this at-home fix some time ago, but I think it's worth a quick summer-repeat because a few people have recently asked me for reminders on how to get rid of calluses.

So easy -- all you do is put one part sea salt to one part baking soda (about half a cup each) in a foot tub filled with enough warm water to cover your feet. Swish around to mix and dissolve the soda and salt. Soak for at least 15 minutes.

Then, take one foot and gently exfoliate your calluses. You can use a pediwand or a real pumice stone (I'm not a fan of the synthetic pumice stones). Rinse off your foot and your exfoliator, and repeat if needed. Then do the other foot.

Dry your feet, give them a good massage with a moisturizer, and then cover them with cotton socks so the moisture can penetrate. For feet, I really like coconut oil, which is cooling, moisturizing and antibacterial. And if you have especially callused, dry feet, you might want to try neem oil if you don't mind the rather intense, earthy scent. Neem is very healing, soothing, and has strong antifungal properties.

Hope that helps -- happy summer-shoe-wearing, everyone!

Comments

[V]

What moisturiser; facial and body can be used for the skin on a daily basis? Are there any brands that you have come across that minimise synthetic ingredients or harmful ingredients?
I'm finding it difficult to understand which one. Until now I used Kiehls.. what do you think of Kiehls, what has come up in your research, as it is a very popular brand.

Also would you recommend using the facial moisturiser on the neck and chest? And what do you think of eye creams? I know you give specific suggestions in your consults but can you point me at least in a direction so I can begin replacing my current regimen..

[BeautyCosmopolite]

Hi V - there are so many factors I consider before recommending products to people, from age to skin issues to budget. I think you mentioned that you are a student and affordability is important. That is why I mentioned Aubrey Organics -- because they generally produce clean products with good ingredients at a very affordable price point -- and they seem to be available in many areas. I personally prefer oils and serums to nourish the skin as opposed to "moisturizers" -- Aubrey offers various ones for different skin types. Another line you could look at that is also fairly reasonably priced (though more expensive than Aubrey) is Suki Skin Care -- I believe this line is also readily available in many areas. You can use oils/serums on neck and chest -- always make sure your skin is damp before applying and a little goes a long way! For that matter, depending on your skin issues, etc., you could use something as simple as a bit of organic, cold-pressed coconut oil -- it's a fantastic body moisturizer, and for some people, it works well on the face. (Coconut oil is also an excellent make-up remover).
An interesting thing about eye-creams -- there is a theory that anything around the eye area -- no matter how light -- can "drag" the skin down because the skin is so thin and very delicate around the eyes. There are many that would refute this idea, obviously, but it raises the question as to how much we should really be "doing" and "applying" to our skin. As you are very young, I wouldn't be worried about eye creams right now. If I could offer one piece of advice... the steps you take now in terms of diet and an overall healthy lifestyle will truly make the biggest difference in the health and beauty of your skin in future years, more so than any product could, no matter how good it is.
Re: Kiehls, yes, I know they are popular -- I'm not personally a fan.
Hope that helps!