Pounding the pavement, hitting the path, climbing the steps—our toes actually take a beating. Fortunately, Mom Nature did us a stable and designed our steppers to be resilient. “The pores and skin on the toes is the thickest on the physique, which is critical to guard the toes from on a regular basis trauma from strolling,” Joshua Zeichner, MD, director of beauty and scientific analysis in dermatology at Mount Sinai Medical Middle in New York Metropolis, tells SELF. “In response to persistent friction and rubbing, the pores and skin might grow to be extraordinarily tough, generally known as a callus.”
On a regular basis put on and tear and adjustments within the climate (chilly or scorching) might imply your toes want somewhat further TLC—that’s once you may attain for a pumice stone or a pleasant, thick cream. In different circumstances, it’s possible you’ll want to usher in stronger reinforcements. Enter: the foot masks.
“Foot masks are designed to hydrate and soften the pores and skin, and, in some circumstances, supply exfoliation,” Dr. Zeichner says. Which masks you select will rely in your wants: Calluses reply finest to exfoliating masks, whereas dry toes and cracked heels will profit from one thing extra moisturizing. That will help you store smarter, we turned to Dr. Zeichner and different derms for recommendation on the place to search out the perfect foot masks and professional tips about learn how to use them—get their insights (and browse their high picks) under.
Our high picks
- Child Foot Exfoliation Foot Peel
- Patchology PoshPeel Pedi Treatment
- Prequel Foot Rescue Superior Restorative Therapy
- Aveeno Repairing Cica Foot Masks
- Aquaphor Repairing Foot Masks
What to search for in a foot masks
If it’s not crystal clear from the label whether or not a masks is extra moisturizing or exfoliating, examine the ingredient listing. “Exfoliants like salicylic acid and lactic acid gently elevate off layers of useless pores and skin,” Joyce Park, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Pores and skin Refinery, tells SELF. “Shea butter, urea, hyaluronic acid, and glycerin assist toes retain moisture and soften thick pores and skin.”
As for a way typically it is best to use a foot masks, that relies on the kind you’re utilizing, Dr. Park says. “If it is an exfoliating peel, then as soon as a month,” she says. “If it is extra of a hydrating foot masks, then it’s secure to make use of weekly.”
Store the perfect foot masks
Beneath, dive into dermatologist-approved exfoliating and moisturizing picks (plus one which’s in between) to your subsequent self-care Sunday.
Child Foot Exfoliation Foot Peel
Professionals
- Efficient on calloused toes
- Lavender scent
- Offers seen outcomes, in line with Amazon consumers
Cons
- Expensive for a single-use remedy
- Therapy takes an hour
Ah, the foot masks that launched a thousand gross, but oddly satisfying movies. Calluses aren’t any match for Child Foot’s peel. “It comprises pure fruit acids (like lactic and glycolic acids) that lightly exfoliate useless pores and skin, leaving toes smooth and easy,” Jenny Liu, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and assistant professor of dermatology on the College of Minnesota, tells SELF. “It’s fashionable for visibly peeling away tough layers over a number of days, which may be satisfying and efficient for very dry or calloused toes.”