How To Remove Thick Dead Skin From Feet - 10 Easy Solutions - Chic Pedi (2025)

Last Updated on June 13, 2024 by Martina McKeough

Ever suffered from hard callused skin on your feet? I know that I have and over the years I have become and expert on how to remove thick dead skin from feet at home.

Each of these methods all help but some are more effective than others. I’ll talk about my favorite ways to get my feet feeling soft and smooth and some of the methods that take a little longer to work.

Here are my top ten tips.

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Soak Your Feet

Dry pedicures are definitely something that some people offer but I always find that the most effective methods of softening your feet involve soaking them first.

Soaking your feet in a foot bath for twenty minutes before attempting to remove any hard skin makes sense as it helps to soften any dead skin making it easier to remove.

In fact once I soften the skin on my feet I find that some dead skin will fall off almost immediately making it easy for me to tackle the rest.

To make any foot soak more effective use warm water and either mix Epsom salt into the foot bath or use a half and half water vinegar soak.

Take your feet out of the bath after the required time and we can start on the next step which is callus removal.

How To Get Hard Skin off Feet With a Callus Remover

I have tried just about every possible product to remove calluses over the years and my number one tool is one of the cheapest out there and that is a callus remover shaver.

This method might not be for everyone but these blades are brilliant at shaving off any really thick dead skin.

If you aren’t confident about using a blade I understand but done gently these devices are capable of removing really thick skin on your feet allowing you to follow up with other skin removal tools.

If you are diabetic or have any medical problems that could cause a problem then don’t use this method but otherwise this is the quickest and easiest tool to get the worst off the hard skin off your feet.

Foot Files and Electric Callus Removers

Some people never think of a callus removing blade so use either a pumice stone, foot file or electric callus remover to remove thick dead skin.

I personally have found that a pumice stone just doesn’t do enough to remove really thick skin so I haven’t bothered using this method for years.

I do however have a foot file that use after using my blade to help file down and dead skin that is left after I have got rid of the worst of the calluses.

This isn’t an ordinary foot file but a Diamancel foot file which I have now owned for years. It may cost more that the average foot file but it is much more effective than any others I’ve tried and still looks like new years later.

Electric callus removers help because they require less effort. If you are going to get one like the Amope Callus remover which also has diamond crystals to make removing hard skin easier.

Exfoliation Methods to Remove Dead Skin

A good foot scrub is certainly one method that can be used to remove dead skin but it won’t remove thick calluses.

If I ever use an exfoliating foot scrub I use it for maintenance rather than full dead skin removal with a callus removal blade.

Use one a couple of times a week and apply it in circular movements to your feet to scrub away dead skin. This helps to prevent the hard skin building up so quickly.

Best Dead Skin Remover For Feet – Foot Peeling Masks

My second favorite way of removing thick dead skin is with a foot peel mask.

These are a gamechanger and make hard skin removal really easy.

All you need to do is slip these on your feet for the specified time period (usually anywhere between a half to one hour). Remove them and then rinse your feet. This time element is the only downsides I find with these masks as I tend to get bored really quickly

A few days later you will start to notice that you skin starts to shed and over the next few days you will find more and more peeling off until you have baby soft feet.

Just remember to use the masks at least a week before you intend to show off your feet in sandals because otherwise you are going to have disgusting looking skin hanging off.

Moisturizing Creams

Using really thick moisturizing creams are another way to help get rid of thick calluses but you need ones that contain urea or salicylic acid as they soften and hydrate the skin.

The problem I have with creams is whilst they work they need to be reapplied regularly and I am a person who tends to be time poor so I either forget or skip using them.

Ebanel Urea Cream is one of the best so if you have the patience think about using it daily to make a difference to your feet. Alternatively I have a guide to some of the best foot creams for dry feet that you can read if you want to use something else.

Callus Remover Gel

Callus remover gel like this one from Lee Beauty is another relatively new way of removing calluses.

In order for this to work you have to really soak your feet. Then apply the gel for five or ten minutes before using a pumice or foot file to remove any dead skin.

As this softens your feet as well it can really help to improve your feet over time.

Hydration Therapy

Trying to rehydrate your feet to remove dry skin is another way of helping.

This is relatively easy as you can do it at night time. Just put a thick layer of foot cream or petroleum jelly on your feet and then put cotton socks on over the top. Leave this on your feet all night to lock in moisture.

Whilst this does work I’m not a lover of anything on my feet especially in hot weather so it doesn’t suit me. If however you love to wear warm bed socks it may be perfect for you.

Natural Remedies

Natural remedies do help some people but again they are no my preferred methods if you want to give them a try you can use either baking soda or lemon juice.

To use the baking soda mix it into a paste and let it sit on the problem areas of your feet for five to ten minutes before scrubbing it off (I found this just too messy).

Alternative soak your feet in lemon water instead and then use a foot file on your skin afterwards.

Professional Treatments

Finally if you would rather let the professionals help then you can either get a pedicure or visit a podiatrist.

Whilst pedicures work well for mild areas or dry skin on your feet you really need a medical pedicure if you have thick calluses. Medical pedicures aren’t offered in every salon so check before you book.

Alternatively visit a podiatrist if your problem is severe as they will be able to remove problem skin more easily. I have used them in the past when I have needed a corn removed and they managed to solve the problem over a course of sessions.

Obviously private treatments cost money which is why I prefer using my callus remover blade myself as it is easy enough to use at home and costs me virtually nothing.

So to sum up if you want to know how to remove thick dead skin from feet then my number one solution is a callus remover blade. If you would prefer not to use a blade think of buying a foot peeling mask and a good foot file to make a difference.

For maintenance regularly soak your feet to soften dry skin and use a good foot cream to keep your skin supple. Whilst the other methods all can help this is definitely my preferred way of making a difference. I have a guide that discusses how to prevent calluses and dry skin on your feet that you can also read which can help stop them appearing so frequently.

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