Let’s be honest, peeling skin is annoying. Now that we’re on the same page, what’s causing the peeling?

Sometimes, the skin on your foot becomes calloused. As a result, layers of skin become thicker. With time, as pressure is applied peeling can begin. This is the natural process of removing dead skin, if not done manually.

Alternatively, peeling may also occur if the skin is healing from sunburn. Conversely, fungal infections and skin infections, such as psoriasis can also lead to peeling skin. So, what can you do to ease the stress and frustration?

1. Exfoliate

peeling skin, Mirza Aesthetics

Says Cosmopolitan magazine, “Buff [your] feet when dry, not wet . . . Use a sturdy foot file and focus on the heels, balls of feet and edges of toes. [Then,] fill a bowl with warm water,” and soak your feet for about 10 minutes.

“If you can lay your hands on some marbles, pop them in the bowl and roll your feet back and forth over them for a blissful DIY massage!” Lastly, “massage [your] feet briskly with a foot scrub to get rid of the last dregs of dead skin, then rinse.”

2. Moisturize

Moisture can be easily lost through sweat. As your feet sweat and begin to peel, you may lose moisture even quicker than before! In this case, moisturize.

An oil-based moisturizer on your feet, twice a day, can be the first step to recovery. Apply the product to clean feet. Namely, after showering and before going to bed, while your skin is still wet.

If your feet are peeling because of sunburn, generously apply a coat of aloe vera before going to bed. Aloe vera is natural and safe, of course. But more importantly, promotes healing in the skin.

Says the U.S National Center of Biotechnology Information, “Topical aloe vera gel significantly demonstrated accelerated split-thickness skin graft donor-site healing.” Yet, they also noted that it “did not show significant pain relief.”

3. Footwear

You’re on your feet for most of the day. So, even if you work in an office, you’re still on your feet quite a bit. Not to mention the havoc that uncomfortable shoes can wreak on your poor feet. What’s more, if the skin on your feet is dry, wearing the wrong pair of shoes can increase the chances of worsening the cracks in your feet.

Thus, do yourself a favor: Invest in quality footwear. Choose shoes that have supportive insoles. Select footwear that supports the arch in your feet.

—See A Doctor—

You’ll notice that seeing a doctor isn’t a numbered step. Why? If you have an infection or condition that is serious, you should never hesitate to see a physician. In fact, delaying a doctor’s visit or implementing online remedies in such severe cases can do grave harm!

How do you know if your situation is serious? “If . . . you are in a high-risk group, are very sick, or worried about your illness, contact your health care provider,” recommends the CDC.


The information provided herein has been reviewed for accuracy, but cannot be guaranteed to be free of infallalacy. A consultation with a doctor is always needed before receiving treatment of any cosmetic product.

© 2017, 2019 ALLIED MEDICAL AND DIAGNOSTIC SERVICES LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Published: 20170109
Revised: 20190612

Post Author: Dr. Mirza

With over 15 years of experiences as a licensed physician, Dr. Muhammad Mirza is very knowledgeable in cosmetics. Having specialized in neurology, our doctor knows exactly how to contour cosmetic products to your needs perfectly. Dr. Mirza takes his knowledge and shares it on his website, in his offices, and across various other platforms.