Peeling skin on the feet: causes and how to care for it

In short: peeling skin on the feet is most often caused by dryness: harsh cleansers, no moisturising, synthetic socks, uncomfortable shoes or overusing a pumice stone. A daily foot cream, gentle exfoliation and comfortable shoes help. If peeling comes with itching, redness, an unpleasant smell or cracks between the toes, a skin condition may be the cause — see a dermatologist.

When peeling is a care mistake

• harsh cleansers that dry the skin;
• no regular moisturising;
• synthetic socks and uncomfortable shoes in which the feet cannot breathe;
• using a pumice stone or scrubs too often, which damages the skin's protective layer;
• cold in winter and heat in summer.

When peeling may be a sign of a condition

Peeling feet can also come with conditions: fungal skin infection (usually with itching, redness, an unpleasant smell or cracks between the toes), psoriasis, eczema, diabetes or a lack of vitamins A, E and B. If peeling does not go away despite care, see a dermatologist. Cosmetics do not replace diagnosis and treatment.

Who is more at risk

• people who constantly wear uncomfortable or closed shoes;
• people with a sedentary lifestyle;
• older people — skin changes with age;
• people with excessive foot sweating;
• people with a lack of vitamins A and E or thyroid problems.

Caring for peeling feet: step by step

1. Moisturise every day. The softening foot cream with urea, algae extract and argan oil contains 5% urea — it moisturises, softens and protects against microcracks. It leaves no sticky film. For very dry skin — the regenerating cream with allantoin, bamboo extract and shea butter.
2. Dry and sensitive skin. The soothing balm with urea, panthenol and fucus extract moisturises and reduces dryness, and the jojoba oil in it reduces flaking.
3. Foot bath. Warm water with essential oils or sea salt softens the skin and makes it easier to remove hardened areas.
4. Gentle exfoliation. A pumice stone or the sugar scrub with urea, algae and argan oil — it turns creamy on contact with water. Do not overdo it, so you do not damage the skin's protective layer.
5. Shoes and socks. Comfortable shoes made of natural materials, warm socks in winter, and in summer avoid walking barefoot on hot sand and asphalt.

When to see a doctor

• peeling does not stop despite moisturising;
• itching and redness appear;
• there are deep cracks on the heels or between the toes;
• walking is painful;
• the skin changes colour.

FAQ

Why does the skin on my feet peel?

Most often because of dryness: harsh cleansers, no cream, synthetic socks, uncomfortable shoes or exfoliating too often. It can also be a sign of a skin condition.

Which cream for peeling feet?

A urea cream for daily moisturising, and for dry, sensitive skin — a balm with urea and panthenol.

Does a pumice stone help?

Yes, in moderation. Exfoliating too often damages the skin's protective layer and can make peeling worse.