Calluses are the bane of many people’s existence. These thickened patches of skin develop on the sides of your toes or the bottoms of your feet in response to friction, and they can be unsightly and uncomfortable.
But, you don’t have to live with calluses! There are many natural and affordable ways to treat them, and one of the most popular is a simple baking soda foot soak. Baking soda is an inexpensive and versatile product that has many uses around the house, including softening and removing calluses.
This article will explore the benefits of baking soda foot soaks, how to prepare a baking soda soak, and other tips for effective callus removal, including whether you can leave baking soda on feet overnight.
Understanding Calluses and Why Baking Soda Helps
Calluses happen when your skin tries to protect itself. Usually, they form on your feet because of pressure and rubbing. If you’ve ever broken in a new pair of shoes, you probably know what a callus feels like!
What are Calluses?
Calluses are built-up layers of keratin, a protein that your skin makes. Your skin produces keratin to protect itself from friction. This repeated rubbing on sensitive parts of your feet is often caused by:
- Ill-fitting shoes
- Activities like running, walking, or standing for long periods
Why Baking Soda Works
Baking soda can help exfoliate and soften your skin. But it’s not a harsh ingredient, so it’s generally safe for sensitive skin. It works by gently removing dead skin cells and helping your skin feel softer.
Also, baking soda can help with:
- Neutralizing foot odor
- Absorbing sweat
- Providing antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory action
How to make a baking soda foot soak
Lots of people swear by baking soda foot soaks to soften skin and relieve the symptoms of athlete’s foot or toenail fungus.
Here’s how to make one:
Basic baking soda foot soak
- Gather your supplies:
- A large basin or tub
- Warm water
- Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate)
- A towel
- Moisturizing lotion or cream
- Fill the basin with warm water.
- Add 2 to 3 tablespoons of baking soda to the warm water and stir until it dissolves.
- Soak your feet for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Thoroughly towel-dry your feet.
- Apply moisturizer to your feet to hydrate the skin.
How often should I do a baking soda foot soak?
For best results, do a foot soak two times a week.
It’s important to be consistent. Regular soaks will gradually soften calluses and make your feet feel softer and smoother.
Enhancing Your Baking Soda Foot Soak: Additional Ingredients and Tips
A baking soda foot soak can be made even better with the addition of other ingredients, and there are many household items for foot soaks you can use in relaxing DIY recipes. Here are some ideas:
Adding Moisturizing Agents
When you add milk, coconut milk, or honey to the soak, you’ll be adding moisturizing and exfoliating power.
Just add 1 cup of warm milk, coconut milk, or honey to your baking soda foot soak.
Utilizing Essential Oils
Some essential oils, like lavandin and tea tree oil, can add antifungal or soothing properties to your foot soak.
Add just a few drops of your favorite essential oil to the soak.
Combining with Other Salts
Epsom salt can be combined with baking soda for even more relaxation and pain relief.
Add about 1/2 cup of Epsom salt to your foot soak.
After your foot soak: Next steps
Once you’ve soaked your feet, there are a few things you can do to keep them looking and feeling great.
Exfoliate and moisturize
When you’re done soaking your feet, gently exfoliate them with a pumice stone to remove softened calluses.
After you exfoliate, apply a cream with ammonium lactate, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid to moisturize and soften your skin.
Prevent calluses
The best way to treat calluses is to keep them from forming in the first place. Here’s how:
- Wear shoes that fit properly and don’t rub.
- Wear socks that cushion your feet and have antifungal properties.
- Use foot balms to moisturize and protect your skin.
Taking good care of your feet can help you feel comfortable and confident, no matter what shoes you’re wearing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens when you put baking soda on your feet?
Baking soda can help neutralize odors, exfoliate dead skin, and soften calluses. Some people find it soothing for itchy or irritated skin. However, it’s alkaline and can potentially disrupt your skin’s natural pH balance if used too frequently or for extended periods. Always test a small area first.
What draws swelling out of feet?
Epsom salt soaks are often used to reduce swelling in feet. The magnesium in Epsom salts may help draw out excess fluid. Elevating your feet, drinking plenty of water, and wearing compression socks can also help reduce swelling.
What do podiatrists use to remove dead skin?
Podiatrists use a variety of tools to remove dead skin, including scalpels, pumice stones, and specialized electric files. They may also use chemical peels containing ingredients like salicylic acid or urea to soften and remove thick calluses.
What vitamin deficiency causes dry feet?
While several vitamin deficiencies can contribute to dry skin in general, deficiencies in vitamins A, D, E, and certain B vitamins (like biotin and niacin) are commonly linked to dry skin on the feet. A balanced diet and, if necessary, supplementation can help improve skin health.
How to remove body odor permanently naturally?
While completely permanent removal may not be possible, you can significantly reduce body odor naturally through several strategies. This includes maintaining good hygiene (daily showering with antibacterial soap), wearing breathable clothing, shaving underarms, using natural deodorants (like baking soda or essential oils), and making dietary changes to avoid odor-causing foods like garlic and onions. Addressing underlying health conditions that contribute to body odor is also important.
Closing Thoughts
Baking soda foot soaks are a simple, affordable, and natural way to soften calluses and make them easier to remove. Adding regular baking soda soaks to your foot care routine can help you keep your feet soft, healthy, and callus-free.
For the best results, remember to moisturize after your soak, and take steps to prevent calluses from forming again.