For the Love of All That’s Holy, Stop Grating Your Feet!

home insemination Kit

Updated: Feb. 4, 2020

Originally Published: Feb. 22, 2016

In my early 20s, I spent a good chunk of my time as a nail technician at a posh spa. The number one reason clients sought me out instead of hitting up a budget spot was the same: dry, cracked heels they just couldn’t fix on their own. After a relaxing soak in the pedicure chair, I would trim and shape their nails, push back cuticles, and then tackle the dreaded calluses. But the moment I pulled out my emery foot file, many would stop me in my tracks.

“Wait, is that all you’re using?” they’d ask, eyes wide with desperation. They were convinced that the only solution was to get out the metal file.

I quickly realized that part of the problem was their approach. Seriously, no one should be shaving their feet down like a block of parmesan cheese! Instead of treating and smoothing the skin, these clients were focused on removing every trace of callus and dryness.

Our bodies are like finely tuned machines, doing their best to regulate themselves. When we strip away something our body creates—like calluses for protection—guess what? It just ramps up production. Think about it. If you have oily skin and constantly use harsh cleansers without moisturizing, your skin thinks, “Oh no! Not enough oil!” and overcompensates. Trust me, I learned that the hard way during my teenage years battling acne.

When your skin is under stress and constantly in use, it develops calluses to protect itself. If you remove that protective layer, it just grows back thicker, tougher, and drier. And using a metal foot file? That does way more harm than good. Sure, your feet might feel baby-soft for a hot minute, but that bliss is fleeting.

What’s worse is that the only way to know when to stop filing is by the pain. Many people end up with tender feet after scraping off calluses, and it’s all too easy to take off too much skin and end up with a bloody mess. Yikes! Not to mention the risk of infection. And let’s be real, using a metal file on dry skin, even if it’s not callused, is just asking for trouble.

So, What’s the Better Approach?

First and foremost, you want to gently smooth your feet and then slather them in moisturizer. Take a moment to assess the situation—if your feet are in rough shape, dedicate some time to pampering them. An electric smoother can do most of the heavy lifting for you. Smooth out any calluses, use a gritty scrub to tackle dry patches, and then go wild with moisturizer. Make foot lotion a staple in your daily routine!

Keeping a pumice stone in your shower is a smart move. Make it part of your routine to give your heels a quick scrub each time you wash up. Opt for one that can hang to dry, as it’s more sanitary and will have a longer lifespan.

I wouldn’t recommend using a foot scrub in the shower, though. Trust me, nobody enjoys the panic of trying to keep their balance while doing the Running Man to avoid slipping. That stuff is slippery! Instead, sit on the edge of your tub after showering, scrub your feet, and rinse them off safely under the faucet.

Before you slip on your socks and shoes, lather your feet in a rich foot cream. The warmth from your footwear will help the cream soak in deeper, mimicking the results of a paraffin wax dip. By the end of the day, it’ll be fully absorbed, and you won’t have to deal with snagging your sheets with dry skin—nobody wants that!

Keep in mind that this isn’t a cure-all for dry skin and calluses; these issues require regular maintenance. As you notice calluses starting to return, use an emery file on dry feet to keep things smooth. And don’t forget to clean your file with soap and warm water after every use.

Follow up with a luxurious foot cream. Although it might be a little pricey, it’s what I always used in the spa, and I still swear by it. Clients who committed to caring for their feet at home (and avoided those dreaded cheese graters) saw amazing improvements in no time. Our feet take a beating; let’s give them a little love and attention!

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In summary, ditch the cheese grater and focus on treating your feet with care. Smooth, moisturize, and maintain regularly to keep your feet happy and healthy.