How to Use an Exfoliating Foot Peel

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

When sandal season rolls around, no one wants to have dry, rough, scaly feet. If a long, cold winter has left your feet in poor shape, you may want to consider an exfoliating foot peel. It uses a variety of natural acids to slough off the dead, dry skin so your feel look and feel as soft and smooth as possible. Because these exfoliating foot peels come in plastic booties that slip over your feet, it's very easy to do one at home -- which means you can have smooth, beautiful feet whenever you want.

Part 1
Part 1 of 3:

Prepping Your Feet

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/59\/Use-an-Exfoliating-Foot-Peel-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Use-an-Exfoliating-Foot-Peel-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/59\/Use-an-Exfoliating-Foot-Peel-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/aid8613721-v4-728px-Use-an-Exfoliating-Foot-Peel-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    To ensure that there isn’t any dirt, oil, or other residue that might prevent the peel’s ingredients from penetrating your skin, you should wash your feet. Use warm water and your usual body wash or soap to get your feet clean. [1]
    • It may be convenient to apply the exfoliating peel after a shower or bath because it’s easier to wash your feet that way.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f6\/Use-an-Exfoliating-Foot-Peel-Step-2-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Use-an-Exfoliating-Foot-Peel-Step-2-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f6\/Use-an-Exfoliating-Foot-Peel-Step-2-Version-2.jpg\/aid8613721-v4-728px-Use-an-Exfoliating-Foot-Peel-Step-2-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    After your feet are clean, fill a small basin, foot bath, or bathtub with enough warm water to cover your feet. Allow them to soak in the water for 10 to 15 minutes to soften the skin so it will absorb the peel’s ingredients more easily. [2]
    • If the skin on your feet is particularly dry and hard, you may want to soak your feet for up to a half hour to soften it sufficiently.
    • Try adding Epsom salt and 1–2 US tbsp (15–30 ml) of apple cider vinegar to the water before you soak your feet to soften them even more. [3]
    Advertisement
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/4b\/Use-an-Exfoliating-Foot-Peel-Step-3-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Use-an-Exfoliating-Foot-Peel-Step-3-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/4b\/Use-an-Exfoliating-Foot-Peel-Step-3-Version-2.jpg\/aid8613721-v4-728px-Use-an-Exfoliating-Foot-Peel-Step-3-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    When you apply the peel, you don’t want any excess moisture on your feet that might dilute the ingredients. After you’ve finished soaking your feet, pat them dry with a clean towel so they’re ready for the peel. [4]
    4. Advertisement
Part 2
Part 2 of 3:

Applying the Peel

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f1\/Use-an-Exfoliating-Foot-Peel-Step-4-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Use-an-Exfoliating-Foot-Peel-Step-4-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f1\/Use-an-Exfoliating-Foot-Peel-Step-4-Version-2.jpg\/aid8613721-v4-728px-Use-an-Exfoliating-Foot-Peel-Step-4-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Virtually all exfoliating foot peels feature plastic booties that contain all of the ingredients inside so you can easily keep them on your feet for the duration. To use the peel, remove the booties from the box and use a pair of scissors to cut them open where indicated. [5]
    • The peel booties are always sealed when you purchase them so the ingredients don’t leak out before you use them.
    • It’s best to cut the booties open one at time and place the opened bootie on your foot before opening the next bootie. That way, none of the peel liquid will seep out while you’re trying to secure the booties.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/dd\/Use-an-Exfoliating-Foot-Peel-Step-5-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Use-an-Exfoliating-Foot-Peel-Step-5-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/dd\/Use-an-Exfoliating-Foot-Peel-Step-5-Version-2.jpg\/aid8613721-v4-728px-Use-an-Exfoliating-Foot-Peel-Step-5-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    After you’ve cut open the booties, slip them over your feet as you would with regular socks. The booties contain adhesive tabs that help secure them closed over your feet, so pull off the tabs and fasten them around your feet. [6]
    • The adhesive tabs usually aren’t that strong, so you may prefer securing them to your skin rather than the plastic material. Your skin has more texture than the plastic, which can make it easier for the adhesive to stick.
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/84\/Use-an-Exfoliating-Foot-Peel-Step-6-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Use-an-Exfoliating-Foot-Peel-Step-6-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/84\/Use-an-Exfoliating-Foot-Peel-Step-6-Version-2.jpg\/aid8613721-v4-728px-Use-an-Exfoliating-Foot-Peel-Step-6-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    It is extremely difficult to walk around with the plastic booties on your feet because you can slip easily. To make them more comfortable to wear and easier to move around in the booties, add a pair of regular socks over them on your feet. [7]
    • It’s best to use a tighter pair of socks because they can help keep the acids in the peel in contact with your skin more effectively than the plastic booties will alone.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/09\/Use-an-Exfoliating-Foot-Peel-Step-7-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Use-an-Exfoliating-Foot-Peel-Step-7-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/09\/Use-an-Exfoliating-Foot-Peel-Step-7-Version-2.jpg\/aid8613721-v4-728px-Use-an-Exfoliating-Foot-Peel-Step-7-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    When the booties are fully secured on your feet, leave them on for an hour or as directed by the peel’s instructions. It’s best to stay off your feet while wearing the booties to avoid slips and falls, so you may want to use the hour to relax. [8]
    • If your feet are extremely dry, you may want to leave the booties on for longer than an hour. Wearing the peel for up to two hours may lead to more effective exfoliation.
    5. Advertisement
Part 3
Part 3 of 3:

Caring For Your Feet After the Peel

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/bd\/Use-an-Exfoliating-Foot-Peel-Step-8-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Use-an-Exfoliating-Foot-Peel-Step-8-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/bd\/Use-an-Exfoliating-Foot-Peel-Step-8-Version-2.jpg\/aid8613721-v4-728px-Use-an-Exfoliating-Foot-Peel-Step-8-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    When the hour is up, take off your regular socks. Next, carefully slip off the peel booties and discard in the trash. Rub the residue on your feet into the skin. [9]
    • While your feet will have absorbed some of the peel ingredients, there will still be residue on your skin, which can be very slippery. Take off the booties are close to the location where you plan to wash your feet as possible to avoid falling.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/dc\/Use-an-Exfoliating-Foot-Peel-Step-9-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Use-an-Exfoliating-Foot-Peel-Step-9-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/dc\/Use-an-Exfoliating-Foot-Peel-Step-9-Version-2.jpg\/aid8613721-v4-728px-Use-an-Exfoliating-Foot-Peel-Step-9-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    After you’ve taken off the booties, remove the remaining residue from your skin by rinsing your feet in warm water. You can take a shower or bath, or use a damp cloth to wipe them off. [10]
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/98\/Use-an-Exfoliating-Foot-Peel-Step-10-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Use-an-Exfoliating-Foot-Peel-Step-10-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/98\/Use-an-Exfoliating-Foot-Peel-Step-10-Version-2.jpg\/aid8613721-v4-728px-Use-an-Exfoliating-Foot-Peel-Step-10-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    You won’t see the results from the peel right away. It typically takes between two and three days for your feet to start peeling, though it may take as many as six. The skin will slough off itself, but you can rub your feet with a loofah or washcloth if you prefer to help exfoliate. [11]
    • If your feet aren’t peeling by the third or fourth day after the peel, soak them in warm water for 15 to 20 minutes to help jump start the process.
    • While you’re waiting for your feel to peel and even after they start peeling, don’t moisturize them with foot cream or body lotion. That may stop the peeling.
    4. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    How should I prep my feet before I exfoliate them?
    Miguel Cunha, DPM
    Board Certified Podiatrist
    Dr. Miguel Cunha is the founder of Gotham Footcare and is a podiatrist based in Manhattan, New York. Dr. Cunha is a foot and ankle surgeon with experience treating a wide array of foot and ankle conditions from minor problems to complex reconstructive foot and ankle surgery. Dr. Cunha received his DPM from the Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine and completed his residency as the Chief Resident at the Washington Hospital Center and Georgetown University where he specialized in lower extremity trauma, diabetic limb salvage, and reconstructive surgery of the foot and ankle. Dr. Cunha is a member of the American Podiatric Medical Association, the New York Podiatric Medical Association, the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, and is board certified in Podiatric Medicine.
    Miguel Cunha, DPM
    Board Certified Podiatrist
    Expert Answer
    To soften the skin on your feet, soak your feet in lukewarm water with Epsom salt and 2 tbsp of apple cider vinegar.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 2 Helpful 10
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      • For the softest, smoothest feet, you can do an exfoliating peel monthly.
        Thanks
        Helpful 3 Not Helpful 0
      • While the alpha and beta hydroxy acids in the exfoliating foot peel are safe, you should consult a doctor before using it you have corns, warts, open sores, or skin sensitivity issues on your feet. If you have diabetes, you should also ask your doctor before using this type of product.
        Thanks
        Helpful 3 Not Helpful 0
      • Once your feet have finished peeling from the exfoliating peel, use a rich foot cream daily to help maintain the results.
        Thanks
        Helpful 3 Not Helpful 1
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Warnings

      Advertisement

      Things You’ll Need

      • Warm water
      • Basin, foot bath, or tub
      • Two towels
      • Foot peel
      • Socks
      • Wash cloth

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Seduce a Woman With a Foot Massage
      How to
      Give a Foot Massage
      How to
      Give Yourself a Professional Pedicure at Home & Save Money
      How to
      Clean Your Feet
      How to
      Get Rid of Foot Odor
      How to
      Remove Dead Skin from Feet
      How to
      Use a Foot Scraper
      How to
      Massage Your Own Feet
      How to
      Get Rid of Dry Skin on Feet
      How to
      Prevent Smelly Feet
      How to
      Give a Sensual Foot Massage
      How to
      Care for Your Feet and Toenails
      How to
      Control Foot Odor with Baking Soda
      How to
      Get Baby Soft Feet
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.self.com/gallery/baby-foot-peel
      2. ↑ https://theskincareedit.com/baby-foot
      3. ↑ Miguel Cunha, DPM. Board Certified Podiatrist. Expert Interview. 22 April 2020.
      4. ↑ https://www.self.com/gallery/baby-foot-peel
      5. ↑ https://www.self.com/gallery/baby-foot-peel
      6. ↑ https://www.self.com/gallery/baby-foot-peel
      7. ↑ https://theskincareedit.com/baby-foot
      8. ↑ https://www.self.com/gallery/baby-foot-peel
      9. ↑ https://theskincareedit.com/baby-foot
      1. ↑ https://www.self.com/gallery/baby-foot-peel
      2. ↑ https://www.self.com/gallery/baby-foot-peel

      About This Article

      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 186,488 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Elizabeth Morgan

        Jun 27, 2022

        "I love the additional information and suggestions I received by reading this article. Although I do always read the ..." more
      More reader stories Hide reader stories
      Share your story

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement