A 5-Step Routine to Soften Your Feet Overnight, According to Dermatologists

Start With a Warm-Water Soak

"Soak your feet every day in lukewarm water, about 100 degrees, for 10 minutes," suggests Dr. Levine. (Overly hot H2O can end up drying out the skin even further, hence the lukewarm part of things.)

Add 1/2 cup of Epsom salts to your foot bath; these make the skin more porous and better to absorb moisturizer after the fact, she adds. To that point, apply a thick moisturizer immediately afterwards. The warm water will soften the skin and a rich cream or balm will help to lock in and seal moisture.

Use a Physical Exfoliant—But Avoid Those Metal Foot Files

An effective exfoliating product or treatment will help to recess a build-up of excessively thick skin, also known as calluses. "Exfoliation tends to be particularly helpful for the feet because there can be a thick layer of dead skin," Dr. King explains. "Because of this, I recommend a combination of chemical and physical exfoliation."

Physical exfoliation options include pumice stones, foot scrubs, and exfoliating brushes; Dr. Levine advises against those mega-popular metal foot files. While they admittedly deliver very satisfying, instantaneous results when used to shave off dead skin, Dr. Levine says cuts (and subsequent infections) from these tools are far too common to make these tools worthwhile.

So whether you opt for a pumice stone or a foot scrub, just make sure to do so after you've soaked your feet in warm water for a few minutes. The water softens the skin, making it easier to remove.

Layer On a Chemical Exfoliant

To exfoliate dead, dry skin, all of the dermatologists we spoke with suggested layering on a chemical exfoliant. A few good options include salicylic acid, urea, or lactic acid.

"These exfoliants help to loosen the attachments between skin cells, allowing them to gently slough off," Dr. Garlapti explains. You can either use a serum containing these ingredients that you may already have for your face or body skin, or try a peeling foot mask such as the viral Baby Foot peel.

Moisturize and Seal With an Occlusive Moisturizer Like Vaseline

Removing dry skin is one thing, but it's also imperative to add much-needed moisture back in. (And remember, if you are exfoliating your feet via a scrub or tool, be sure to always use moisturizer after.) Thicker, more occlusive creams and balms will be best at delivering and sealing in this moisture.

Dr. Levine, who says you should be moisturizing your feet once per day, recommends formulas with shea butter, as well as petroleum jelly (a.k.a., Vaseline or Aquaphor). To that point, you could even try "slugging" for your feet: Apply a moisturizer, then a coat of petroleum jelly to really lock it in, and pop on a pair of socks overnight.

Trap Everything In With Silicone Socks

Silicone socks are essentially wearable patches that cover the heel of the foot in order to trap moisture. If you're dealing with next-level dryness, Dr. Levine says that silicone patches and/or silicone-lined socks can help by moistening the skin and diminishing fissures. For severely cracked feet, follow the routine we've discussed above, then immediately put on a pair of silicone socks to trap everything in overnight while you sleep.

As an alternative to silicone socks, our experts say you can also just wrap your feet in Saran wrap (which you probably already have at home) after exfoliating and moisturizing, then top it off with a pair of regular socks to hold everything in place.