If you've been on any social media lately, you probably spotted a few posts about the newest skincare craze: foot peels. Grossly captivating photos of people trying this new peeling product have been all over the internet, and people are obsessing over them. But, are they as good for you and your feet as they say they are?
[Photos: Shutterstock]
There are a few red flags when it comes to foot peels that really make them a questionable beauty product. First off, many of these foot peel companies don't list the ingredients of the product on their websites or boxes, and only says that they contain "natural extracts." They don't specify what's exactly in it, and many companies are legally allowed to slap the word "natural" on their products even though they're filled with harsh chemicals.
So, what's exactly in these products? Well, Beauty.com, an online retailer for one of the top foot peel companies named Baby Foot, posted a whole ingredient list. This paritcular foot peel contains lactic and glycic acids, which are known to be potentially irritating. While they are safe enough for sale, they are not natural ingredients.
According to dermatologist Margarita Lolis, M.D, this product is actually similar to a chemical peel. "Lactic acid, salicylic acid, alcohol, and glycolic acid are keratolytic, so they get into the top layer of your skin, break up the connections in the dead skin cells, and two to three days later, the dead skin peels off," she said.
This product does have foot-softening benefits, but they're not as natural as many companies ay they are. The chemicals can be very harsh, and actually irritate your feet more if you're not careful. If you want smooth feet without the harsh chemicals, a good old fashioned pedicure and pumice are always key!
