TikTok's hot new footcare trend: Glycolic acid for dry heels

Summer is approaching quickly. Soon, we will be swapping sneakers for sandals and flip-flops. This is the last moment to take care of your feet. Do you want to restore their softness? Try one of the methods that has taken TikTok by storm.

Dry and cracked heels are a problem that affects both women and men. Many factors contribute to this, such as improper care or wearing too tight shoes. Sometimes, cracked skin on the heels is a symptom of a severe disease.

If the condition of your heels leaves much to be desired, try one of the tried-and-true home remedies. You only need one ingredient, which you can buy at any drugstore. Rub it into your skin right after bathing and leave it on overnight, and you’ll forget about dry feet.

The skin is the largest organ in the human body. Depending on its location, it varies in thickness and level of hydration. The thinnest layer of skin is under the eyes, and the thickest is on the feet. Its thickness ranges from 3 mm to even 5 mm. Due to the weight it bears, it requires regular exfoliation. For this purpose, you can use a rasp, pumice stone, or grinder, but the most effective solution is AHA acids.

AHA acids are so-called fruit acids. They dissolve dead skin cells and limit the secretion of sebum. They can be used on both the face and body. They are also effective in foot care. Which acid should you choose? For the feet, the best would be glycolic acid. This ingredient penetrates deep layers of skin, gradually dissolving them. After the treatment, the skin becomes soft, smooth, and radiant.

TikTok is a treasure trove of beauty and skincare tricks. TikTok user @jacquelinekilikita shared her method for smooth feet. She uses one product—the aforementioned glycolic acid. You can buy it at almost any drugstore or perfumery.

How to smooth your feet with it? After bathing, thoroughly dry your skin. Take cosmetic pads and generously soak them with glycolic acid. Please put them in socks and leave them on your feet overnight. Repeat the treatment for 3 to 7 days in a row. During this time, the acid will dissolve the hardened skin and visibly smooth your heels.

This method will only work for people with dry and slightly cracked heels. If the skin is seriously damaged, do not use acid or other exfoliating products. See a podiatrist. Serious cracks require proper treatment, and acid could only worsen the condition.

If you decide to exfoliate your heels with glycolic acid, don't forget to apply a cream with sunscreen. Using acids requires proper sun protection to prevent burns and skin damage due to the acid treatment.