Is there anything the more experienced runners do to be kind to the skin of their feet? Mine is getting all dry and the skin is getting really tough and thick.
Caring for my feet: Is there anything the more... - Couch to 5K
Caring for my feet
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![Irishprincess profile image](https://images.hu-production.be/avatars/3b41f9cda3a111ddede447e89c45beef_small@2x_100x100.jpg)
I have terrible hard skin on my feet (years of wearing high heels 😏) and have found that CCS cream is the best. It was recommended to me years ago by a chiropodist and I've not used anything else since. You can buy it in Boots.
I do shave off the hard skin myself with one of those razor things (you need a steady hand!) and slather the cream on and thankfully that works a treat. But you do need a bit of hard skin when running as a protective layer.
![Madge50 profile image](https://images.hu-production.be/avatars/1a231ae377d605f1d8dec03b482523a4_small@2x_100x100.jpg)
I've found I've got one spot under and too the edge my big toe joint, that if the skin starts to get too hard it gets a bit sore and can threaten a blister, so every bath/shower I give my feet a soapy lather wash then a go with a good old pumice stone....occasionally a good moisturise with l'occitane lavender foot cream (treat 😍) or basically any decent moisturiser.....
Have been known to shave a bit off like Irishprincess , but usually only when I haven't been as good at keeping it under control..... 😏
Mx
Really? Just from running? Never heard of that other that, obvs actual barefoot runners. Maybe some emollient in your bath? are your shoes rubbing?
I do have to shave the callouses on my hands though (Easy, Tiger!) from the barbell and pullup bar. Otherwise they tear once they get too thick and it is an unholy mess.
![Carolinemcd profile image](https://images.hu-production.be/avatars/b0b6c603a32c6d6876a6251df88c8a37_small@2x_100x100.jpg)
If my feet are too soft I get blisters.
![JaySeeSkinny profile image](https://images.hu-production.be/avatars/a5a68187361a007bae3e10e22083d605_small@2x_100x100.jpg)
I haven't really noticed a change - if anything they've got better. Hard skin around the heels, but nothing unusual. I do get hard skin on the ends of my toes, which is a bit odd. And being a picker (there's definitely some monkey genes here!) I do quite enjoy picking it off now and then (sorry TMI!).
![Oldfloss profile image](https://images.hu-production.be/avatars/105fc46b2ead0530d0e1540d94760674_small@2x_100x100.jpg)
Mine isn't hard or thick...except a tiny bit on the back of each under heel.. And a bit like JaySeeSkinny my feet have just got better with running...
I moisturise my feet daily with coconut oil, to maintain the health and condition of the skin and nails.
Having used many lotions and creams upon them in recent years, with some producing better results than others, I began to use coconut oil around four years ago and now refuse to use anything else.
Oddly enough, as I reply, I have coconut oil upon my feet.
To keep callus skin under control, I use a pumice sponge (available from BodyCare, priced at £1.49) every other day when showering.
Every 7-10 days, I'll trim and file toe nails, keeping them short, to reduce the risk of losing them, completing a largely simplistic foot care routine.
![Wiggle profile image](https://images.hu-production.be/avatars/1a8b7f550934f0d81cfc13794cf0e44b_small@2x_100x100.jpg)
Maybe try dermatronics or flexitol Australian heel balm -works an absolute treat on hard skin. I use it all over my feet at night and it keeps it supple so it doesn't crack.
![Anniemurph profile image](https://images.hu-production.be/avatars/03a5285a724dd1f8943d5fe3f7be5a71_small@2x_100x100.jpg)
I use a pumice stone on my feet for the hard skin - well, there isn't any, because I keep it at bay - and Vaseline afterwards. When I go out for a run, I might put some Vaseline on if I have a potential sore point, for example if I've been working all day in smart shoes the day before. Works a treat!
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Wow, thanks everyone for all the responses, there are some really great tips in there! If I find something that works for my problem feet I'll be sure to let you know.