Get Rid Of Calluses On Your Feet Overnight. Here's How.

Fact checked by Anna HarrisReviewed by Lucy Chen, MDFact checked by Anna HarrisReviewed by Lucy Chen, MD

Apart from well-manicured cuticles and perfectly polished nails, we love that magical feeling of baby-soft soles after a salon pedicure. But, when life gets busy and a salon pedicure inches lower on your to-do list, an at-home pampering session becomes all the more necessary. In between filing, hydrating, and painting, we love doing a natural callus remover to get rid of dry, cracked heels. The best part? We found a way to DIY it using common ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.

Keep scrolling for tips on how you can get softer soles, plus advice straight from a dermatologist.

Meet The Expert

• Joshua Zeichner, MD, is the Director of Cosmetic and Clinical Research in Dermatology and an Associate Professor of Dermatology at the Mount Sinai Hospital in New York.

What You'll Need

• Apple cider vinegar

• A slice of bread

• Plastic wrap or an elastic bandage

What To Do

Soak the piece of bread in apple cider vinegar for a few hours until it forms a paste. Then, lay the bread over your calluses, secure it in place with an elastic bandage or plastic wrap, and leave it on overnight. Rinse off in the morning.

The Benefits

Touted for its anti-fungal and antibacterial properties, apple cider vinegar is often used as a natural cleaning solution for the home. And for the feet, the benefits may be no different. While you sleep, the acidity of the vinegar is meant to work to soften skin on the feet that's been hardened by wearing tight shoes, walking on certain surfaces, or even having underlying health issues.

For more stubborn calluses, try a pre-soak before diving into the DIY callus remover. A simple 30-minute baking soda soak may remove the top layer of dead skin, making the apple cider vinegar concoction that much more effective.

What The Expert Says

Dermatologist, Joshua Zeichner, MD, says that this DIY remedy might offer some benefits in softening calluses. Though, he says, "the routine is cumbersome and likely will not be as effective as using traditionally formulated exfoliating products."

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the fastest way to get rid of calluses?

Going the manual route is an effective and quick way to get rid of calluses — Dr. Zeichner says, "Exfoliation can be performed with loofah sponges, scrubs, or sanding devices." Other options include chemical exfoliation by using products that contain salicylic, lactic or glycolic acid. "Acid treatments can be applied as part of a daily exfoliation lotion or used at high concentrations as a foot mask, which can lead to a rapid peeling of the skin."

How does vinegar remove calluses from feet?

Vinegar contains acetic acid, which Dr. Zeichner says can, "primarily force antimicrobial properties to kill bacteria and fungus on the skin." He adds, "It offers extremely mild exfoliation, and while it is a natural skin remedy, it is not as effective as hydroxy acids like glycolic."

Can Vaseline heal calluses?

Though Vaseline has restorative properties, it's not Dr. Zeichner's go-to for callus treatment. He says, "Vaseline can help hydrate and protect the skin. It can also soften the thick skin of calluses. However, it is not my first recommendation to remove or treat callus."

Read the original article on Byrdie.