Frequently asked questions
Do foot peeling masks really work?
Yes, but you shouldn’t expect your skin to start shedding immediately. Dr. Zeichner explains that foot peeling masks rely on chemical exfoliation, which takes about a week to break down the skin that results in shedding. He recommends looking for formulas that contain ingredients like glycolic, lactic, or salicylic acid. Just remember to be patient—your feet will feel fresh and soft about two weeks after your initial treatment.
How often should you do a foot peel?
“Skin on the bottom of the feet becomes thick and rough because of daily trauma from everyday activities like walking,” Dr. Zeichner says. “Removing this protective layer can leave the feet sensitive, so you have to be cautious when using a foot peel.” At most, he recommends using one only once every few weeks. If you have sensitive skin or would rather skip the week-long peeling process, you can also try foot masks, which nourish feet with rich moisturizers. Either way, you’ll walk away with softer skin, no salon trip necessary.
What are the disadvantages of foot peels?
Overall, foot peels are safe, effective treatments. That said, as Dr. Zeichner mentioned above, using foot peels more often than recommended can lead to dryness, irritation, and more heel cracks than you started with. It’s also a good idea to avoid using a foot mask if you have any fresh blisters or open wounds because the exfoliation can impede the healing process.
What are the best ingredients for peeling skin on your feet?
Prior to using a foot peel, Shelia Farhang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon in Oro Valley, AZ, says that it’s best to diagnose peeling skin on the feet—what you see as peeling could be anything fromfungus, to allergic contact dermatitis or irritant contact dermatitis to eczema or psoriasis. “After ruling out any medical causes that need treatment or attention and assuming it’s just normal thick, dry feet, you would then reach for a peel,” says Dr. Farhang. She recommends looking for ingredients that break up that thick skin. “The most effective foot peels combine alpha-hydroxy acids and beta-hydroxy acids to dissolve the bonds between dead skin cells,” explains Hadley King, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City.
Look for the following ingredients:
- Glycolic acid: penetrates deeply and helps break down thick, rough skin
- Lactic acid: exfoliates while also drawing moisture into the skin, making it ideal for dry, cracked feet
- Salicylic acid: penetrates into thicker skin and is especially helpful for calluses
- Citric, malic, or tartaric acids: provide additional gentle exfoliation and can enhance the effects of other acids
- Urea (20-40%): technically not a peel, but one of the best ingredients for softening thick, callused skin. It hydrates while helping loosen dead skin and can extend the results of a foot peel
If the issue is more dryness than thickness, “I’d focus more on skin barrier-supporting ingredients, which can make them a better choice for dry or sensitive skin,” says Dr. Farhang.
How long does it take for a foot peel to work?
Similar to a peel on the face, it can take a few days for your feet to start peeling after being applied. “Most begin peeling around three to seven days after the treatment and can take one to two weeks depending on how aggressive the peel is and how much skin needs to be exfoliated,” says Dr. Farhang. To get the best results from your peel, Dr. King warns against pulling off any peeling skin because it can damage healthy skin underneath. “Soaking your feet in warm water for 10-20 minutes during the peeling phase can help the dead skin shed more easily,” says Dr. King. Avoid using an exfoliating foot peel on broken skin or active infections.
To find the six best foot masks of 2026, we asked dermatologists about their favorite foot peels and masks, and had Glamour testers and editors spend time trialing highly rated options available. While testing each foot mask, we paid close attention to the fit, noting if they were snug around our feet or if they were too large; analyzed how long it took to experience the satisfying skin shed; and compared how our feet looked (and felt) before and after a treatment. The masks below completely refreshed our feet and got us ready to show them off.
- Dr. Shereen Teymour, DO, is a board-certified dermatologist in New York City
- Shelia Farhang, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon in Oro Valley, AZ
- Hadley King, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist who specializes in medical and cosmetic dermatology in New York City
- Joshua Zeichner, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and director of cosmetic and clinical research at Mount Sinai Hospital’s dermatology department in New York City
