Quite contrary to the belief that calluses are harmful, they’re actually helpful. Our skin hardens so we can easily walk on hard surfaces.
That was especially important way back in the days when shoes didn’t even exist.
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The body forms calluses to protect itself from the constant contact and pressure that it encounters. Therefore, the formation of thick skin is very much a defense mechanism to prevent tissue from being damaged.
Naturally, though, they aren’t entirely comfortable. If you have a thick build-up of calluses, then walking with shoes on becomes a problem.
They might no longer be a cozy fit. Calluses on hands look unpleasant too.
What’s even worse is that irrespective of where these calluses show up, it’s likely that they’ll develop cracks and fissures which can breed infections. Therefore, it is important to look after them on a regular basis, and some products can help with that.
Here are some of the best callus remover gels that can do exactly that.
4 Reviews of the Best Callus Remover Gels
I’ve reviewed what I think are the best gels in the market right now. I’ve tried a few myself, others are simply well known for the good comments.
Anyway, read the reviews to get my look on them and hopefully, that will help you find the product that helps you the most.
- Dr Pedicure Foot Peeling Mask
- Urea 40 Cream Callus Remover
- Lee Beauty Callus Eliminator
- PurSources Urea 40% Foot Cream
**Check below to see more detailed reviews. You can also click above to see customer reviews on Amazon.
Why Should You Use Gels?
Gels are simple to use and quite practical. They don’t require you to constantly wash and rub your feet to get rid of calluses.
I think it’s especially important nowadays since we’re always in a rush and feel the need to do everything fast. Gels simply offer a practical and quick way to deal with a hard skin that’s been bothering you for a while.
How to Choose the Right Gel?
When it comes to choosing the right product for you, I’d first look at the ingredients to make sure you’re not allergic to anything. Another thing to have in mind is the smell.
I know that not everyone can deal with strong scents or with the smell of urea. When you’re looking for the right gel, these small things could help you to make up your mind a lot faster.
Other than that, callus remover gels are pretty simple. The difference between each product is only slight, so you’re probably not going to make a huge a mistake by choosing one product over the other.
Dr Pedicure Foot Peeling Mask
I had quite bad calluses back in the days and I wasn’t very fond of them. Anyway, this is when this foot mask came to the rescue.
It’s a peeling mask that targets dull, coarse, and dead skin. It does it by locking moisture into your feet.
The thick layer of skin peels off fairly easily. I think if you properly use it, you can see the results in about a week’s time.
While it can be gross to see your skin peeling off, the gel does the magic you expect. I personally recommend you wear socks while the skin is shedding.
I think it’s a bit more hygienic. Also, it’s advisable to let the skin slough off by itself rather than tugging at it to peel it off.
The gel also takes care of bad odor and prevents any bacterial growth. Especially between the toes.
The product comes in various refreshing scents: lavender, peach, rose, coconut, and lemon. None of them are overly fragrant either. That’s great for those who’re not fond of strong scents.
The package contains two booties that you need to slide your feet in and seal them with the tape provided. They both fit large and smaller feet.
Urea 40 Cream Corn and Callus Remover
This callus remover gel reduces itchiness and redness. It moisturizes and hydrates the skin while protecting it from scaling.
The urea 40 cream is anti-fungal which can be helpful for someone who’s involved with sports and has to deal with constant sweat. It improves blood circulation and gently exfoliates your feet.
It also doesn’t leave any oil stains behind. That’s quite useful for someone as picky as me.
Once you put socks on, after applying the gel, you don’t really ruin them. Either way, they can always be washed.
The only off-putting thing about this cream could be the distinctly medicinal smell of urea. Don’t be alarmed if it leaves behind a thin whitish layer, it is just a characteristic of urea-based gels.
It may take a while for the results to come. However, it should very well be worth the wait.
Lee Beauty Professional Callus Eliminator
Lee beauty callus eliminator gives a spa-like pedicure if you use it correctly. It’s quite a strong callus remover and should be handled with extreme care.
Wear gloves when using it. If you get it on your nails, that might not end well. Haha!
Anyway, don’t leave it on for longer than 2-5 minutes. Make sure that it doesn’t feel uncomfortable on your skin. If it does, remove it without waiting any longer.
I’d suggest avoiding this one if you have any minor scratches. Not even talking about more serious wounds.
Additionally, the product usually removes calluses when used for the first time, and feet tend to get quite soft after the second session.
It’s good to use it if callus formation is quite severe. The package also contains a pumice stone that you can use to scrub your feet a little bit afterward. That’s a nice addition, I’d say.
Unfortunately, this product doesn’t have the best smell. The aroma very much reminds of rotten eggs.
Might be a good idea to apply lotion and a few essential oils afterward to kill the smell. The lotion will moisturize your feet too!
PurSources Urea 40% Foot Cream
Use this product after taking a shower since the moisture in the skin helps with absorbing the cream. It’s a non-greasy cream and has a nice thick consistency.
It can very well tackle dry skin and lock the moisture in. Unlike other Urea-based creams, the one by PurSources does not leave behind a thin white layer.
Tea Tree Oil extract is highly anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial. Therefore, it helps with avoiding unnecessary complications that sometimes come when you’re removing calluses.
On the other hand, aloe vera gel nourishes skin and keeps it supple. It helps with healing cracked heels and chapped elbows.
Like most Urea-based cream and gels, it can take about 3-4 weeks to actually show results. Do use it daily to see the results as fast as possible.
Read More: Best Heated Foot Spas for Soft Skin
Why Do Calluses Form?
Calluses form due to constant rubbing, pressure, and friction (source). That could happen if you’re wearing uncomfortable shoes, frequently walk or use one of your fingers more often than the others. They’re not harmful most of the time.
However, taking care of them is most important to prevent infections and skin ulcerations.
Read More: Step by Step Guide on Getting Rid of Hard Skin
Who Gets Calluses?
You’re probably now thinking that not everyone should build calluses. In fact, some people are more prone to building them than others mostly due to the activities they’re involved in.
For example, guitarists develop calluses on their fingers. It’s actually sort of a good thing since they become less sensitive and It’s easier to play the guitar.
Even video gamers have them! However, I’m not sure how useful they are for them but it most definitely means that they use those fingers quite frequently.
Read More: How to Clean Feet at Home
How to Use Callus Remover Gels
Here are a few steps to follow when using the gels to get the best results. The procedure is quite simple and practical. Therefore, it shouldn’t be too hard to remember.
- Soak your feet before using the gel since that will help the skin to soften and absorb the gel easier.
- Make sure that you have read the instructions on the product. Just in case it has some warnings.
- Apply the gel onto your calluses.
- Don’t forget to wash your feet thoroughly and rinse off any residual gel.
- Use gloves if necessary, that will usually be mentioned in instructions.
- After removing calluses, apply foot lotion to moisturize your feet.
Conclusion
Calluses are natural and not necessarily harmful to your body. However, they can greatly affect your confidence. Avoiding to wear sandals in the summer just because you have calluses is a bit disappointing.
And I’m sure some of you have done that before! Cracked heels are not only a sore sight, but can also turn bloody and become breeding grounds for bacteria and infections.
Hence, it might be a good idea to try some of the best calluses remover gels that I’ve recommended to get rid of hard skin fast.
Sources:
https://www.aad.org/public/skin-hair-nails/skin-care/corns-and-calluses