According to recent industry data, the foot care market has seen a 23% growth since 2023, with chemical exfoliation products leading the trend. Foot peels have evolved from occasional treatments to essential components of modern self-care routines. Yet despite their popularity, foot peel mishaps remain surprisingly common—from embarrassing skin shedding during special events to treatments that simply don't deliver results.
As the foot care landscape continues to evolve, we're here to help you navigate the world of foot peels with confidence before, during, and after application.
A foot peel is a specialized exfoliation treatment that goes far beyond what traditional pedicures can accomplish. These treatments utilize disposable booties filled with a proprietary blend of alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs)—the same chemical exfoliants found in premium facial products.
Recent dermatological studies from 2024 have shown that the combination of glycolic acid (AHA) and salicylic acid (BHA) works synergistically to dissolve the intercellular bonds between dead skin cells while simultaneously removing excess sebum from pores. You slip your feet the PoshPeel booties packed with AHA’s and BHA’s, which are hydroxy acids that help with skin peeling and extracting sebum. This dual-action mechanism creates more comprehensive results than either acid could achieve alone.
When you slip your feet into these treatment booties for 60-90 minutes, you're initiating a process that continues long after removal. While your feet may feel temporarily softer immediately after use, the real magic happens in the days that follow.
Over the course of 1-2 weeks post-treatment, you'll notice patches of calloused skin gradually detaching—similar to how a snake sheds its skin during molting. It's not the most aesthetically pleasing process, but the results are transformative, revealing remarkably renewed skin underneath.
Foot peels are the perfect solution to reverse dry, cracked heels and dead skin buildup. Foot creams and epsom salts can only do so much – sometimes you need to bring out the heavy hitters!
Foot peels can remove:
The process can seem a bit intimidating because it will be longer than your typical face mask, but once you experience baby-soft skin and clean, smooth toes, we promise you’ll be hooked!
Set yourself up for success by reading the instructions on your foot peel before beginning the application process. Trust us…we’re speaking from experience.
We recommend our PoshPeel™ Pedi Cure as the perfect post-summer peel to get rid of any tough spots accumulated from summer’s wear on the feet.
In just 1-2 weeks, you can remove the wear from 3 months of flip-flops, rough sand, and long walks.
In your PoshPeel Pedi Cure box, you’ll receive a Foot Peel Mask and Activating Essence.
Here’s how you use it:
As you can see, we’ve already touched on some things to avoid while applying your foot peel. In order to have a positive experience with your foot peel, avoid these 11 mistakes so you can get the most out of your foot peel.
If you’re making any of these mistakes, that’s okay! We’re here to suggest alternatives and help you understand why these bad habits can damage your foot peel experience.
At the very least, we recommend leaving two weeks in between treatments if you want to do a foot peel shortly after your last one. However, doing a foot peel every 3-4 months will yield the best results. With this rhythm, you can ensure polished feet in every season and maintain the softness without waiting too long between applications – we don’t want the rough heels and toes to show up again!
Avoid using PoshPeel right after a pedicure, as the exfoliation may remove your toenail polish and you may not see noticeable results without enough dead skin on your feet.
Let’s face it – shedding layers of dead skin from your feet can be…kinda icky. It’s important to time your foot peel properly so you’re rocking baby-soft feet on vacation instead of reptile-inspired dead skin. If you have an event coming up and want your feet to look picture-perfect, we recommend using our at-home foot peel kit at least three weeks in advance. This allows you to complete the full cycle and shed your skin in private. No one wants to see crusty feet on vacation!
If you’ve ever tried a foot peel that didn’t work, this could be the reason why. It’s important to thoroughly soak your feet for about 30 minutes or take a long, steamy shower to ensure the skin is softened before slipping into the booties. 
Don’t rub, pick at, or peel your dead skin. If the skin isn't quite ready to come off, you can end up with a painful open sore. Instead, soak your feet for 30 minutes as needed throughout the duration of your foot peel. Soaking your feet will help loosen any dead skin that’s ready to come off.
Instead of frowning at the 60-90 minute time frame required for a foot peel, use this time as “me time”! This is an opportunity to pamper yourself and create a luxurious, immersive experience that will not only reset your feet but also your mind and body.
If you need some suggestions of what to do during your “me time”, you can listen to music, read a book, watch your favorite show, do a face mask, call a family member or friend, meditate, paint your nails, or practice the art of doing nothing (it’s harder than it sounds!).
Check out how you can create a spa day at home for less than $25.
Rushing the process is a very common mistake that can lead to an ineffective foot peel. Whether you’re cutting corners during application or afterward, this can be detrimental to your foot peel success. Make sure you’re committed to leaving the booties on for at least 60 - 90 minutes and waiting 3 weeks to see the final results.
If you’re not familiar with skincare stacking, it’s essentially habit stacking for your self-care routine. Habit stacking in skincare is when you apply multiple skincare products at once to maximize efficacy in a shorter amount of time. For example, you could be applying eye gels to target undereye darkness and fine lines while you’re soaking in your foot peel booties.
For maximum chill, you can apply a face mask right on top of the eye gels to deeply moisturize and promote a radiant, dewy glow to your complexion. See what we’re getting at?
We highly recommend the Chill Mode Eye Gels and Face Mask for total relaxation. Can you imagine how you’ll feel after 1.5 hours of self-care and calm?
Pro-Tip: Add a hand mask! Applying a hand mask means you’re committed to doing nothing but relaxing – that’s ultimate self-care if you ask us.
Foot peels are the perfect spa night for two! All you need is a friend, a foot peel 2-pack, and refreshing cucumber water to enjoy a DIY spa night from the comfort of your home.
This is also a great date night activity. A couple who peels together, stays together, right? You’ll find the PoshPeel™ XL for larger feet inside the Self-Care For Him Kit along with all of the essentials to skincare stack with you – because everyone deserves a little “me time”.
Don’t even think about applying lotion after your foot peel! We don’t recommend this because the oils found in most lotions could interact with the acids in the peel and reduce its efficacy.
Instead of using lotion, soak your feet for 30 minutes at a time to expedite the exfoliation process until the peeling is complete. Once you’re done soaking, pat your feet fully dry and then slip into your favorite socks.
If you’re experiencing soreness, itching, redness, or blistering, you could be having an allergic reaction to your foot peel. Stay away from foot peels if you’re currently experiencing or have a history of:
For those with sensitive skin, try the Best Foot Forward foot mask! It’s ideal for moisturizing and hydrating your feet with a soothing blend of shea butter and coconut oil sans the acids in a foot peel.
Once you’ve finished the peeling process, it’s important to maintain a foot care routine in between peels. Try Rosé Toes Renewing Foot Mask to upkeep moisture, smoothness, and suppleness to dry, rough feet.
This is not a foot peel – the mask is enriched with a blend of hydrating, moisturizing, and soothing ingredients that work together to deeply nourish your skin, leaving your feet feeling soft, smooth, and revitalized after just 10-15 minutes.
The months between treatments are critical for maintaining results. Implement this evidence-based maintenance routine:
With these guidelines and common pitfalls, you're now equipped to achieve spa-quality results from home foot peel treatments. Regular, properly executed foot peels aren't just about aesthetics—they're investments in overall foot health and wellness.
By following the evidence-based protocols outlined above and avoiding these eleven common mistakes, you can enjoy consistently smooth, healthy feet year-round. Remember that foot health contributes to posture, mobility, and overall quality of life—making proper foot care an essential component of any comprehensive wellness routine.
Ready to find your perfect foot care regimen? Take our quiz to learn more ways to pamper your body! You'll receive personalized recommendations based on your specific needs and lifestyle factors.
