The Ultimate Foot Care Routine for Sandal-Ready Feet This Spring

As the weather warms up and we swap out our boots for sandals, it’s time to give our feet the attention they deserve. After months of being tucked away in socks and sneakers, your feet might be feeling a little dry, rough, or just not quite ready for their big debut. But don’t worry—we’ve got you covered with the ultimate foot care routine to get them looking and feeling soft, smooth, and sandal-ready.

A great foot care routine isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about keeping your feet healthy, hydrated, and free from dryness and calluses. Whether you’re dealing with cracked heels, rough patches, or just want to maintain soft, pretty feet all season long, following a consistent routine can make a huge difference.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to do for perfectly prepped feet, from deep cleansing and exfoliation to hydration and daily maintenance tips. Plus, we’ll share some must-have products and pro tips to take your foot care game to the next level. Let’s get started!

Step 1: Start with a Deep Clean

Before you dive into exfoliating and moisturizing, it’s important to start with a clean foundation. Our feet take a beating every day—trapped in shoes, collecting sweat, and exposed to bacteria—which can lead to dryness, odor, and even infections if not properly cared for. Giving your feet a thorough cleanse helps remove impurities and preps them for the rest of your foot care routine.

Why Foot Hygiene Matters

• Feet naturally sweat throughout the day, which can trap bacteria and cause odor.
• Wearing closed-toe shoes for long periods of time can lead to moisture buildup and increase the risk of fungal infections like athlete’s foot.
• Proper cleansing helps prevent cracks, dryness, and irritation, ensuring your feet stay fresh and healthy.

How to Properly Wash Your Feet

We know what you’re thinking—I know how to wash my feet! Believe it or not, most people let the water run over their feet in the shower and call it a day—but that’s not enough! 

Here’s how to really clean your feet:

1. Use warm water and a mild, hydrating soap to wash away dirt, sweat, and bacteria. Avoid harsh soaps that strip the skin’s natural moisture.
2. Pay extra attention to the spaces between your toes since they’re prone to collecting moisture and bacteria.
3. Use a soft-bristled brush to gently scrub the soles, heels, and underneath the toenails to remove dead skin buildup.
4. Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residue, then dry completely—especially between the toes—to prevent fungal growth.

Step 2: Exfoliate for Baby-Soft Feet

Now that your feet are fresh and clean, it’s time to tackle dead skin buildup. Exfoliation is the secret to smoother, softer feet, helping to remove rough patches, prevent cracked heels, and ensure maximum hydration absorption in the next step. Whether you prefer a manual scrub or a chemical peel, regular exfoliation is key to keeping your feet sandal-ready all season long.

Why Exfoliation is Essential

Our feet endure constant friction and pressure, which causes layers of dead skin to build up. If left untreated, this can lead to:

• Dry, flaky patches that make your feet look dull
• Cracked heels that become painful over time
• Calluses and rough spots that feel uncomfortable and look unsightly 

By exfoliating regularly, you’ll remove the buildup, revealing baby-soft skin while helping moisturizers absorb more effectively.

Physical Exfoliation: Scrubs & Pumice Stones

For an instant refresh, try manual exfoliation using a pumice stone, foot file, or scrub. Don’t underestimate the power of a little pumice stone! In just a few minutes, you’ll have baby-soft feet and feel like you came straight from the spa.

Pumice Stone or Foot File

• Best for thick calluses and rough heels
• Use after a shower or foot soak, when the skin is softened
• Gently rub in circular motions, focusing on heels and the balls of your feet
• Avoid over-exfoliating—once or twice a week is enough to prevent irritation

Chemical Exfoliation: Foot Peels

If your feet need deeper exfoliation or you can’t stand the feeling of a pumice stone tickling the bottom of your feet, try a chemical foot peel! The POSHPEEL™ Pedi Cure Foot Peel is designed to dissolve dead skin and remove rough patches effortlessly, thanks to its blend of AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid) + BHA (Beta Hydroxy Acid) botanical ingredients.

All you have to do is slip your feet into some booties and let the skincare cocktail do its thing. While you wait, feel free to indulge in some self-care—think your favorite tv show, a fizzy drink, your favorite snack, or some vibey music.

How The Foot Peel Works:

• The AHA + BHA formula penetrates the skin, breaking down dead skin layers
• Over the course of a few days, dead skin begins to painlessly peel away
• The result? Super smooth, renewed feet—without scrubbing!

What to Expect During the Peeling Process:

• Peeling starts around 3–7 days after application
• Full exfoliation takes about two weeks—so plan ahead!
• Don’t manually peel—let the process happen naturally for the best results
• Don’t make these major mistakes

Pro Tips for the Best Foot Peel Experience:

• Start at least 3 weeks before a big event (vacation, wedding, etc.)
• Wear socks during the peeling phase to contain shedding skin
• Moisturize daily after peeling is complete to maintain softness
• Once you’ve completed the foot peel, here’s an aftercare guide for proper maintennce. Learn more about PoshPeel here.

Step 3: Hydration for Supple, Smooth Feet

Now that your feet are clean and exfoliated, it’s time to lock in moisture to keep them soft, smooth, and sandal-ready. Exfoliation removes dead skin, but without hydration, your feet can become dry again very quickly. The key to maintaining soft feet is a combination of daily moisturizing and deep hydration treatments.

Daily Moisturizing Habits

Your feet go through a lot every day, so making moisturization a non-negotiable step is essential. Hydrated feet are less prone to cracking, calluses, and irritation, plus they just feel better!

How to Moisturize Your Feet Properly:

• Apply lotion right after showering to lock in moisture while your skin is still damp
• Massage moisturizer into your heels and soles, as they tend to be the driest areas
• Avoid applying lotion between the toes, as excess moisture can lead to fungal infections
• For extra hydration, apply a thick cream or balm at night and wear cotton socks while you sleep

What to Look for in a Foot Cream:

When looking for a good foot cream, keep an eye out for these naturally hydrating ingredients: 

• Shea Butter → Deeply hydrates and repairs dry skin
• Coconut Oil → Locks in moisture and provides antibacterial benefits
• Glycerin → Attracts and retains moisture for long-lasting softness

Be sure to avoid alcohol-based lotions—they can dry out the skin and cause irritation.

Lock in Moisture with a Foot Mask

Daily moisturization is key, but sometimes your feet need an extra hydration boost—and that’s where a foot mask comes in. Unlike regular lotions, foot masks provide intense, long-lasting hydration in a short amount of time, making them perfect for quick foot care treatments before a big event or just to keep your feet feeling amazing.

The Foot Mask Holy Grail: Rosé Toes

For an ultra-luxurious, spa-like hydration treatment, the Rosé Toes Renewing Foot Mask is a must-have in your foot care routine.

Why You’ll Love It:

• Infused with shea butter, omega-rich strawberry oil, and resveratrol to deeply nourish and restore moisture
• Leaves feet feeling soft, smooth, and refreshed in just 10 minutes
• Comes in convenient, mess-free rose-gold booties—perfect for self-care at home or on the go

How to Use It for Maximum Hydration:

Step 1: Slip your feet into the Rosé Toes booties and relax for 10 minutes
Step 2: Remove and massage in any remaining serum for an extra hydration boost
Step 3: No need to rinse! Just let your feet soak in the nourishing ingredients

Pro-Tip: For even better results, wrap your feet in a warm towel or use a heating pad while wearing the mask. This helps open up pores, allowing the hydrating ingredients to penetrate deeper for next-level softness.

Step 4: Finalize With Nail Care 

Now that your feet are clean, exfoliated, and deeply hydrated, it’s time to focus on nail care. Well-groomed toenails don’t just look great in sandals—they also help prevent common foot problems like ingrown nails, breakage, and discoloration. A few simple steps can keep your nails strong, healthy, and polished all season long.

Keeping Your Toenails Healthy

A little maintenance goes a long way when it comes to toenail health. Whether you prefer a fresh, bare look or a polished pedicure, keeping your nails trimmed, shaped, and nourished is key. 

How to Care for Your Toenails Properly:

• Trim nails straight across → This prevents painful ingrown toenails and ensures even growth
• Buff lightly → Use a fine-grit buffer to smooth ridges and create a natural shine
• Skip cutting your cuticles → Instead, gently push them back after a warm shower or soak to prevent infection

Avoid over-filing or cutting nails too short. This can weaken them and make them more prone to breakage.

Nourish Your Nails from the Inside Out

Strong, healthy toenails aren’t just about external care—your diet plays a big role too! Nutrient deficiencies can lead to brittle, discolored, or slow-growing nails. 

To keep your toenails strong, focus on foods rich in biotin, collagen, and omega-3 fatty acids. 

• Biotin: Found in eggs, nuts, and whole grains to promote thicker, more resilient nails.
• Collagen-boosters: Berries and leafy greens to support nail growth and strength.
• Omega-3s. Found in salmon, walnuts, and flaxseeds keep nails hydrated and prevent splitting. 

Drinking plenty of water also helps maintain moisture levels, preventing dry, brittle nails. A well-balanced diet doesn’t just benefit your nails—it keeps your skin, hair, and overall health in check, too!

Nail Care For All! 

This is a friendly reminder that nail care isn’t just for women—it’s for everyone! Keeping your nails clean, trimmed, and healthy is essential for overall hygiene and well-being. You don’t need to wear polish to maintain strong, well-groomed nails. Simply trimming, buffing, and cleaning them regularly helps prevent breakage, yellowing, and other nail concerns. A little care goes a long way!

Step 5: Maintain Soft Feet All Season Long

You’ve put in the work to clean, exfoliate, hydrate, and groom your nails, but it’ll all go to waste without proper maintenance. With a few simple daily habits, you can maintain soft, smooth, and healthy feet all season long.

Daily Habits for Healthy Feet: 

1. Wear breathable socks → Cotton or moisture-wicking socks help prevent sweat buildup and odor.
2. Choose shoes that fit → Avoid blisters and calluses by wearing shoes that provide proper support and comfort.
3. Massage your feet regularly → Improves circulation, reduces soreness, and helps prevent sore feet—bonus points if you use a hydrating lotion while doing it!
4. Apply lotion before bed → Make a habit of applying foot and hand cream before bed to keep your feet soft and smooth. 

Don’t Forget Your Hands!

Your hands deserve the same level of care as your feet, and hydration is key to keeping them looking youthful. Since you’ll already be relaxing while you wait for your foot mask to soak in, try the Rosé Fingers Renewing Hand Mask too. It delivers deep hydration with shea butter & resveratrol—perfect for an at-home spa moment.

Plus, your hands are one of the first places to show signs of aging, so giving them extra love can make a big difference. Regular hydration helps keep your skin soft, smooth, and free from dryness or fine lines. Pairing a hand mask with your foot care routine is the easiest way to treat yourself from head to toe!

Healthy, Smooth Feet—All Season Long

Taking care of your feet isn’t just a one-time thing—it’s about building simple habits that keep them soft, healthy, and ready for anything. By cleansing, exfoliating, hydrating, and maintaining your results, you’ll avoid dryness, cracks, and discomfort while making sure your feet look and feel their best.

Whether you're gearing up for sandal season or just want to give your feet some much needed TLC, this routine makes it easy to keep them in top shape. A little care goes a long way, so stay consistent and your feet will be good to go year-round.

On your self-care journey? Check out nourishing face masks and eye gels to unleash your best skin yet!