“Calluses and thickened skin under the feet is due to aggravation, from factors such as heat, pressure and friction. The body produces this skin as protection.  If neglected the skin will continue to thicken and irritate the soft underlying skin causing it to become even thicker. Many women use tools such as foot files or pumice stones to maintain their pedicures, but it’s the very friction of these accessories that will further stimulate the skin to come back worse than before. It’s best to simply use a scrub to gently exfoliate the excess skin as not to break the collagen fibers.”

“The lifetime for a skin cell is about 21 days which means that we regenerate our skin every three weeks. The skin cells are made in the deep layer and migrating to the surface. Cracking or pilling the skin will affect this skin cycle and generally the skin will become harder and thicker. If you don’t get rid of this dead skin, you will build up painful calluses,” explains Gonzalez. His surprising top tip for prevention? “To stop this build up, use an old electric toothbrush on the sides around your toenails three times a week.”

“Most people moisturise feet incorrectly, and therefore don't get the true hydration they seek. The skin on the feet is several layers thicker than the rest of the body, and oily, greasy products such as Vaseline - which is the most common type used for feet - won’t penetrate the skin, but rather leave it feeling even drier over time, especially once you’ve washed the product off. True hydration can be achieved by being consistent in applying a water-based moisturising balm.”