Dry skin? Cracked heels? Stubborn calluses? Show
Smooth, baby-soft feet are a cornerstone of a beautiful pedicure. A foot file grater is one of the most popular ways to achieve callus-free skin. But is it the best option for your feet? And, how does the electric callus remover stack up? Read on to find out! Foot File Grater: Everything You Need to KnowThe foot cheese grater is an effective way to remove dead skin from your feet. But, it comes with plenty of risks, and it might end up doing more harm than good. What Is a Foot File Grater?A foot file grater is a tool that shaves off dead skin from your feet. It’s a simple steel strip with sharp-edged holes – precisely the same thing you’d use for grating cheese. Foot graters are cheap, lightweight, and useful. But they’re also banned in beauty salons in many states. Here’s why: Are Foot Files Safe?Your feet carry your weight all day long, receiving more pressure than any other part of your body. Feet skin thickens to absorb the mechanical stress and protect you from bacteria. When you shave it off, you’re removing that protective barrier and risking infections. One woman in North Carolina got a near-deadly infection when her nail technician used a grater file to remove her dead skin.1CAITLIN O’KANE. Woman almost loses leg after getting infection she blames on salon procedure, CBS News. 2018 In her post, she writes: “I am ambulance to the Emergency Room to find out I am toxic and have a serious case of cellulitis caused by a strep infection in my bloodstream caused by the scrapes on the outside of my heel from the callus cutter.” Foot file graters are banned in salons across North Carolina (and many other states). When you use a foot file grater, there is no way to tell if you’re hitting only dead skin. Most people overdo callus grating, leaving their feet raw. The micro-injuries and scrapes are open doors for bacteria to enter your bloodstream. There is no way to sterilize your foot file properly. Essentially, grating off your calluses is like opening up sores and rubbing bacteria, fungus, and yeast into the wound. Foot File Grater: Pros vs. ConsFoot file graters are easily the most common way of removing dead skin and calluses. There are certain perks to using one:
But, the downsides far outweigh the advantages:
Foot file graters come with potentially life-threatening risks, and this isn’t an overstatement. Luckily, there are safer ways to remove your calluses and achieve smooth, healthy skin. Electric Callus Remover: Better Alternative?Unlike file graters, callus removers slough away dead skin gently but effectively. What Is an Electric Callus Remover?Electric callus removers use a mineral roller to buff away dry skin and calluses. The best way to use them is right out of the shower or after a foot soak. The warm water helps break down the dead skin cells and soften the skin. Then, glide the callus remover over your feet. Are Electric Callus Removers Safe?Electric callus removers are one of the safest foot exfoliation options. Most models will slow down if you press too hard. This feature protects you from shaving off too much skin or hurting the healthy skin underneath. Unlike foot graters, electric callus removers don’t have any sharp parts that could cut you—the spinning stone buffs off the dead skin and calluses, rather than grating away. To make sure the device is clean and safe to use, wash the stone with soap and water, and avoid sharing it with other people. While callus removers can’t open sores, they can still break your skin if you apply them too long. To avoid damaging healthy tissue, make sure your feet are well soaked since dry skin is more likely to break. Electric Callus Remover: Pros vs. ConsWhile electric callus removers are a safer option for smooth feet, a lot of people still hesitate about ditching their foot file grater. To give an honest assessment, let’s compare the perks and downsides of switching to a callus remover. The main benefits of electric callus removers are:
But, callus removers do have some downsides:
Electric callus removers still have more benefits than downsides. Most importantly, with a callus remover, you’re not risking severe medical issues. How to Choose an Electric Callus RemoverWhether you have stubborn calluses or just a bit of unsightly dry skin, a callus remover can buff them off without hurting your skin. Shop around to find the best device for your needs. There are plenty of affordable, powerful, and compact callus remover options. When you’re choosing a callus remover, consider what you need:
Our favorite callus remover brand is Own Harmony because they check all the boxes. Editor’s Choice Callus Remover: Own Harmony Callus RemoverOwn Harmony callus removers pack a lot of value but only cost $29.99. Here’s why we think they’re the best callus remover on the market:
My personal favorite for this summer is the Own Harmony CR1700. It features a 3D stone roller, perfect for hard-to-reach spots. There are two speeds – the second one perfect for stubborn calluses. Even professional pedicures sometimes miss spots, leaving patches of dry skin. As someone who lives by the beach, I have quite a few of these. Since sandal season is upon us, I love that this callus remover can take them all off. The CR1700 also recharges faster and lasts longer, which, along with the compact, easy-to-pack size, makes it perfect for taking on trips and vacations. Foot File Grater Vs. Electric Callus Remover: Final ThoughtsFoot graters have been a salon and home beauty staple for years. But, they are also unnecessarily coarse, hard to clean, and damaging to your skin. The bruises and injuries caused by foot file graters can be an entry point for dangerous infections. Bacteria, yeast, and fungus can all get to your bloodstream and potentially turn into a life-threatening condition. Most states have banned foot file graters from beauty salons. But, many are drawn to their effectiveness and still use them at home. Luckily, there is a safer alternative to get the job done. Electric callus removers only buff away dead skin, without hurting the tissue underneath. Since their rollers are made of stone (rather than metal), they can’t open sores or irritate the skin. Some models have additional systems to make sure you’re using them safely – for instance, the motor slows down when you push. Affordable devices like the Own Harmony model can provide high-quality at the price of a single visit to the salon. All the more reason to ditch your foot file grater already! Are graters used for feet?A foot file grater is a tool that shaves off dead skin from your feet. It's a simple steel strip with sharp-edged holes – precisely the same thing you'd use for grating cheese. Foot graters are cheap, lightweight, and useful.
Can you use cheese grater on calluses?Many salons offer callus remover procedures, often using cheese grater-like devices (or the real things!), but this can be very dangerous, warns Daniel Michaels, DPM.
How do feet heal after cheese grater?As you notice your callus coming back, use an emory foot file on dry feet to smooth everything down. Remember to clean your file with soap and warm water after every use. Follow up with a thick, heavy foot cream. This one is on the pricier side, but it is what I always used in the spa and what I continue to use today.
How often should you scrape your feet?How often? You should check, and care for, your feet regularly – including cutting and filing your toenails if needed. Schedule a regular time, 10 minutes, once a week is sufficient. If you have impaired circulation or diabetes (medium or high risk), it's recommended that you check your feet every day.
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