Wednesday, June 5, 2013

Vinegar and Listerine Foot Soak and I Apologize in Advance for Having to See My Feet Again

I have been doing a lot of food pins lately (hazard of being home all day I guess) so I thought I would try a non food beauty type pin. I came across one that said if you soak your feet in vinegar and Listerine that the dead skin on your feet would just "wipe right off". I had my doubts so I figured I would give it a shot on my callused, never wear socks unless I have to, feet.
The pin called for 1/4 cup Listerine, 1/4 cup white vinegar, and a cup of warm water to be mixed together. I couldn't find a small container that was still big enough for my feet so I quadrupled the amounts and poured them into my tub instead.





















Feet before (sorry about having to see my feet, but I did warn you)
Feet soaking
The instructions said to soak feet for 10 minutes, so I grabbed my iPad and read a few chapters in my book (Everyday by David Levithan, killer book I totally recommend it to anybody. It's Quantum Leap meets teenage angst). 
Picture from http://www.cleveland.com/books/index.ssf/2012/09/in_david_levithans_every_day_t.html
The minty smell of the Listerine was very strong so I figured if nothing else my feet would smell pretty good all day. After 10 minutes I rinsed off my feet and wiped them down with a towel. I did notice that some dead skin had come off, but I would not say that I could just "wipe it away". I grabbed my pumice stone and gave my feet a good scrub and did notice that a good amount of the calluses came off.
I would grade the process a B-. It did help take off some dead skin, better than just soaking my feet in warm water would have. That being said, it wasn't the miracle callus remover the pin suggested. It took a little extra effort with the pumice stone to get the majority of the skin off. It's possible if you did this soak every few days, you might see more impressive results but I would suggest having a pumice stone handy to help out. I did have the bonus of having good smelling feet and my bathroom smelled quite minty for the rest of the day. If you were doing an at home spa day I might give this a shot, but I don't think I'll be adding it to my normal beauty routine.

Update 6/18/13: I have had a few comments both on my blog page and on Pinterest that this process does indeed work, I just need to soak my feet longer. You all should know that when I recreate a pin, I always try to stick to the instructions, which clearly said 10 minutes but I'm all for taking friendly advice. While working on another pin I tried this process again, soaking my feet for 20 minutes instead of the prescribed 10. Everything was the same (except this time I invested in a $1 basin from Dollar Tree) and I left them submerged for 20 minutes. I will admit the results were better. More of the callus came off and my feet felt smoother. I still need to use the pumice stone and by no means are my feet callus free, but it's a start. My feet were pruney for awhile and smelled very strongly of mint but other than that I have no complaints. Someone did suggest soaking for 30 minutes, and if you have time for that I say give it a shot but I was lucky to have the 20 uninterrupted minutes. I might try this every few days this summer and see if I can get better results, but not walking around my house barefoot would probably benefit me more.

75 comments:

  1. When I did it, i soaked 30 mins or longer, and it worked fantastic!

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    Replies
    1. Take any basin that can fit your feet, or a foot bath and fill it up with 1 part Listerine, and 1 part vinegar until you have enough to cover up your toenails.Flexitol Nail Cream Reviews

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    2. While effective, this treatment can also be very time consuming and it can get expensive. To use it, pour about one cup of mouthwash or .
      Kerasal Nail Reviews

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  2. I can see how soaking it longer might be more effective. The original pin said 10 minutes and I always try to stick to the instructions to test these pins out. I will have to try soaking them longer to see how much more of my calluses I can remove. Thank you for commenting!

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  3. You shouldn't be sorry about showing you're feet! Mine are worse! You're being real.
    Can't wait to try this :)

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  4. My daughter and I tried it using the green flavor of Equate "Listerine". We soaked for 20 min. Afterwards, we couldn't tell much difference in our skin but our feet weren't in really bad shape anyway. The one problem though, was that it dyed our feet a blue green color!! Looks like seriously bruised feet!! :/

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    Replies
    1. When I was 1st told about this treatment - it was stressed that it had to be listerine by name, not an off brand. Something about the formula that makes it work - i.e. is not listerine but one or more ingredients

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  5. I tried mine with the blue 'Cool Mint' and soaked them for about 15 minutes.. It took me another 15 minutes to get the blue color off, but I did notice that the blue color really only stuck to the dead skin.. So I think a second or third application is necessary. I will try it tonight, but now I need to get raedy to go to church..

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  6. If you use the original "gold" Listerine, there is no problem with colored feet.

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  7. I did it! Loved it! I put a mint and oatmeal bar to melt in the water. Didn't use vinegar. Will try it next time. Anyway, I used the pumice stone, then one of those johnson & johnson babywipes, and my feet are pretty again! Also, the mouthwash cann be used as a disinfectant cleaner, saves money, and you get a clean house and feet! What more could you want?

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    Replies
    1. What kind of disinfectant do you recommend or did you use?

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  8. I just tried this and a regular foot soak does just the same I think

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  9. Try using organic apple cidar viniger instead of regular white

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  10. Trying it now while watching golf. Actually have 1/2 hour. Using green listerine. My big toe hurts really bad and have some pretty bad abrasions from new flip flops. At least it does not burn. No vinegar though.

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  11. nobody warned me that my feet would turn green from the listerine =(

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  12. I just tried this tonight! You are very brave for showing your feet, I wouldn't have lol. My feet are very badly cracked, I wear steel toe shoes all day but when I wear my sandals or flip flops a lot my heels begin to crack. Well this summer it wasn't just my heels. Its become every crevice in my foot is flaking (sorry to gross anyone out)and cracking. So I decided to give it a try. I quadrupled the amount as well, used regular generic listerine (I had read the other would turn my feet colors, apple cider vinegar and hot water. I must say, it did wonders with my feet, they are by no means the dream sandal feet I am looking for. But I am going to keep doing it, every few days or so and see how it goes. I soaked mine for 15-20 min, the water was beginning to get cold. My feet felt very tingly for about an hour afterward lol. I recommend anyone try this, what can it hurt? If nothing else its cheap!!

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    Replies
    1. You could have a foot condition called dyshidrosis, which is a type of eczema that is caused by yeast (candidiasis) in your gut, caused by eating too much sugar. The sugar is creating a home for the yeast to live in and that's the yeast is manifesting itself on your feet. I have the same condition that you have too. What the mouthwash and vinegar does is to cut down on the histamines that are causing the cracks and itching.

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  13. Tried this without the pumice stone (may try it next time) Dead skin did not peel off after 20 minutes and feet smell funny!!

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  14. I have suffered with dry cracked heels for years because of wearing sandals and flip flops, and other than getting a professional pedicure done often,(which costs more than I like), this recipe works. It's inexpensive and easy. I do have to scrub my feet after soaking for about 20 min. to get all the dead skin off. Then I lotion them with a good lotion and voile'!

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  15. To anyone that has cracked hurting feet, put Vaseline all over your feet before bed and put socks on. Try not to walk much on them. Do it every night if you have to. You will tell the difference after 1 day.

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    Replies
    1. My mom does it all the time. She says it really works!

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    2. Vicks vapor rub works for that too and it helps if you have a cough.

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    3. Bag balm works as well, put on hands or feet, socks and go to bed. Put small amount on feet daily before socks and shoes.

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    4. Bag Balm is good and coconut oil too.

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    5. Vaseline and Vicks vapor Rub are petroleum products and not fit to use on your skin. Petroleum seeps in through our skin (the feet being a huge entry point because the pores are so large), into the blood stream, surrounding cells and organs with a greasy, impenetrable barrier to nutrients and medications.... I've tossed anything in my house that has petroleum in it.... Not sure what's in Bag Balm but coconut oil is awesome!

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  16. I did this for the past 3 nights, but the post I saw said use apple cider vinegar. The mix smelled like a bad minty salad. Yuck! I did notice a difference the first night (mostly on my dry toes), but my heels were so cracked I knew I needed to give it another try. After each soak, I used a pumice stone and applied lotion before sleeping in socks. After 3 tries, my heels are much better with no noticeable cracks. They are still a little dry, but much better. I would give this method a B+, but not with only 1 application.

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  17. Trying this right now. I will let you all know. My feet are a mess. I have dry skin patches that grow larger and larger. Doctors don't know what to do to help so I will try anything. They are almost like planter warts and my dad had them and now my daughter has them. I wish I knew what to do. I love to wear pretty shoes but I don't always do it. If anyone has other suggestions please let me know.

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    Replies
    1. Rainy you should use Bag Balm (comes in a square green tin found in the pharmacy area) and cover with socks before going to bed. After a few nights your feet should be nice.

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    2. Try putting Lotrimin on your cracked heels for a couple nights

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    3. Try coating your plantar warts with raw honey...it kills everything. I am a nurse and we use honey for all types of infected wounds. Warts are viral in nature. Apply twice daily until gone.

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    4. The foot doctor's at a highly respectable hospital told me to use Super Glue. When I get a crack in my heels I just layer it on. Two or 3 layers makes it feel as if there isn't a crack, anymore. I thought they were nuts when they told me but it really, REALLY works. No more pain. It should stay on until the crack heals, which, in fact, heals twice as quickl than if I wouldn't have used it at all. Don't just take my word for it. TRY IT ONCE and you will be painless in 3 minutes...

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  18. It makes sense that your feet turn blue using blue listerine. Vinegar is used with warm water to make the dye adhere to the shells on Easter eggs......and I believe to set the dye in fabrics. Considering how porous skin is.........

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  19. if you go to your neighborhood home improvement store and get you some Fine grade drywall screens, they work much better than a pumice stone or a ped egg and you can cut them to size. If you try getting rid of the dry skin first then doing this soak it works wonders. it has cured my dry cracked heals and the screens are a great way to keep up smoothening of the heels.

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    Replies
    1. Drywall Screens? how do they work?

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    2. You can also use 60 or 80 grade regular sand paper.

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    3. Getting ready to try this for the first time. Hoping my feet don't turn blue...using Wal-Mart brand blue mouthwash. Not using vinegar...don't like that smell at all. So, we shall see

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  20. Try a micro plane. Google micro plane for feet or pedis. They are fantastic and are used on dry feet only. Takes only minutes and your calluses are gone. A must try and they are inexpensive. K. M. Phoenix Az

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  21. Micro Plane is amazing!!

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  22. I used 1/2c vinegar and 1/2 cup listerine (no water) and poured it into a bowl. I soaked some white cotton socks in the mixture, wrung them out slightly, and put them on. Then I put gallon size zip lock bags on my feet and held them in place with rubber bands. This enabled me to cook and clean without having to sit and wait for the soak to be done. I think I left them on about 30 min. Then I hopped in the shower and used a pumice to help with the exfoliation. I would say I used less effort with the pumace than usual. I was amazed at how smooth my feet were!

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    Replies
    1. That is an excellent idea!! I am a full time student and mom and I volunteer about 25-30 hours a week at times, so it is hard to find the time to just sit and let my feet soak lol.... that sounds like a great way to do it!

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  23. how can I get the blue colour off my toenails!!!! help, they are blue and look awful

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  24. You have some sexy feet. I like your toes.

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  25. I have tried different variations of this one thing don't use blue Listerine because it dies turn your feet blue the one I use is a light purple color the smell isn't as strong and it doesn't turn your feet a color I also soak for 30 mins it's not perfect but I feel it does work a lot better also u can use baking soda ad a foot bath ad well and taking the baking soda making a paste and using it as a foot scrub

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  26. I'll have to ask my Mum, but I am sure my Nanna used to use Epsom salts in a foot bath - wonder if you can still buy that?

    Have to say reading everything here, it doesn't sound as though this is much better than a normal off the shelf foot soak - and although someone said it was a cheap alternative, Listerine (in the UK) is around £3 or £4 a bottle, and if you need a cupful per soak, it's not going to last long. Last time I bought a prepared foot-soak it was about the same price but you only need a small cap of it, so would last longer than the bottle of Listerine.

    White vinegar, and cider vinegar on the other hand, both have many uses!

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  27. I found that the Listerine coloured my feet..... That was NOT a pretty look

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  28. I used the blue listerine-1 cup, white vinegar-1 cup, and 2 cups of hot water. I soaked 10 minutes. Then exfoliated with the $3 paddle type exfoliator from Sally Beauty. The callouses came off so easily! Way easier than doing it in the shower. I slathered a foot cream on after, and my feet were as soft and clean as a professional pedicure!

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  29. Actually I don't mind seeing your feet. They look really great before and after!!

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  30. For a fungal problem, try tea tree oil. You can get it at health food stores. I've see it at Rite Aid. Got rid of a mild case of toe nail fungus. Some have suggested cutting tea tree oil with olive oil. I used generic Vaseline (petroleum jelly). The remedy got my Dermatologist's blessing. I also use it on a case of psoriasis. Doesn't fix it over night, but I don't have flaky spots any more.

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    Replies
    1. Patchouli essential oil works great for foot fungus', but must be diluted in water or a carrier oil, like olive or other options. Tea Tree essential oil can be applied with no diluent safely.

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  31. Soak your feet in a foot spa. Use the Original listerine (off brand will do), add foot wash and salts (optional)..Soak for about 20 minutes. A pumice stone helps to get the old skin off. Use vaseline or a nice foot lotion and put on socks. Not only is it relaxing but it helps in between pedicures.

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  32. After too many hours on my feet yesterday, I woke up with my poor old feet really hurting this morning. So I am soaking as we speak. I used 1/2c off brand mouth wash, 1/2c vinegar, 2 c water in a dish pan and soaked for 30 minutes just because it was so relaxing. The dead skin definitely did not just float away. It did scrap off very easily however. It also left me with very VERY blue feet. I feel like Momma Smurf. Even my toenails were blue. Now they are soaking in a dishpan of plain warm water. The blue did come off almost immediately in the plain bath and I sure don't mind the extra foot pampering this morning. I would just suggest to have plenty of OLD bath towels and a pumice stone or foot file on hand and be very careful not to spill or drip any wash on the carpet. I just wish I had some Epson salts in the house for the second soak.

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  33. Attention for those using Vaseline, it is made with petroleum which is toxic. Am alternative solution is coconut oil. The bonus is, this can be ingested and 2-3 TBSPS per day will benefit your skin as much as, if not more than slathering it on. Just make sure it is extra virgin coconut oil.

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    Replies
    1. http://m.huffpost.com/us/entry/4136226
      The actual name brand Vaseline is safe...well safe enough to use on your skin. It's super refined and triple purified. Off brand petroleum jelly products are what you need to watch out for.

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  34. thank you so much for sharing and don't be ashamed of your feet. everyone on this page probably have the same type of feet, if not worse. my feet are so crusty and cracked, I have not had a pedicure since last year summer! and all I do is put on my ugg boots every single morning, I don't put on lotion or anything! I'm in a hurry and running late for work. When I get home, I put back on my flip flops and I take a shower once a day, and I don't never bother to bend over to even touch my feet, so what little water hits them is all the water my feet see with no soap!

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  35. First I used the small grain type of sandpaper, folded, to buff my feet. Well, at least my heels and the sides. I used the footsoak as directed, twice, except with an off brand gold colored Listerine. I really enjoyed the feeling with really warm, not HOT, water. The results were ok. My sister said had the same results. I will do this again except I will soak them longer. My heels and feet were smoother. I kind of buffed them again. Perfect, no. I'm not complaining though! Afterwards I applied an off brand vaseline and socks. Results? = Nice! I will continue to do this for a while. Maybe once a week. I expect that I'll see improved results. BTW, there's nothing wrong with your feet. Thanks for the pin! :-)

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  36. I just used 1/4c vinegar 1/4c epson salt 1/2c warm water i soak my feet for 30 mins one time and it did wonders dead skin peels rite off
    I think im ready for the summer

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  37. I tried this tonight, I think I should have soaked longer, but got a good layer off. I did use the green generic Listerine, it tinted feet green, but then did a foot scrub and rinsed off; no green! Feel great, going to try with baking soda to see of the foaming helps...we'll see hehe

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  38. Good news, folks. I have peripheral neuropathy and cannot wear socks, only Nike slides that are 3 sizes too big. Could not even wear slides and had to go entirely barefoot for 3 years. Cannot stand anything to touch my toes, and my feet crack like crazy. Heels are worst, including sides and bottoms, but get toe cracks as well. Obviously cannot use Vaseline and socks remedy. My medical team, including dermatologists, neurologists and rheumatologist were out of ideas. At some point, I was obsessing about remedies and recalled how 100% pure lanolin saved my cracked and bleeding nipples back when my aggressive feeder son chewed me up. It is not easy to find, but if you persist, a number of pharmacies carry this over-the-counter substance, generally in the baby section. It is all natural, and works just as well as steroid ointments without the risks.

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  39. I used Purple listerine. My feet are terrible. I soaked for 20 minutes and the minor areas did look and feel better...But the really bad areas (my heels) didn't have much of a difference if any at all. I'll wait a few more days. I'm testing to see if it takes a few soaks to really make the difference since my feet were/are so bad! The other thing is, My feet felt cold for several hours later (like what peppermint does to the inside of your both. That cool minty feeling...).

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  40. I used the blue Listerine but not as much as called for, put baking soda in it then a large glass of hot water and right before putting my feet in I added enough vinegar to foam up with the baking powder..... I did use a callus / dead skin removing tool but I was short on time so only soaked for about 5 minutes and it all came off easily.... it's been 3 hours and my feet still feel soft without lotion so 10 minutes and using lotion would make it even better I'm sure. My feet didn't turn colors, they felt wonderfully tingly for a while and smelled delightfully minty

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  41. Firstly - thanks for sharing, this blog is very interesting. I suffer with very dry and rough feet, with particularly hard skin on the outer edge of both feet. Since the heels of my shoes also wear unevenly on the outer edge, I'm guessing this has something do to with my gait. More concerning however, is over the last few years I have started to develop very itchy blisters on the soles and edge of my feet. These occur sporadically and once healed, leave scarred areas of hard skin. Somebody recently told me they suffer from a similar problem and their mother, who is a nurse advised it down to an allergy, the key being to find out the cause of the reaction. I was wondering if anyone else has experienced this. I'm also planning to try the Listerine and vinegar foot soak, although I seem to recall the original post advised to also use baking soda in this solution.

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    Replies
    1. Your problem could be related to an allergy, possibly contact with something. Being an RN, my first thought after allergy was pustular psoriasis. I do hope that is not the case for you. It differs from plaque psoriasis in that your skin does not form plaques on your scalp, neck, arms, etc. Those I know who have it exhibit varying degrees of blister-like outbreaks mainly on their palms and the soles of their feet. The blisters itch and make it painful to walk for a few. These will heal to hardened areas only to break out again. Make an appointment with your PCP or a dermatologist for a diagnosis. Psoriasis is a variable and unpredictable condition that can affect your quality of life but there are many new emerging treatments.

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  42. i did this & my feet are dead skin free. i did not use any type of mouth wash tho, just water & viniger. i soaked my feet for about 20 minutes & used somehting similar to a pedegg.

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  43. I tried Miracle Soap all over my body for exfoliation. Everything just came falling off my body too fast. I ended up with tiny, black seed-like hairs under my skin on both arms because I couldn't wash it all off of me. How do I get rid of this stuff?

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  44. Talked with my nail-tech friend & she said her expensive callouss removers are usually 60 or 80 grade sandpaper for really tough skin, followed up by 100 grade to smooth out the skin. I purchased a $5 sanding block & packs of sand paper for well under $15. Works great on my feet.

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    1. Thank goodness i'm not the only one that found using a sand block was what I used on my dried, cracked heels! I'm soaking now and reading everyone's comments! I'm using the generic yellow mouthwash and no discoloring to my feet!

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  45. Do this really work? Im only asking because im gonna try it for the first time.

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  46. How about Listerine Foot Soak And Listerine Foot Soak Does it Work ? interesting to read http://www.listerinefootsoak.com/foot-soaks/listerine-foot-soak-does-it-work/

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  47. can you use colgate or other types of mouthwash instead of Listerine?

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  48. OMG!!! Thanks a lot for sharing so amazing article about the white vinegar! Thanks a lot for sharing!East Ham Carpet Cleaners Ltd.

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