Thursday, June 28, 2012

Crowning your soles

I've been stuck with ugly, rough-skinned feet for at least 10 years - thanks to the extra curriculum activities I took part in school last time. I had to practice my dance and Taekwondo bare feet on cement floors.

I've tried several products; almost every cracked heel cream and callus removing liquid from Scholl and  Ellgy but none of these work for me. Then I explored deeper into foot masks; LUS Exfoliating Foot Mask and Actizen Foot Mask. And today, I found out about Tsuya Tsuya Silk Factor Callus Softening Patch! I'll briefly review each products I've used and these are all based on my own personal opinions.

#1 Scholl Corn & Callus Removal Liquid
- Available at major pharmacy/drug stores I think. I bought it from Watson's at RM16.90.
- Application: Apply twice a day and allow it to dry before walking around. It's quick drying so don't worry, it's only around 30 seconds.
- Time needed: Varies. I applied for a month and my callus became smaller, but it didn't go away.
- How does it work? : Keep applying the liquid until the skin on your callus is damaged and ready to be peeled off. Peeling takes a bit of time, recommended to soften callus first (in the shower or soak them in lukewarm water) before trying to peel it off.  Do not attempt to peel forcefully or you'll worsen the condition.
- Pros: Effectively remove thick skin (callus) on a certain area of your feet that hurts you.
          : Quick applying method and quick drying liquid.
- Cons: This acidic liquid damages your skin in order to peel off the callus.
           : Unaffected areas around the callus may be damaged as well with constant contact with liquid.
           : Extra care needed when attempting to peel off the callus.
           : Takes long period before the callus is completely gone.
           : Removal gets difficult as callus became smaller.
           : Tendency to hurt flesh on your sole.
- Ratings: 5/10




#2 LUS Exfoliating Foot Mask

- I got mine from Supermodels-secret.com at RM48 for a box of 2 pairs.
- Application: Socks-like foot mask sheet to be worn
- Time needed: 2 hours for application, 10-14 days to take effect.
- How does it work? : Dead skins on your feet will gradually peeled off automatically in 2 weeks time.
- Pros: Dead skin will come off in a big patch.
          : Effortless
- Cons: Time consuming
           : Uncomfortable during application as heat/warmth will trap in the plastic socks-like foot mask.
           : Messy - you'll leave the dead skins everywhere and you couldn't help it.
- Ratings: 6/10

#3 Actizen Foot Mask (Similar to #2 LUS Exfoliating Foot Mask)

- My sis introduced this to me; usually it costs RM48-RM50 per pair, but she got it from Groupon and it was only RM24/pair. (*v*)/$$
- Application: Socks-like foot mask sheet to be worn

- Time needed: 2 hours for application, 10-14 days to take effect.
- How does it work? : Dead skins on your feet will gradually peeled off automatically in 2 weeks time.
- Pros: Dead skin will come off in a big patch. 
          : Effortless
          : Peeling process tends to be less messy compared to LUS.
          : BABY SMOOTH SKIN after 2 weeks!!
- Cons: Time consuming
           : Uncomfortable during application as heat/warmth will trap in the plastic socks-like foot mask.
           : Messy - you'll leave the dead skins everywhere and you couldn't help it. 
- Ratings: 9/10

Oh oh do read about it at Cheeserland.com, she did a better job for the review! :)


#4 Tsuya Tsuya Silk Factor Callus Softening Patch
- Available in Watson's. RM20+ per packet (6 pieces) or better if you can find the Value Pack (3 packets/18 pieces + Foot File) at RM49.90. 
- Application: Sheets of foot patches to be placed directly on feet. No socks-like method.
- Time needed: 10 minutes for application, 15 minutes for filing.
- How does it works? : Unlike socks-like foot masks, this comes in 6 indivudual patches you can place anywhere on your sole. However, the troublesome part is where you need to work your way out while sticking it on your sole and next, to adjust your body to lie down on your chest for 10 minutes while waiting for  med to soak in. After that, you'll have to file your feet with a bit of strength to remove the dead skins. 
- Pros: The quickest method compared to all the above. 
          : Instant result!
          : Painless
- Cons: Filing takes a bit of effort.
           : Oily substance; recommended to wash your feet with soap after filing as the liquid from the  
             mask will leave it feeling slippery.
           : Packaging cannot be sealed and therefore you must finish all 6 patches in a go.
           : Doesn't cover the entire feet area.

- Ratings: 8/10

Oh I have picture comparison for this one! It's kinda disgusting but that's the reason I need to get rid of it! D:


Amajing? Amajing.

Verdict? Use Tsuya Tsuya on a weekly basis, Actizen once every 2 months.

Problem solved. Hope it works for you people too! :)