Foot exfoliators, what's the difference between the ones sold at Olive Young and those sold at pharmacies?

◇ If you expect exfoliation effects, you should choose a pharmacy product.
The main ingredient in foot callus treatments, such as Hanmi Pharmaceutical's Uria Cream and Taeguk Pharmaceutical's Banjil Cream, is urea. In addition to foot callus treatments classified as over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, urea is also used as an ingredient in cosmetics, such as foot creams. However, there is a clear difference in effectiveness between OTC drugs and cosmetics. The reason lies in the urea content. The permitted urea content in cosmetics is less than 10%. Professor Ju Min-sook of the Department of Dermatology at Hanyang University Hospital stated, "While cosmetics like foot creams are widely used for removing foot calluses, their effectiveness is actually significantly lower compared to OTC foot callus treatments." She added, "Since foot creams generally only offer general moisturizing effects, if you desire a true exfoliating effect, you should purchase a foot callus treatment sold at a pharmacy." Currently, the urea content in OTC foot callus treatments sold in Korea is approximately 20%. Professor Ju Min-sook stated, “A 20% urea content goes beyond moisturizing to soften dead skin cells,” adding, “If noticeable white flakes of dead skin appear, you should use an over-the-counter foot callus treatment.” If the goal is simply to prevent dryness rather than to remove dead skin cells, using cosmetics such as foot cream is better in terms of moisturization and spreadability.

◇ Itching and allergies may occur, so those with sensitive skin should exercise caution.
Are there any side effects from using foot callus treatments? In fact, the likelihood of side effects from foot callus treatments sold in Korea is low. This is because while high-concentration treatments exceeding 20% ​​are sold overseas, they are rarely found domestically. Nevertheless, caution should be exercised when using the product if you have sensitive skin or open wounds. Baek Young-sook, Academic Director of the Korean Pharmaceutical Association (Pharmacist), stated, "Side effects such as rashes, burning sensations, itching, irritant dermatitis, and allergic reactions can occur." She added, "Those with open wounds should refrain from using the product, and those with sensitive skin should apply a small amount first to check for any adverse reactions before using it." Generally, side effects from foot callus treatments disappear within two to three days, but if they persist for a long period, it is advisable to visit a doctor.

◇ If there is no effect after using it for more than a month, visiting a hospital is recommended.
It is recommended to use foot callus treatments up to three or four times a day. It is advisable to set a usage period of about one month. Academic Director Baek Young-sook stated, "If symptoms do not improve after long-term use of about a month, caution is advised as the calluses may be caused by other conditions, such as athlete's foot, rather than ordinary calluses." She added, "In this case, the foot callus treatment should be used in conjunction with medication." However, caution should be exercised when using foot callus treatments if you are applying steroid ointments long-term. This is because the nature of foot callus treatments increases drug absorption, which can lead to side effects due to high concentrations of steroids. Patients with kidney disease should also exercise caution, as the urea component can accumulate in the body and worsen kidney function.

Some people occasionally use foot callus treatments on their faces, but this is not advisable. In fact, a past TV program aired a scene showing a mixture of moisturizer and foot callus treatment being used as a substitute for eye cream. Academic Director Baek Young-sook stated, "We do not recommend its use because the substance can become contaminated during the mixing process, and there is a risk of it entering the eye mucous membranes when applied to the face."