Vaseline is a barrier product. It prevents the sweat from leaving your skin. That is what provides the softening - your own body fluid stays in the skin rather than continues to leave through evaporation. Periodically, give yourself a break from the vaseline product. Soak in a bathtub. Don't use other products, just soak in water comfortable for you. It helps to rehydrate the skin and soften calluses. Now that I'm older, I have to do that at least once a month or I get skin so dry and cracked that it bleeds. You likely need it more often.