Have you ever stopped and considered the number of steps you take everyday to walk, workout and generally lead your busy life? Of course, if you have an app or watch to track your steps, you’d know that your feet bear the brunt of everything. Right from carrying our weight around to getting adjusted to all the different footwear, we wear day in and day out, they do it all. Then, there’s dust, dirt and other pollutants that come in contact with your feet, not to forget dirty water during monsoon season! Admittedly, we have all been guilty of not giving our feet enough care and attention. Getting pedicures regularly is great, but exfoliating your feet using foot scrubs is another way to keep aches, pains, infections and even dry skin at bay and get soft and healthy feet.
In this article, we will reveal eight easy DIY foot scrubs that you can make at home to pamper those tired feet and feel relaxed in no time. But before moving on to that, let’s take a look at all the benefits of using foot scrubs.
Benefits of using foot scrub
- Boost blood circulation and eases pain
- Removes dirt and dead skin cells
- Relaxes your feet, body and mind
- Soothes discomfort caused by footwear or hectic lives
- Improves the texture of the skin of your feet
- Brightens and lightens dark toenails
- Prevents the formation of hard skin or calluses
Now that you know all the benefits of using foot scrubs, are you ready to learn how to make a few in your kitchen using the most common ingredients? Scroll down to learn more about eight DIY foot scrubs and how to use them.
Coffee grounds foot scrub
Do you love drinking freshly brewed coffee in the morning to kickstart your day? Well, here’s a tip, don’t throw those coffee grounds in the dustbin, because they are quite useful. It can be easily turned into a scrub to exfoliate and pamper your feet.
How to use:
Mix equal amounts of brewed coffee grounds with sugar, then add a tablespoon of either coconut oil or olive oil. Mix well and rub the paste on your feet in gentle circular motions, pay special attention to your ankles and heels. Wash off after a few minutes.
Brown sugar foot scrub
The granules of brown sugar are soft and fine, which means they easily dissolve and hydrate your skin, keeping it soft and nourished for a longer time. One of the easiest foot scrubs to make, your feet will thank you after an exfoliating session using this scrub.
How to use:
In a bowl add four tablespoons of brown sugar and three tablespoons of olive or almond oil. If you have any fragrant flower petals from your garden, crush and add those to the mixture as well. Massage your feet using this, it will relax both your feet and senses and reduce stress.
Honey and lemon foot scrub
Foots scrubs can be made with pretty much anything, as long as you use one exfoliating and one nourishing ingredient to prepare your DIY foot scrub. This honey and lemon foot scrub brighten and lighten feet while keeping them moisturised. The best time to use it is before going to bed.
How to use:
Mix equal amounts of Epsom salt, sugar and coconut oil, then add one tablespoon honey and five drops of fresh lemon juice or lemon essential oil. Apply the paste on your feet to moisturize them thoroughly.
Baking soda foot scrub
A soothing baking soda scrub is all your feet need after a tiring day to relax and rejuvenate. It can also offer relief from itching and rashes. We recommend using this foot scrub during the monsoon season when your feet are prone to infections.
How to use:
In a bowl, take three tablespoons of baking soda and add one tablespoon of water to prepare a thick paste. Apply it to your feet and gently massage for about 10 minutes, then wash it off. Alternatively, you can also add baking soda to a tub of warm water and soak your feet in it.
Mint foot scrub
There’s nothing quite refreshing and heavenly-smelling like mint. Apart from relaxing the feet, the amazing aroma of mint will also calm your mind and senses. What’s more, mint has healing and nourishing properties which help in tackling cracked heels and dry feet. To make this mint foot scrub, follow the instructions below.
How to use:
Take four tablespoons of brown sugar and add a tablespoon of coconut oil, then add a few drops of peppermint oil. Give it a good mix and apply to your feet, massage for five minutes and allow it to stay on for another five, before washing it off.
Oatmeal foot scrub
The coarse texture of oatmeal makes it an excellent ingredient for exfoliating. It is used in a number of facial exfoliators too, to get rid of dead skin cells gently yet effectively. This oatmeal foot scrub also has the ability to soothe dry itchy skin.
How to use:
Add two teaspoons of oatmeal, one teaspoon of baking soda and enough water to form a thick paste. Mix all the ingredients together and massage your feet using this paste for 10 minutes. Wash it off and follow up with a moisturiser.
Salt and coconut oil foot scrub
Those with dry and cracked heels will particularly benefit from this foot scrub. While salt is a great exfoliator, coconut oil has amazing nourishing properties that will heal and transform your feet.
How to use:
To a cup of salt, add a quarter cup of coconut oil and a few drops of your favourite essential oil. Mix well and store it in a container for a few days before using it. Take out a small quantity and massage your feet slowly to relax and improve blood circulation. Wash the scrub off after a few minutes.
Milk and sugar foot scrub
Milk is rich in lactic acid, which helps break down dead skin cells so they can be easily ‘lifted’ to reveal the soft and glowing skin underneath. Sugar sloughs off dead skin build-up and uproots deep-set impurities to leave you with baby soft feet that are smooth to the touch. To prepare this foot scrub follow the instructions below.
How to use:
Mix equal quantities of milk and water, preferably two cups of each, and add it to a pedicure basin or plastic tub big enough to soak your feet. Keep your feet in it for 15 minutes then remove and scrub using a mixture of sugar and coconut oil. Wash and apply a nourishing foot cream and wear socks to lock the moisture in.
