The Best DIY Foot Scrubs To Soften Your Feet
The Best DIY Foot Scrubs To Soften Your Feet
Cracked heels are not only embarrassing but also painful. You know that roaming about with cracked heels is a complete no-no. So, you keep on trying new ways to hide your feet, and the more you hide them, the more uncomfortable you feel.
Cracked feet can be a result of dehydration, improper diet, and wearing the wrong kinds of footwear. It’s always preferred to start taking precautions before your heels start to crack and eventually lead to pain and bleeding.
Almost all of us know about normal pedicure tips at home. Now let’s talk about some foot care tips other than a routine pedicure.
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How To Soften Your Feet?
Below are some simple everyday care tips for your feet that you can always adapt to cure cracked feet and get smooth and flawless feet. Here are some such remedies and tips on how to soften your feet –
1. Use Baking Soda
Here, we need the most common ingredient from the kitchen!
- Add two tablespoons of baking soda to warm water
- Soak your feet in the liquid for about half an hour.
- For maximum benefit, you can add bath salts to it. Bath salt is easily available in the market and helps to soften the skin and ease the muscles.
- Repeat it regularly!
2. The Magic Of Banana
Banana is a tropical fruit that boasts of a number of health benefits. It even helps to cure super-cracked feet without any hassle.
- Whip a ripe banana in a mixer
- Apply the paste evenly on your feet.
- Let it dry for 10 minutes and then wash it off with warm water.
- Try this remedy once a week and achieve the desired result.
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3. Daily Cleaning Regime
Following a strict regimen for cleaning the feet regularly is very important. It will prevent the accumulation of dead skin as well as protect your skin from drying and peeling off. All you need to do is follow a simple procedure every night before sleeping.
- Just add a bit of salt to warm water
- Soak your feet in it for 10 minutes.
- Once you’re done, pat them dry, and follow them up with a good moisturizer.
- Wearing socks while sleeping will help to lock in the moisture.
4. Wonder Of Olive Oil
Olive oil is a great moisturizer, especially for dry skin.
- The easiest way is to dip a cotton ball into olive oil and apply it to the affected areas.
- Gently massage in a circular motion and once you’re done with the massage,
- wear a pair of socks and let your skin absorb the oil. Rinse off your feet after an hour.
- For maximum benefit, leave the oil on the skin overnight and rinse off the next morning.
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5. Use Vinegar
- Prepare a warm soak at home by adding apple cider vinegar to it and treat the ugly and dry cracks on your heels!
- You can also add two drops of dish wash in the liquid for better results.
6. Try Peppermint Oil
Apply some peppermint oil on your cracked heels every day before going to bed.
The antiseptic properties present in the oil will not only kill germs and bacteria but will also prevent you from getting infections. It will also reduce the soreness.
It is one of the easiest home remedies to heal cracked feet.
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7. DIY Foot Scrub
Treat your dry and cracked heels with this simple homemade foot scrub.
- You can make this scrub by mixing oatmeal with lemon juice.
- Make a paste and apply on the affected heels for about 30 minutes
- Then rinse it off with cold water.
- You can also use jojoba oil or Vaseline instead of lemon juice.
8. Treat It With Honey
Honey has many healing properties and is an excellent product for the skin.
- Add a cup of raw honey to a bucketful of warm water.
- Soak your feet in that bucket.
- Repeat it every day for around 10 to 15 minutes and say bye-bye to the dryness.
READ: 16 Best Ways To Use Honey For Dry Skin
9. Best Natural Moisturizer – Milk
- Prepare a warm foot soak by adding a cup of hot milk into it.
- Soak your feet in it for some time.
- Do this every day and you will soon love your soft feet!
10. Soak Feet In Lukewarm Water
- Once or twice a week, soak your feet in lukewarm water diluted with two tablespoons of sea salt for about 20 minutes.
- Then scrape off the dead cells with a mild foot scrub or pumice stone.
11. Treat Calluses
If you have the problem of calluses or cracked heels, then apply a heavyweight moisturizing cream after a bath each day or at night before going to bed. Use a heavy layer of creams like Nivea or crack cream.
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12. Clean The Dirt Using Cleaning Needle
- Take a dirt cleaning needle for feet or you can also use the opposite end of a blackhead remover to clean all the dirt from the sides of toenails, especially the thumbs.
- Be very careful not to prick inside your nails.
- You can also use the pointed end of a stainless steel nail buffer.
- Avoid rusted dirt cleaning needles and always use clean and stainless steel ones. This protects you from any fungal infections.
- It is important to use the correct products on your feet too. If you need to look into getting rid of yellow toenails then make sure you use a known product that will work.
Word of Caution: Please do not use a sewing needle or safety pin for this.
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13. Remove Hangnails
- Scrape and remove hangnails or dead hanging skin from the sides with the help of a cuticle remover.
- Just swipe carefully over the hanging skin in the opposite direction.
- You are not necessarily pushing the cuticles here. I personally do not prefer pushing cuticles back( that’s my choice), but I do scrape the hanging skins.
READ: 10 Best Nail Strengtheners That Really Work
14. Trim Toenails Regularly
Trim toenails at least once every two weeks. Wearing long toenails isn’t very hygienic, stylish, or even safe. If they get too long, dirt will accumulate in them. Besides, there is also a possibility of them breaking and coming off with live skin.
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15. Buff Toenails
Buff toenails as and when you can. This is as important as buffing your fingernails. Don’t forget to buff and shine your toes’ nails as they need the same care as your fingernails.
16. Keep Feet Dry
If your feet sweat and give out a bad odor or you have to wear shoes to work which do not allow air to flow, dab on some talcum powder inside the shoes (if wearing shoes on bare feet) or puff on your feet’s underside (if wearing a sock). This will absorb the sweat and get rid of the stench as well. You can also rub two drops of pure sandalwood, lavender, or chamomile oil on your feet before putting on your shoes.
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17. Apply Base Coat
If you do not have the habit of wearing polish on your toenails; then try keeping a base coat on with a transparent topcoat. This will give a healthy natural look to your toenails.
18. Cleanse Feet Using Antibacterial Solution
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If you are someone who wears shoes or sandals for long hours, then you must occasionally soak your feet in an antibacterial liquid made by dropping four drops of antiseptic liquid into the water. Follow this by cleansing your feet with an antibacterial soap.
19. Wash Footwear
Likewise, you can also wash your shoes with an antiseptic liquid. Later dry them under the sun.
How To Soften Your Feet
It is advisable to drink a lot of water to keep your body hydrated and to avoid dryness in your skin. Implement the above remedies and notice your feet getting better every day.
Homemade Foot Scrubs Recipes To Pamper Your Tired Feet
You religiously follow your CTM routine without fail to make your face glow. But how often do you show this extra love and care to your feet? Just like your face, your feet too get tired after a long and busy day. And they need extra care and attention to look their best.
I understand that it’s impossible to go to a foot spa almost every week. But what if you could give them that royal treatment right at home? In this article, a list of simple and easy DIY foot scrub recipes.
But before we proceed, let’s try to understand how exactly a relaxing foot scrub or foot massage is going to help you.
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Benefits Or Uses Of A Foot Scrubs Recipes
- It boosts blood circulation in your feet, which helps relieve aches.
- Massaging your feet with a scrub relaxes your mind, body, and spirit, thus relieving stress.
- Your feet look amazing because the foot scrub gently exfoliates and removes all the dirt and dead skin cells.
- It soothes foot pain and discomfort due to walking or standing for long hours especially with high heels.
Your feet take the beating every day. So, why not shower them with some love? If you want to help your body as well as your feet, why not look into trying out a foot soaker machine that detoxifies your body by using ionic techniques? This may prove a health benefit for you with continued use, ask a healthcare professional about the use of it in your routine. Here are some DIY recipes for amazing foot scrubs.
20 Homemade Foot Scrubs Recipes
1. Rosemary And Peppermint Foot Scrub
You Will Need
- ½ teaspoon rosemary
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ¼ cup bath salt (sea salt, Epsom, or kosher salts)
- 2-3 drops peppermint oil
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil
Method
- Add the salt to a large bowl and mix well with coconut and olive oils.
- Add the peppermint oil and rosemary. Mix well.
- If it’s too dry, add more coconut and olive oils.
- Store in a glass jar.
How It Works
If you have dry skin, try this homemade scrub. Rosemary is ideal for relieving aches and rejuvenating the skin on your feet. When applied on a regular basis, it removes tan and blemishes and makes your feet glow. Peppermint oil helps in relieving aches and pain.
2. Strawberry And Sugar Foot Scrub
You Will Need
- ½ cup granulated sugar (don’t use fine sugar)
- 2 strawberries
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Method
- Mash the strawberries and mix the sugar in them.
- Add the olive oil and mix well.
- Apply the scrub to your feet and wait for 20 minutes before washing.
How It Works
This foot scrub looks delicious and has a sweet aroma that’s invigorating. It is suitable for all skin types. Strawberries have anti-aging properties and are great for preventing cracked heels. They soften the skin on your feet and protect them from UV rays.
3. Peppermint Foot Scrub With Epsom Salt
You Will Need
- 1 cup Epsom salt
- 1 tablespoon olive or coconut oil
- 3-4 drops peppermint oil
Method
- Mix all the ingredients in a bowl and transfer them to a glass jar.
- Scrub your feet for 10 minutes with this mixture. Leave it on for another 10 minutes.
- Wash and follow up with a moisturizer.
How It Works
Peppermint oil is antiseptic and antimicrobial. It relieves aches and pain while coconut/olive oil softens the feet and moisturizes them. This scrub is great for tired feet and is suited for all skin types.
Caution
Do a patch test before using peppermint oil.
4. Coconut Oil And Salt Foot Scrub
You Will Need
- 1 cup salt (use Epsom or any bath salt)
- ¼ cup of coconut oil
- 3-4 drops of any essential oil
- ¼ cup vitamin E oil (you can squeeze the liquid from vitamin E capsules)
Method
- Mix all the ingredients in a bowl and store them in a jar. Keep it aside for a few days.
- Use the mixture to scrub your feet gently for at least 20 minutes.
How It Works
This is the best DIY foot scrub for cracked heels. It is safe for all skin types and rejuvenates your feet. Coconut oil is excellent for healing many skin conditions. It slows down aging and makes the skin smooth.
Note: You can omit the vitamin E oil if you want.
5. Lavender And Salt Foot Scrub Recipe
You will Need
- ½ teaspoon lavender essential oil
- 1 cup bath salt (sea salt/kosher salt/Epsom salt)
- 2 tablespoons lavender buds (optional)
- ½ cup grapeseed oil
Method
- Add the salt to a bowl and mix well with the buds.
- Add the lavender and grapeseed oils to this and blend.
- Damp your feet and gently massage the scrub on them.
- Leave it on for 10-15 minutes and then wash it off.
How It Works
Lavender has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties and keeps many skin issues at bay. It also has a calming effect that induces relaxation.
6. Brown Sugar And Olive Oil Exfoliating Foot Scrub
You Will Need
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 drops of essential oil (chamomile or peppermint)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
Method
- Combine the sugar, olive oil, and baking soda in a bowl.
- Add the essential oil and scrub your feet with the mixture.
- Leave it on for at least 20 minutes and then wash it off.
- Follow up with a moisturizer.
How It Works
This is the simplest of all DIY foot scrubs, but it does an amazing job of keeping your feet happy. It is extremely gentle, and the essential oils comfort your feet.
7. Baking Soda Foot Scrub
You Will Need
- 3 tablespoons baking soda
- 1 tablespoon water
Method
- Make a thick paste by mixing the baking soda and water.
- Apply it to your feet and massage for 10 minutes.
- Wash it off.
How It Works
This is another easy-to-prepare foot scrub for tired feet. Baking soda not only relieves aches and pain but also fights toenail fungus.
Note: You can soak your feet in baking soda mixed with warm water and then follow up with this foot scrub.
8. DIY Coffee Ground Foot Scrub
You Will Need
- 2 tablespoons coffee grounds
- 2 tablespoons sugar (coarse)
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
Method
- Mix all the ingredients and prepare a thick paste.
- Apply it all over your feet and massage for 15-20 minutes.
- Wash it off.
How It Works
This DIY homemade foot scrub enhances the texture of the skin on your feet. The coffee grounds have anti-inflammatory properties, which help relieve swelling and pain. Massaging helps improve blood circulation in your feet.
9. Tea Tree Oil And Mint Foot Scrub
You Will Need
- 1 cup bath salt
- 2-3 drops tea tree essential oil
- 2-3 drops peppermint essential oil
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Method
- Combine the sea salt and the oils in a bowl until you get a paste.
- Apply the paste on your feet and scrub for 10 minutes.
- Wash and follow up with a moisturizer.
How It Works
The essential oils soothe your feet and kill any bacteria and germs present on them.
Note: If you have cracked heels, the essential oils might sting a bit. But there is nothing to worry about.
10. Honey And Camphor Foot Scrub
You Will Need
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2-3 drops camphor essential oil
- 1 cup bath salt
Method
- Mix the bath salt and honey in a bowl.
- Add the essential oil to this and blend well.
- Apply the paste to your feet and gently massage for 10 minutes.
- Leave it on for some time.
- Soak your feet in warm water with bath salt.
- Pat dry and apply moisturizer.
How It Works
This DIY foot scrub is excellent for rough skin and suits all skin types. Camphor oil is an excellent disinfectant, nerve pacifier, and antiseptic. Honey makes your feet soft and rejuvenates them.
READ: 16 Best Ways To Use Honey For Dry Skin
11. Honey And Sugar Foot Scrub
You Will Need
- 1 cup bath salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar (coarse)
- 2 tablespoons raw honey
- 7-8 drops lemon essential oil
- 1 cup olive or coconut oil
Method
- Mix the sugar and bath salt in a bowl and add the olive/coconut oil to it.
- Add honey and mix well.
- Add the essential oil at the end so that it is evenly distributed.
- Apply the scrub to your feet and massage for 15 minutes.
- Leave it on for some time (a few minutes) and then wash it off.
How It Works
The smell of lemon is very rejuvenating, and the scrub feels great on the feet. Honey works wonders in making your feet skin softer than ever.
12. Homemade Magnesium Foot Scrub
You Will Need
- 1 cup magnesium salt
- 1 teaspoon liquid castile soap
- ¼ cup coconut or almond oil
- 9-10 drops essential oil (you may use any)
Method
- Mix all the ingredients, except the essential oil, in a bowl.
- Add the essential oil and mix well.
- Scrub your feet with the mixture for 10 minutes and then wash with water.
How It Works
This foot scrub is best for those who are suffering from skin issues on their feet. Magnesium is absorbed instantly when applied topically. It relieves pain, soothes your aching muscles, and also treats any skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema.
Note: You can use Epsom salt if you don’t find magnesium salt.
13. Pineapple And Yogurt Foot Scrub
You Will Need
- ½ cup crushed pineapple
- ½ cup sugar (coarse)
- 2 tablespoons yogurt
Method
- Mix the sugar and yogurt in a bowl and then add the pineapple to it.
- Massage the scrub on your feet for 10 minutes. Leave it on for another 10 minutes.
- Wash with lukewarm water.
How It Works
Pineapple is an excellent source of vitamin C and has enzymes that exfoliate dead skin cells. Yogurt brightens the skin and improves the texture.
14. Sugar And Milk Foot Scrub
You Will Need
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 cups lukewarm water (enough to soak your feet)
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
Method
- Pour the milk and water into a pedicure basin and soak your feet in it for 15 minutes.
- Mix the granulated sugar with oil.
- Remove your feet and scrub them thoroughly with the oil and sugar paste. Wash it off.
- Massage with coconut oil and put on your socks.
How It Works
The lactic acid in the milk breaks down the dead skin cells, and the scrub gently exfoliates your feet. The milk fat and coconut oil moisturize your feet.
15. Sugar And Vanilla Foot Scrub
You Will Need
- 1 vanilla bean pod (extract the seeds)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup of coconut oil (unrefined)
Method
- Whisk the coconut oil until it’s a bit fluffy.
- Add the sugar and vanilla seeds to it and mix.
- Apply the mixture to your feet and scrub for 10 minutes.
- Leave it on for another 10 minutes and then wash it off.
How It Works
This scrub soothes any skin irritation, removes dead skin cells, and moisturizes the feet. Coconut oil works like magic on your skin. Vanilla is a relaxant and is rich in antioxidants that keep your feet infection-free.
16. Oatmeal Foot Scrub
You Will Need
- 2 tablespoons bath salt
- 2 teaspoons oatmeal
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2-3 tablespoons water
Method
- Mix all the ingredients in a bowl and make a paste.
- Apply the paste to your feet and scrub for 10 minutes.
- Wash and follow it up with a moisturizer.
How It Works
Oatmeal is a great exfoliator, and when combined with bath salt and baking soda, it softens the skin on your feet and soothes rashes and itches.
17. Apple, Orange, And Sugar Foot Scrub
You Will Need
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup of coconut oil (unrefined)
- 2-3 drops orange essential oil
- 2-3 drops apple essential oil
Method
- Combine the sugar and coconut oil in a bowl.
- Add the essential oils and mix well.
- Massage the scrub all over your feet for 5 minutes and leave it on for 15-20 minutes.
- Wash your feet and apply cream or moisturizer.
How It Works
Any citrus smell is known to rejuvenate your senses, and this foot scrub not only makes your feet smell great but also rejuvenates them.
18. Peach And Sugar DIY Foot Scrub
You Will Need
- ½ cup olive oil
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2-3 drops peach essential oil
Method
- Combine the sugar and olive oil in a bowl.
2. Add the peach essential oil drops and mix well.
3. Apply the mixture to your feet and scrub for 10 minutes.
4. Let it sit for another 15-20 minutes and then wash it off.
5. Follow it up with a moisturizer.
How It Works
This scrub looks (and smells) delicious and is easy to prepare. Peach oil is extremely comforting to the skin, and sugar is an excellent exfoliant.
19. Sugar And Pumpkin Pie Spice Foot Scrub
You Will Need
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon powder
- ¼ cup white sugar
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil (add more if needed)
Method
- Mix the sugars in a bowl. Blend well and add coconut oil.
- Add all the spices and mix well.
- Scrub your feet with the mixture for 10-15 minutes and then wash.
How It Works
It smells great, pampers your feet, and smoothens the tough spots. It’s great for all skin types.
20. Lemon And Sugar Foot Scrub
You Will Need
- ¼ cup of coconut oil
- 2 cups sugar (granulated)
- 9-10 drops lemon essential oil
- ½ teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
Method
- Mix the sugar, coconut oil, and lemon essential oil in a bowl.
- You may add lemon zest if you want (for additional scent and color).
- Apply the scrub to your feet and exfoliate.
How It Works
Lemon clears any blemishes from the skin, and sugar scrubs the dead skin cells off. Coconut oil moisturizes your feet and makes them soft.
Expert’s Tips and advice for Homemade Foot Scrubs
- Since these foot scrubs are natural and do not contain any preservatives, they won’t last long. If you are storing them, make sure to use them within 3 weeks or a month (maximum).
- During the showers the best time to use a foot scrub. You can also use it after coming back from work and before hitting the bed. Your feet can soak the maximum effects of moisturization.
- Foot scrubs are made of natural ingredients and hence will not harm your skin. But, if you use them excessively (more than twice a week), they might scrape the skin. It is recommended to use it only twice a week.
- You cannot use it on your face as it will be extremely harsh on the facial skin. But you can use them in your hands.
- These foot scrubs can be a good gift! Store the scrub in an airtight glass jar and decorate it before presenting it to someone.
Homemade DIY Foot Scrubs Recipes To Pamper Your Tired Feet
Forget hitting the spa every time you need a foot massage. With these DIY methods, prepare a relaxing foot scrub at home and pamper your feet to conquer the world.