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.