Winter is a period when we should be extra gentle with our feet in terms of foot health. For example, our winter boots could often produce foot odor, and colder weather can aggravate various painful foot issues. So, be creative and prepare your DIY foot remedies from the comfort of your home to take extra care of your feet. But, before we go any further, let’s try to figure out how a pleasant foot scrub or foot massage might aid you. Keep scrolling.
Benefits Or Uses Of A Foot Scrub
Massaging your feet with a scrub boosts blood circulation, which helps relieve aches (1). Massaging your feet relaxes your mind and body, thus relieving stress (1). It makes your feet look amazing because the foot scrub gently exfoliates and removes all the dirt and dead skin cells. It soothes the foot pain and discomfort caused by walking or standing for long hours (1).
Your feet take a beating every day. So, why not shower them with some love? Here are some DIY recipes for amazing foot scrubs.
20 Homemade DIY Foot Scrubs You Can Try
Before you jump to the recipes, here are a few tips that you need to keep in mind:
Do a patch test with the foot scrub to check for allergic reactions, especially if you are using essential oils. Soak your feet in warm water for 10 minutes before using a scrub. This will enhance the massage experience.
Now, let’s check out the recipes.
1. Peppermint Foot Scrub With Epsom Salt
1 cup Epsom salt 1 tablespoon olive or coconut oil 3-4 drops peppermint oil
Peppermint oil relieves aches and pain (2). Coconut and olive oils soften the feet and moisturize them (3). This scrub is great for tired feet and is suited for all skin types. Do a patch test before using peppermint oil.
2. Coconut Oil And Salt Foot Scrub
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 (optional)
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 by keeping the skin moisturized. It also has anti-inflammatory effects and protects the skin barrier (4).
3. Brown Sugar And Olive Oil Exfoliating Foot Scrub
1 tablespoon brown sugar 1 tablespoon olive oil 2 drops of essential oil (chamomile or peppermint) 1 teaspoon baking soda
This is the simplest of all DIY foot scrubs, but it does an amazing job of keeping your feet happy and moisturized. The sugar granules gently scrub the skin, and the essential oils comfort your feet.
4. DIY Coffee Ground Foot Scrub
2 tablespoons coffee grounds 2 tablespoons sugar (coarse) 1 tablespoon coconut oil
This DIY homemade foot scrub enhances the texture of the skin on your feet. The coffee grounds are excellent for scrubbing your feet and removing dead skin cells. This softens the feet.
5. Oatmeal Foot Scrub
2 tablespoons bath salt 2 teaspoons oatmeal 1 teaspoon baking soda 2-3 tablespoons water
Oatmeal has a coarse texture, which makes it a great exfoliator. It also softens the skin on your feet and soothes minor rashes and itches (5). Combining it with bath salt and baking soda enhances its exfoliating effect.
6. Lemon And Sugar Foot Scrub
¼ cup of coconut oil 2 cups sugar (granulated) 9-10 drops lemon essential oil ½ teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
Lemon is a natural bleaching agent. Thus, it may help clear any blemishes from the skin. Sugar scrubs the dead skin cells off your feet. Coconut oil moisturizes your feet and makes them soft (3). [Read: DIY Coconut Oil And Sugar Scrub]
7. Honey And Sugar Foot Scrub
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
The smell of lemon is very rejuvenating, and the scrub feels great on the feet. Honey has antimicrobial properties, and it works wonders in making your feet skin soft (6).
8. Sugar And Milk Foot Scrub
2 cups whole milk 2 cups lukewarm water (enough to soak your feet) 3 tablespoons granulated sugar 1 tablespoon coconut oil
The lactic acid in the milk breaks down the dead skin cells, and the scrub gently exfoliates your feet (7). Coconut oil moisturizes your feet and keeps them soft (3).
9. Baking Soda Foot Scrub
3 tablespoons baking soda 1 tablespoon water
This is another easy-to-prepare foot scrub for tired feet. Baking soda is said to have exfoliating properties and is commonly used for soothing minor rashes and itching. Note: You can soak your feet in baking soda mixed with warm water and follow up with this foot scrub. Warm water helps relax tired muscles.
10. Tea Tree Oil And Mint Foot Scrub
1 cup bath salt 2-3 drops tea tree essential oil 2-3 drops peppermint essential oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
The essential oils soothe your feet and kill any bacteria and germs present on them (8). The salt acts as a scrub that removes dirt and dead skin cells from your feet. Note: If you have cracked heels, the essential oils might sting a bit. But there is nothing to worry.
11. Lavender And Salt Foot Scrub Recipe
½ teaspoon lavender essential oil 1 cup bath salt (sea salt/kosher salt/Epsom salt) 2 tablespoons lavender buds (optional) ½ cup grapeseed oil
According to a study conducted on rats, lavender essential oil promotes collagen synthesis and wound healing (9). It also smells great and has a calming effect that induces relaxation.
12. Rosemary And Peppermint Foot Scrub
½ teaspoon rosemary (or use 2-3 drops rosemary essential oil) 2 tablespoons olive oil ¼ cup bath salt (sea salt, Epsom or kosher salts) 2-3 drops peppermint oil 1 teaspoon coconut oil
If you have dry skin, try this homemade scrub. Peppermint oil helps in relieving aches and pain while the coconut oil moisturizes your feet (2), (3). Rosemary adds a woody aroma to the scrub which is equally relaxing. This foot scrub is ideal for pampering your tired feet after a long day.
13.Strawberry And Sugar Foot Scrub
½ cup granulated sugar (don’t use fine sugar) 2 strawberries 1 tablespoon olive oil
This foot scrub looks delicious and has a sweet aroma that is invigorating. It is suitable for all skin types and is best for those who have sensitive skin. Sugar gently exfoliates the skin. Olive oil keeps your feet moisturized (3).
14. Honey And Camphor Foot Scrub
1 tablespoon honey 2-3 drops camphor essential oil 1 cup bath salt
This DIY foot scrub is excellent for rough skin and suits all skin types. A study conducted on rats found that camphor oil has wound-healing and antiwrinkle properties (10). Honey makes your feet soft (6).
15. Homemade Magnesium Salt Foot Scrub
1 cup magnesium salt (you may use Epsom salt, a form of Magnesium) 1 teaspoon liquid castile soap ¼ cup coconut or almond oil 9-10 drops essential oil (you may use any)
This foot scrub is best for those who are suffering from skin issues on the feet. Magnesium is believed to be absorbed by the skin when applied topically, there is no conclusive research that proves this. It helps soothe inflammatory skin issues and protects the skin barrier (11). This scrub may be helpful in soothing skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema.
16. Pineapple And Yogurt Foot Scrub
½ cup crushed pineapple ½ cup sugar (coarse) 2 tablespoons yogurt
Pineapple is an excellent source of vitamin C and may help exfoliate dead skin cells, though this has not been scientifically proven. Yogurt can brighten the skin and improve its texture (12).
17. Sugar And Vanilla Foot Scrub
1 vanilla bean pod (extract the seeds) 1 cup granulated sugar ½ cup coconut oil (unrefined)
This is a very basic scrub that can thoroughly cleanse the foot skin by removing dirt and dead skin cells. The vanilla gives it a nice fragrance, and coconut oil moisturizes and softens the skin (3).
18. Apple, Orange, And Sugar Scrub
1 cup granulated sugar ½ cup coconut oil (unrefined) 2-3 drops orange essential oil 2-3 drops apple essential oil
Any citrus smell is known to rejuvenate your senses. This foot scrub not only makes your feet smell great but also rejuvenates them.
19. Peach And Sugar Scrub
½ cup olive oil 1 cup granulated sugar 2-3 drops peach essential oil
This scrub looks (and smells) delicious and is easy to prepare. Peach oil smells great. Olive oil moisturizes the skin of your feet (3). Granulated sugar is an excellent exfoliant that helps keep your skin clean and soft.
20. Sugar And Pumpkin Pie Spice Foot Scrub
½ teaspoon cinnamon powder ½ teaspoon nutmeg ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice ¼ cup white sugar 1 cup brown sugar 2 tablespoons coconut oil (add more if needed)
Pumpkin spice smells extremely refreshing and makes your feet smell great! Coconut oil softens and smoothens your feet (3). The two types of sugar exfoliate and clean your feet thoroughly. How long these DIY foot scrubs last? Check out the infographic below to know the easiest DIY foot scrub recipes to make. 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). What’s the best time to use a foot scrub? The best time to use a scrub is when you are taking a shower. You can also use it after coming back from work and before hitting the bed. Your feet can soak the maximum effects of the moisturization. Can these foot scrubs be given as gifts? Of course! Store the scrub in an airtight glass jar and decorate it before presenting it to someone. How often should someone use foot scrubs? Twice a week is fine. Can these scrubs be used on the face? Absolutely not! These are extremely harsh on the facial skin. But, you can use them on your hands. Can scrubbing harm the skin? These are made of natural ingredients and hence will not harm your skin. But, if you use them excessively (more than twice in a week), they might scrape the skin. What happens when you soak your feet in vinegar? Soaking your feet in vinegar helps neutralize the odor-causing bacteria, fungi, and other microbes thanks to vinegar’s antibacterial properties. You can make a vinegar foot soak by simply adding 1 part of vinegar to 2 parts of water. What kind of foot scrub do nail salons use? Nail salons mostly use foot scrubs infused with natural ingredients, relaxing botanicals, and essential oils. They also include micro scrubs like apricot granules, pumice, and alumina. What is a sugar pedicure? It is a pedicure procedure that uses a sugar scrub to exfoliate and remove dead skin cells from feet. It is often used by those who have cracked or dead skin in and around the nails or at the back of the feet.
