You want to treat yourself to a refreshing foot scrub, but all the ones you've seen around are too expensive? Fortunately, it is an easy product to make at home. Foot scrubs are not only simple to prepare, they are also customizable using the ingredients of your choice. This article shows you how to make and use one. Illustrates both a simple recipe and variations to try to your liking.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Prepare a Simple Foot Scrub
Step 1. Look for a suitable container for the scrub
Since you will prepare enough of it to allow you to do different treatments, the leftovers should be stored in an airtight container, such as a jar. Look for a container that is large enough for you to put your hand in. It should also have a capacity of at least 300ml.
Step 2. Choose the exfoliating ingredient
Foot scrubs have the function of eliminating dead cells, leaving the skin fresh and silky. You will then need 1 cup of Epsom salts, sea salt, or sugar. Here are some of the benefits each exfoliating ingredient offers:
- Epsom salts contain magnesium sulfide. Not only do they remove dead skin cells, they are also effective for soothing muscles, fighting inflammation and softening the skin. They are perfect for tired feet;
- Sea salt contains large granules, great for eliminating dead cells and smoothing calluses. It is also rich in minerals and helps expel toxins from the skin;
- Being sweet, sugar does not leave the same feeling of freshness. However, it has an advantage that other ingredients do not have: since it contains fine granules, it is particularly suitable for those with sensitive skin.
Step 3. Add oil
Without oil, the scrub will be excessively dry and abrasive. For moisturizing, add 60ml of sweet almond, coconut, or olive oil. Slowly mix the oil with the salt or sugar until you get a homogeneous, fluid and grainy consistency. If the scrub is excessively diluted, add more salt or sugar. If it's too dry, add more oil. Here are the benefits of each type of oil:
- Sweet almond oil helps eliminate dead skin cells. However, avoid using it if you have an allergy to dried fruit;
- Coconut oil is extremely moisturizing. Below 24 ° C it is in a solid state. In this case, you need to soften it by heating it in the microwave for a few seconds;
- Olive oil is the easiest to find. You probably already have it in the kitchen. Rich in vitamins, it also has moisturizing properties that make it perfect for dry skin.
Step 4. Try scenting the scrub with essential oils
The doses depend on the desired result. The most suitable oils for this type of exfoliant are those that taste fresh and clean, such as eucalyptus, lavender, lemon, spearmint, orange and peppermint. You can also mix various essential oils to create a unique and original fragrance. Here are some ideas:
- Ground cinnamon and peppermint essential oil will make you rethink Christmas. It is recommended to combine them with sugar and olive oil. However, peppermint is not recommended for pregnant women;
- Lavender and vanilla go particularly well with sugar-based scrubs;
- Citrus fruits and mint taste fresh and would go perfectly with coconut oil, allowing you to obtain a scrub with tropical notes;
- Lemon and rosemary have a refreshing scent and go very well with salt-based scrubs.
Step 5. Try adding a splash of color
Depending on the oil used, the scrub will be white or light golden. To make it more pleasing to the eye, add a few drops of food coloring. Keep in mind that this product will mix with the color of the exfoliant. As a result, if the scrub has a golden hue and you add a purple food coloring to it, the exfoliant will turn brown. Try matching the color to the fragrance of the scrub. Here are some ideas:
- If you've made a lemon scrub, leave it white or add a few drops of yellow food coloring.
- If you've made a eucalyptus, spearmint, or peppermint scrub, leave it white or add a few drops of green food coloring. Don't have the green? Replace it with yellow or blue dye.
- If you made the scrub with lavender essential oil, then use purple food coloring. In the absence of purple, you can try mixing a red and blue dye instead.
Step 6. Mix the ingredients
Mix them well with a spoon until you get a homogeneous result. The scrub will take on a fluid and grainy consistency.
Step 7. Store it in an airtight container
If you mixed the ingredients in a bowl, transfer them to an airtight container. Make sure you can close it tightly to prevent the scrub from drying out.
Try decorating the container with a homemade label and wrap the lid with string
Part 2 of 3: Doing a Simple Foot Scrub
Step 1. Look for a container that allows you to perform the scrub in a comfortable and practical way
You can use the bathtub or a plastic basin large enough for you to comfortably submerge both feet. To make yourself a nice gift, you can buy a foot bath, a container specifically designed for hydrotherapy treatments, often equipped with a hydromassage.
Step 2. Fill the tub or basin with warm water
Make sure the temperature is right for your needs. The water level should just above your ankles.
Step 3. Sit in a comfortable seat
If you plan to scrub in the bathtub, you can sit in it or on the edge. If you use a basin, you can sit in a comfortable chair and place the bowl on the floor, placing it in front of you.
Step 4. Put your feet in the bowl
Leave them to soak for a few minutes. If you are wearing pants, be sure to turn them up to avoid getting them wet.
Step 5. Take a handful of scrubs
You will need enough to cover your entire foot abundantly. If you use too little, you won't be able to get a thick enough layer. In fact, by applying only a small amount of product, the treatment will not be particularly effective.
Step 6. Massage your feet
Gently massage the scrub into your feet using circular movements. Do this for about 5 minutes.
If you want, you can also use a pedicure brush or pumice stone to smooth out calluses
Step 7. Rinse the scrub off
Gently lower your foot to dip it back into the water, then massage it with your hands to get rid of the scrub. If the water gets dirty, also wash it in the bathtub under running tap water. The exfoliator may leave an oily residue on the feet, but this is normal.
Step 8. Dry your feet and apply a moisturizer
Wash your feet, remove them from the water, then pat them gently with a soft, clean towel. Apply a moisturizer to keep them smooth and soft.
Step 9. Get used to regular foot scrubs
This exfoliant can be used 2 or 3 times per week. Keep in mind that it has abrasive properties, so if you use it too often, you risk irritating your skin.
Part 3 of 3: Making other types of foot scrubs
Step 1. Make a disposable honey scrub
This recipe allows you to get a dose sufficient for a single treatment. Since the scrub contains ingredients like sugar, honey, and vanilla extract, you'll want to eat it. Here's what you'll need to make this heavenly scented exfoliant:
- 1 tablespoon of sugar;
- 1 tablespoon of raw honey;
- 2 or 3 drops of vanilla extract.
Step 2. Make a disposable coffee scrub
If you need a little extra vitality in the morning to help you wake up, this coffee exfoliant is for you. Here's what you'll need to make it:
- ½ tablespoon of sugar;
- ½ tablespoon of coffee grounds;
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
Step 3. Make a peppermint scrub to create a feeling of freshness and cleanliness
Containing coconut oil, sugar and peppermint essential oil, this scrub leaves a pleasant minty scent and refreshes the feet. Here's what you'll need to make it happen:
- 1 cup of large granulated sugar;
- ½ cup (120 ml) of heated coconut oil;
- 10-15 drops of peppermint essential oil;
- 2-4 drops of green food coloring (optional).
Step 4. Refresh your feet with a lemon scrub
Prepared with the peel of a fresh lemon, this exfoliant thoroughly refreshes the feet. Here's what you'll need to make it happen:
- 1 cup of coarse sea salt;
- ½ cup (120 ml) of sweet almond oil;
- 2 teaspoons of lemon peel (about 1 lemon);
- 8 drops of peppermint essential oil.
