Spa days can be delightfully relaxing. You simply sit back while someone else takes care of your feet. The only downside, of course, is the number of notorious risks that come with getting a pedicure—the likelihood of an infection, the possibility of your feet getting nicked, and so forth. Still, some spa practices are very healthy for your skin, such as scrubbing them smooth, especially if you’re prone to dry feet and callous build-up. The good news is you can actually make your own effective but inexpensive foot scrubs at home. Most of these do-it-yourself foot scrubs are made with basic, easy-to-find cooking ingredients.

Foot scrubs work by using skin-safe elements to gently rub away the dead, loose layers of skin cells on the surface of your feet. Gently rubbing rough elements loosens the dead skin and pulls it away from the healthier layers underneath it. It then sloughs away when you rinse your feet afterward, leaving your lower limbs smooth again.

Here are a few do-it-yourself foot scrubs you can easily make at home:

  • Tea tree and mint scrub – Mix 2 tablespoons of olive oil, a handful of sea salt, and a few drops of both tea tree oil and peppermint oil. Blend them well before scrubbing your feet.
  • Brown sugar and olive oil – Mix together a tablespoon each of olive oil, brown sugar, and baking soda. This is great to apply before a shower.
  • Coconut and salt paste – Mix one half-cup of coconut oil with 1 cup of course sea salt. You can store this in a glass jar to keep it fresh.
  • Strawberry sugar scrub – Mix 1 cup of white sugar, half a cup and an additional tablespoon of olive oil, and 2-3 drops of strawberry aromatherapy oil together.

All of these are easy to make, use, and rinse off again. Use the foot scrubs periodically as a part of your regular moisturizing foot care. If you’re struggling with other symptoms of dry feet, or find that you need more help for your skin, just let us know at Martin Foot and Ankle in Hanover, Lancaster, Lititz and York, PA. We’re happy to help you find better ways to moisturize. Make an appointment online, or call 717-757-3537.