Dry, cracked, itchy feet and heels can be a painful distraction from that cute new pair of flip flops. And unless you're willing to splurge on a spa pedicure, trying to eradicate that flaky, dead skin in order to reveal softer feet can seem like, well, a feat.
But not to worry: there are plenty of affordable at-home remedies for dry, less-than-pretty feet that you can DIY with ingredients you probably already have. From gritty DIY foot scrubs that slough off dead skin, to overnight DIY foot masks you can wear to bed, these simple recipes will have you on your way to softer, more touchable feet in no time flat.
1. Rosemary & Peppermint DIY Foot Scrub
Ingredients you'll need: Kosher salt, table salt, coconut oil, olive oil, peppermint oil, rosemary
This easy scrub can be cobbled together with everyday ingredients from your kitchen—the only thing you may need to pick up is a bit of peppermint oil. Rub on this foot scrub in circular motions on your most calloused areas after a shower and then rinse to break up some of the dead skin. Finish it off with a moisturizer to lock it all in.
Get the full recipe at The Small Things Blog.
2. Lemon DIY Foot Peel
Ingredients you'll need: fresh lemon juice, uncoated aspirin tablets
You may have seen the viral videos of the disgustingly satisfying results of a product called 'Baby Foot' a non-DIY foot peel that uses acids like glycolic and salicylic to break down nasty skin cells to the point where you can—quite literally—peel them off. This dupe on the poplar peel is good enough to make at home—put it on your most callous areas, then seal with some plastic wrap and leave on until the skin begins to peel. Once it does, remove the DIY foot peel for instantly softer feet.
Get the full recipe at Nava Shalom.
3. Shea Butter DIY Foot Scrub
Ingredients you'll need: Unrefined shea butter, Epsom salts, fine cornmeal, rolled oats, essential oil of your choice
Between the scratchy cornmeal, anti-inflammatory oats, and the soothing Epsom salts, this homemade scrub has everything your tired, overworked feet need to feel like new again. Massage this mixture deep into your heels to slough off built-up dead skin. Using a foot scrub will also help boost blood circulation so sore feet will feel soothed in no time.
Get the full recipe at Homespun Seasonal Living.
4. Black Tea DIY Foot Soak
Ingredients you'll need: Epsom salts, black tea, essential oils, hot water
Sit back, relax, and enjoy the zen-like benefits of this easy soak. The Epsom salt will help to draw toxins from the body, while the warm water will help to soften the skin on the bottom of your dry heels.
Get the full recipe at Alyssa and Carla.
5. Peppermint DIY Foot Soak
Ingredients you'll need: Epsom salt, baking soda, peppermint essential oil
Three simple ingredients make up this fragrant foot soak that will leave you and your tired feet feeling fresh and invigorated. Not to mention, the baking soda acts as a great exfoliating agent.
Get the full recipe at Fivespot Green Living.
6. Listerine Elixir DIY Foot Soak
Ingredients you'll need: white vinegar, salt, Listerine mouth wash (yes, really), hot water, peppermint oil
This is one of those internet beauty hack sensations that seems odd (mouthwash on my feet?!), but really works. The acids in the vinegar combined with those in the Listerine gently break down and exfoliate the skin on a chemical level, revealing brighter, cleaner, and softer feet.
Get the full recipe at Nerdy Mamma.
7. Vanilla & Brown Sugar DIY Foot Scrub
Ingredients you'll need: brown sugar, almond oil, vitamin E oil, vanilla extract
Not only does this scrub smell oh-so-delicious, but the vitamin E oil will totally transform even the most gnarly of dry skin. Scrub one tablespoon of this sugary-sweet scrub to the soles of your feet to remove dead skin and indulge a little in the delicious ingredients. Then, store the leftover scrub in a sealed jar in the fridge for the next time your feet need a makeover.
Get the full recipe at Wellness Mama.
8. Honey DIY Foot Peel
Ingredients you'll need: organic greek yogurt, organic raw honey, coconut oil, celery, Bergamot essential oil
Take advantage of these regular kitchen ingredients for all they have to offer your skin. The lactic acid in yogurt is a natural exfoliant, while the probiotic live cultures are also helpful for breaking down dead skin cells. Honey, on the other hand, can speed up the healing process. Whip up this simple foot mask recipe, slather it onto your feet, then wrap them up or put them in socks for a few minutes before rinsing off to get the full effect. Viola! Happier feet.
Get the full recipe at The Green Spa & Wellness Center.
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