Do you have dry, cracked skin on the bottom of your feet and heels? If yes, this recipe is for you! This DIY exfoliating scrub is the best foot scrub for removing the dead skin from the bottom of the feet and will leave your feet feeling soft and fresh.
My absolute favorite thing ever is a good ol’ fashion foot massage. Seriously, not much can top it, in my personal opinion. My feet are far from perfect and sometimes need a little TLC. I can remember a time in high school I went to the store specifically to buy all foot care products I could find; in hopes of finding a foot scrub to remove the dead skin from my feet.
All the scrubs, lotions, polishes, and exfoliators can really do a girl good! After doing some research, I found I don’t need to spend an arm and a leg on a jar of foot scrub.
I decided to dabble into making some of my own products and came up with the best homemade foot scrub to remove dead skin. Not the prettiest topic to discuss, but I think you will love this recipe, so I have to share!
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WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO EXFOLIATE THE SKIN?
Exfoliating is the process of removing dead skin cells from the outermost layer of your skin. This can be done successfully at home with a natural exfoliator and your hands. You can also buy an exfoliator tool to help with the process.
Our skin naturally sheds dead skin, but as we get older, this process becomes much slower, and sometimes our skin can use a little help.
Soaking your feet in a homemade foot bath can also help to remove dead skin from the feet, and adding in essential oils can allow the body to detox gently.
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO EXFOLIATE THE SKIN?
Exfoliating the skin regularly can help to leave your skin soft, smooth and reduce wrinkles. It is very helpful for preventing dry, flaky skin and skin imperfections.
After you exfoliate the skin, the healthy skin below will be able to shine through. It would be best to exfoliate the dead skin two to three times a week. If you have oily skin, you may need to exfoliate it more often.
HOW TO GET RID OF DEAD SKIN ON FEET
5 ALL-NATURAL EXFOLIATORS
SALT
Salt is most commonly used to exfoliate the skin naturally. It is best to use sea salt because it contains several minerals like magnesium, calcium, and potassium that can help soften the skin and restore hydration. When rubbed into the skin, it can pull toxins out of the body while removing dead skin particles.
SUGAR
Sugar is another excellent option for exfoliating the skin with smaller, smoother crystals; it is a good option for anyone with sensitive skin. It is an excellent topical exfoliant and is commonly used in face and body scrubs to exfoliate dead skin cells on the surface to reveal healthy glowing skin underneath.
Have you ever taken an oatmeal bath? If yes, it was most likely when you had a skin irritation or rash. Oatmeal has anti-inflammatory properties and is loaded with antioxidants making it effective in removing dead skin and absorbing bacteria. With its rough texture, it is another great option for a natural exfoliator.
COFFEE
Like oatmeal, coffee also contains antioxidants making it wonderful for skin health. It is safe for sensitive skin and can be applied to the face. It can be helpful in fighting against bacterial and fungal skin infections.
Coffee may also help reduce the appearance of cellulite on the skin when used as an exfoliator in the area of concern.
RICE
The texture of ground rice can be used to exfoliate the skin. When rice is mixed with water, you can use the water to improve skin imperfections as it will improve skin tone, remove redness, and clear blemishes.
DIY FOOT SCRUB
Making this foot scrub an exfoliating one is a must. I am going to explain what makes it so effective for removing dry skin and leaving your feet smooth. You can use a couple of different ingredients to make it an exfoliating scrub.
For this recipe, I am going to use Himalayan pink salt because it is more coarse, and I find it to work best on my feet and heels.
You will also need:
Castile soap
Coconut oil (or any other vegetable-based oil)
Peppermint essential oil
CASTILE SOAP
Adding a splash of castile soap to your foot scrub will add antibacterial properties to your scrub and prevent the skin from drying out. Castile soap is made from safe plant oils, making it safe for the most sensitive skin types. This is the soap I use on my babies’ skin and hair.
COCONUT OIL
Coconut oil has antibacterial and antifungal properties and is very moisturizing. The added coconut oil will help to clean the feet and make the feet soft, making it easier to remove the dead and dry skin.
If you don’t have coconut oil, you can also use olive oil, almond oil, grape seed oil, or any other vegetable-based oil.
PEPPERMINT ESSENTIAL OIL
Peppermint oil is very refreshing, cooling, and soothing for the skin. When added to the foot scrub, it will help to soothe tired, achy feet. I personally love the fresh minty scent and love the way it makes my feet feel.
Adding in the essential oil is optional but highly recommended! 😉
BEST HOMEMADE FOOT SCRUB TO REMOVE DEAD SKIN
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Fill a container with a gallon of warm water and add a tablespoon of the homemade foot scrub to the water. Soak your feet in the water for about 10 minutes.
Remove your feet and place about a tablespoon of the scrub onto the feet. Massage the scrub into the feet for several minutes, really focusing on the heals and other areas where dry skin is most prominent.
Let the mixture sit on the feet for a few minutes and place them back into the warm water.
Add Coconut oil, Castile soap, and Salt to a small bowl.
Mix in Peppermint Essential Oil.
Thoroughly stir until ingredients are well combined.
Transfer to an airtight container for storage.
Exfoliate the feet twice monthly or as recommended by your doctor.
Notes
Fill a container with a gallon of warm water and add a tablespoon of the scrub into the water. Soak your feet in the water for about 10 minutes.
Remove your feet and place about a tablespoon of the scrub onto the feet. Massage the scrub into the feet for several minutes, really focusing on the heals and other areas where dry skin is prominent.
Let the mixture sit on the feet for a few minutes and place them back into the warm water.
Hi Laura,
I’ll be making a few bottles of this foot scrub but I’m not finding the printable label you referred to in your youtube video. How can I obtain it?
It calls for a cup of salt, which is 8oz. When everything else is added in it makes just over a cup. So two 6 oz containers would be perfect or a four and a six.
Hi Laura, I was so eager to try your recipe I basically just made it and tried it right after reading your post. Then it hit me, coconut oil solidifies and I’m thinking I shouldn’t pour it down the drain, might clog over time? … Can you share your clean up process?
Neichia says
Hi Laura,
I’ll be making a few bottles of this foot scrub but I’m not finding the printable label you referred to in your youtube video. How can I obtain it?
Thank you
Laura says
Here is a link: https://www.ouroilyhouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/foot-scrub-label.pdf
Sydney says
Are you using sea salt or Himalayan salt for this?
Laura says
I am using Himalayan, but either will work for this recipe!
Wendy says
Hoe lang blijft deze houdbaar?
Patricia says
Can I use epsom salt for the scrub?
Laura says
Yes!
Dana says
Can I use sugar instead of salt?
Laura says
Yes you can, I prefer salt for feet because it is more coarse and works better for thick skin.
Tori says
Hi
What can I use instead of Castile soap? Any other EO you might use?
Thanks a bunch love your blogs
Tori
Laura says
You can add in any liquid soap! Other oils to try are lavender, tea tree, and/or lemon!
Lily says
Okay… I know this is a little off topic, but what font is “with peppermint essential oil” in your Pinterest image? It goes great with Sacramento!
Laura says
Haha I have no idea! Thanks though!
Sushma says
Hi
Did u use fine Himalayan salt powder or the coarse one?
Laura says
I use one in between, it isn’t powder but it isn’t the most course either.
lily says
How Much does this Recipe make?
Linda says
Not sure if you are still looking for an answer two years later, but the recipe made about 12 ounces of scrub.
Sharon Lee says
Can I use peppermint extract instead of peppermint oil?
Laura says
They are very different and won’t have the same benefits.
bobbino says
uhm can i use normal salt
Laura says
Yes
Lauren says
How long will this last and how should it be stored?
Laura says
I store it in a mason jar with a tight lid.
Dannielle Delaney says
Just wondering how long this can be stored for and the best place eg cool dry area
Thankyou
Laura says
The dry ingredients can be stored for a year. I add the wet ingredients right before using.
Laura says
Hi!
How big of a container do I need to have to store this? Would a 4 or 6oz container work or does it need to be bigger?
Thanks!
Pam says
It calls for a cup of salt, which is 8oz. When everything else is added in it makes just over a cup. So two 6 oz containers would be perfect or a four and a six.
Mandy says
Hi Laura, I was so eager to try your recipe I basically just made it and tried it right after reading your post. Then it hit me, coconut oil solidifies and I’m thinking I shouldn’t pour it down the drain, might clog over time? … Can you share your clean up process?
Laura says
I am so glad you made it, that is awesome! I soak my feet in a little plastic tub first and use it over that and dump it outside when I am finished.
Monique says
Beautiful thank you for sharing
Diana says
Does it need to be refrigerated? How long does it last?
Laura says
I keep it at room temp for 6 months.
Linoy says
Is it for daily use?
Thank you!
Laura says
It is not recommended for daily use.
Use this bi-weekly or as needed.