When you spend a lot of time on your feet, it's to be expected that they'll end up tired and sore and in need of a good rub down. But why not treat your feet to a nice exfoliating scrub in addition to a massage? Not only will your feet feel refreshed and clean, they'll be softer and and prettier, too, thanks to the removal of dead skin cells. Do it once a week, and you'll be tempted to show off your bare feet every chance you get.
Step 1
Soak your bare feet in warm water. If you like, you can add an essential oil such as lavender or vanilla to the water for a relaxing scent. Add Epsom salt to soothe sore and swollen feet, or add tea tree oil to help fend off fungus.
Step 2
Take a tablespoon of your favorite scrub in your fingers. Scrubs can consist of such ingredients as sea salts, sugar crystals, oatmeal or crushed nut shells. All of these will provide an exfoliating and massaging action against your skin.
Step 3
Prop your foot out of the water and rub the scrub over any calluses that may have built up on your heel and the ball of your foot. You want to use firm pressure to avoid tickling yourself and to work the strong muscles of your feet. Press your thumbs against the ball of your foot and drag them to either side of your foot. Press your knuckles into the middle of your foot and twist them in a circular motion.
Step 4
Work the scrub more gently over the arch of your foot and in between your toes to invigorate and stimulate the tender skin there. Use a combination of lightly sweeping and circular strokes over the top of your foot and around the ankle bone.
Step 5
Rinse the scrub off your foot and repeat all steps with your other foot. Dry both feet with a towel.
Tips and Warnings
- Use bath salts or coarsely ground coffee as a scrub in a pinch. Massage oil or lotion into your feet after you have dried them for additional moisturizing.
Things You'll Need
- Bowl or bucket
- 2 tbsp. Epsom salt (optional)
- 1 tsp. essential oil (optional)
- 1 tsp. tea tree oil (optional)
- 2 tbsp. body or foot scrub
- Towel
