I am a four-season sandal wearer. I love allowing my feet to breathe and the feeling of being unconfined. During rain, shine, and sometimes light snow, my feet are ready to be bare at a moment’s notice. If an impromptu forest bathing opportunity or grounding session calls my name, I don’t have to worry about laces, ties, or the other constricting elements of standard shoes. My feet are free!

I do, however, realize that this isn’t for everyone and it doesn’t apply to every circumstance. In fact, most people I know are just now getting ready for sandal-season and are beginning to realize that their feet could use a little TLC. Luckily for them, I have some tricks up my sleeve for making feet look and feel beautiful, and I love to share this expertise with others who enjoy making DIY skin and body care recipes. These tried-and-true foot care recipes keep my hardworking feet in prime condition throughout the year, and I know they will be helpful to you, too.

I hope to see you confident and ready to be barefoot in the sand or in the forest this spring, summer, fall, and maybe if you decide to join me, winter.

Exfoliate

• Invigorating Foot Scrub Recipe: When you’re looking to soften and work out some tough spots, a simple foot scrub can work wonders. I like to use this in conjunction with a pumice stone. Between the two, you can remedy cracked and hardened feet. Exposing the softer layers of skin will also help with the moisturizing step, as your skin can better absorb the hydrating and skin-supporting benefits of oils and butters.

Ingredients

• • • 1/4 cup organic sunflower oil
    • 8 drops organic lavender essential oil
    • 4 drops organic lemon essential oil
    • 3/4 cup fine sea salt

Directions:

1. 1. 1. Add sunflower oil and essential oils to a small bowl.
      2. Stir until completely blended
      3. Add salt, a little at a time, until it reaches the consistency of wet sand. Depending on the grind of your salt, you may need a little more or a little less than 3/4 cup.
      4. Bottle in an airtight jar and use 1-2 times per week to exfoliate and cleanse your feet.
         
         

To use:

1. 1. 1. Soak feet for 5 minutes in warm water.
      2. Apply a generous amount of scrub and vigorously massage into feet, concentrating on the harder surfaces.
      3. Use a pumice stone, when needed, to help soften calluses.

Cleanse

• Herbal Foot Soak Recipe: Our feet are one of the hardest working parts of our body, so after a long day, mindfully washing our feet and soaking them in herb-infused water offers relief from tension, while also softening and tonifying the skin. Incorporating this into a weekly routine is a wonderful way to practice self-care without much effort.

Hydrate & Soften

• Homemade Foot Cream Recipe: Before you click on this link, I will warn you that this recipe is actually a nipple cream for breastfeeding mamas. In the same way that a nursing mother needs comfort from soreness and inflammation, this recipe works wonders on your hard-working feet! Rich and nourishing, I like to apply this preparation before bed, don a pair of socks, and enjoy soft and hydrated feet come morning.
  
  
• DIY Foot Mask Recipe with Bentonite Clay: This recipe checks both the cleansing and softening boxes for foot care. This simple and inexpensive recipe is wonderful to have in your self-care toolkit. I also love that it forces me to carve out 15-30 minutes of feet-up time, which is perfect when I'm wanting to stick my nose in a new book.

Ingredients

• • • 3 Tbsp. bentonite clay
    • 3-4 Tbsp. raw apple cider vinegar
    • 5 drops organic tea tree essential oil

Directions

1. 1. 1. Find a place where you can sit comfortably with your feet up for 15-30 minutes.
      2. Prepare a basin with warm water and place near your designated space with towels and a pair of socks.
      3. Measure clay in glass or ceramic bowl.
      4. Add apple cider vinegar, one tablespoon at a time, and mix until you form a paste.
      5. Add essential oil and mix well.
      6. Apply a thin layer to both feet including between toes. Leave on for 15-30 minutes.
      7. Soak in wash basin and use a washcloth to help remove clay. If needed, complete the rinse-off in a shower. *Always be mindful when walking after foot treatments. Your feet may be slippery!
      8. Dry your feet. Once fully dry, wear socks to keep feet clean and prevent slipping.

Pro Tip: I recommend dumping the foot basin water outside because large amount of clay can clog drains over time.

Treat (as needed)

• Fungus-Fighting Nail Oil Recipe: This simple and practical nail oil brings the fungus-fighting powers of roses and tea tree to fight off persistent and undesirable nail fungus. While no one ever wants to talk about nail fungus, it’s a major inconvenience and causes many to feel self-conscious about being barefoot. It’s important to note that nail fungus can look like other conditions, so if self-care isn’t helping and it is getting worse, we recommend seeing a qualified physician, particularly if you have diabetes!

Looking for more self-care recipes?

Try These Luscious DIY Floral Bath Bombs

You may also be interested in:

Natural Scalp Treatments and Recipes
5 Zero-Waste Skin Care Recipes
Green Tea Skin Care Recipes