5 Foot Care Recipes for Sandal-Ready Feet

Written by Jessicka | April 11, 2024

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. 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. 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

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.

You can find a delightful Herbal Foot Scrub Recipe here!

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, 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. 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.

Cuticle Cream Recipe

This simple and practical cuticle cream recipe helps our nail beds stay soft and flexible. Many people overlook their cuticles, but they actually provide important protection for our bodies. If we neglect this very small part of our body, our cuticles can dry out and begin to crack, opening us up to unwanted bacteria. This is especially true for our feet. A simple cuticle cream helps to moisturize this delicate area and creates a barrier of protection so our nails will look and feel their best.