DIY, Easy Foot Spa Soak

After Portland finally had it’s first summer day a few days ago, I realized my feet were far from being ready for sandals.  They had been covered in socks and warm, waterproof shoes for what felt like a year (for those that don’t live here, Portland practically skipped summer last year).  I wore a cute pair of sandals to give my feet a chance to air out and see some sun, but my toes and feet were an eyesore!

Here are some steps to get your feet ready for summer and do some pampering at the same time.

1. Fill a large bowl with enough water to cover your feet.  The water should be warm but not steaming (hot water dehydrates the skin).
2. Add a few drops of your favorite body moisturizer and stir with your fingers to incorporate.  Soak in the water for up to 10 minutes.
3. Remove your feet from the liquid momentarily to apply a body exfoliator.  Rub gently to remove any dead layers, then carefully push back nail cuticles to keep your nail beds looking groomed.
4. Submerge your feet back into the bath to rinse.  Remove and pat dry.  Finally, reapply a lightweight moisturizer after your soak to keep skin soft.

Customize It

To customize your soak, try any of these combinations:

Deep Cleansing:

Try cucumber or lemon slices. The acidity in these foods helps whish away dirt and slough off dead skin cells.

Exfoliation:

Try sugar or salt. Sugar is the gentler of the two because it’s usually less coarse.  Mix a few tablespoons with equal parts olive oil to form a paste, or use a pumice stone.

Aromatherapy:

Try fresh rose petals, mint leaves, or dried lavender. Chamomile tea bags will also provide a soothing and relaxing scent.  Or wrap loose ingredients in cheesecloth before steeping.  You can also add a few drops of your favorite essential oil blends to the water; one of my new favorites is geranium or try a nice peppermint/lemon combination.

Moisture:

Try a rich oil like coconut, sesame or jojoba. For a skin-nourishing soak, use equal parts water and whole milk, or whish in a few tablespoons of honey.

Do you have any DIY tips for keeping your feet in tip-top summer shape?

{image credit: info@losari}