How To Do A Foot Spa At Home: Step-By-Step Guide
Before you start, you need to gather the equipment and ingredients you will need for a foot spa. Here’s what you need:
A big plastic tub (big enough to soak your feet) Warm water A jar of marbles (optional but can be used for foot massage) Towel Salts (a tablespoon of Epsom or sea salts) Essential oils (lavender, peppermint, or lemongrass oils) Powdered milk (2-3 tablespoons) Almond oil (1 tablespoon) A handful of rose petals (optional) A foot scrubbing brush or a foot scrub Moisturizer
If you want to give yourself a pedicure, you will also need:
Nail clippers Cuticle pusher Nail polish remover Your favorite nail paint
Let’s begin.
1. Set Your Environment
When you go for a foot spa in the salon, it is not only the procedure that relaxes you. The relaxing spa environment plays a huge role in shaping your overall experience. Pick a comfortable place. You may light a few aromatic/aromatherapy candles. This will enhance your sensory experience. You may also play relaxing music.
2. Prepare A Foot Soak
Put the marbles in the tub and prepare a warm soak by filling it with warm water. Mix the salts in the water. Add 10-15 drops of essential oil to it. If you are using a mix of oils, make sure to use 10-15 drops in total. Add the rose petals (if any). Mix the powdered milk and almond oil. This helps to soften your feet. (We have shared some foot soak recipes later in the article. Don’t forget to check them out!) Let your feet soak in the warmth of the water for at least 15-20 minutes. Until then, you can relax, lean back, and put on a sheet mask or just read a book or sip your favorite drink.
3. Exfoliate Your Feet
After 15-20 minutes of soaking and relaxation, it is time to get to work! If you are using an exfoliation brush, scrub your feet with it gently, especially the heels. You can also use a pumice stone if you have hard skin and calluses on your feet. If you are using a foot scrubbing cream, apply the scrubber all over your feet and scrub thoroughly for 5 minutes. Wash it off with the warm foot spa water in the tub.
4. A Gentle Foot Massage
This is where the marbles will help. Place your feet on the marbles and roll them back and forth. If you don’t have marbles, don’t worry. Use your hands to give yourself a massage. You can also use a store-bought massager.
5. Moisturize Your Feet
After the massage, rewash your feet in the water and pat them dry with a towel. Apply moisturizer all over your feet. If you are going to stop here, put on your socks, and you are done. However, if you want to do a pedicure, follow the next steps.
6. Treat Your Feet To A Pedicure
Clip your nails using a nail clipper. Use the cuticle pusher to push away and clean the cuticles. Once done, apply a base coat of transparent nail polish and then apply your favorite nail polish. Wait for at least 45 minutes or until the nail polish dries before you wear your socks. For a complete experience, explore how to pedicure at home with various foot soak recipes. Here are some foot soak recipes that you can try.
DIY Foot Soak Recipes For Foot Spa
Though there are various homemade foot soak recipes that you can consider. However, you can also indulge in our collection of DIY foot soak recipes as they will transport you to a spa-like experience, all from the comfort of your home.
1. Chamomile Foot Soak
For this soak, use
3-4 teaspoons of dried chamomile flowers or 6 chamomile tea bags 5-10 drops of lavender essential oil 3 tablespoons of raw honey
2. Coconut Milk Foot Soak
For this foot soak, use
1 cup of coconut milk 10 drops of any essential oil
3. Clay Foot Soak
For this foot soak, use
2 cups of bentonite clay 10 drops of rosemary essential oil
4. Coffee Foot Soak
For this foot soak, use
2 cups brewed coffee (coffee mixed in hot water) ½ cup Epsom or sea salt 1 cup raw honey
5. Apple Cider Vinegar Foot Soak
For this foot soak, use
¼ cup apple cider vinegar 1 teaspoon olive, almond, or coconut oil 10-15 drops of essential oil(s) of your choice
6. Epsom Salt Foot Soak
There are various benefits of Epsom salt foot soak, such as treating muscle cramps, inflammation, etc.; you can make this soak by using:
3 cups of Epsom salt 1 to 3 fresh lemons 1 to 3 cups of vinegar
7. Peppermint Oil Foot Soak
For this foot soak, use
16 drops of peppermint essential oil 16 drops of tea tree oil 4 tablespoons of sea salt 4 tablespoons of baking soda
8. Almond Milk Foot Soak
For this foot soak, use
3 to 4 cups of almond milk 2 tablespoons of honey 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract 2 tablespoons of baking soda
9. Aloe Vera Foot Soak
For this foot soak, use
4 tablespoons of aloe vera gel extract 2 tablespoons of lemon juice 3 to 4 drops of rosemary essential oil
A foot spa is an effective way to relax your feet and keep them clean, healthy, and happy. It also has several other benefits.
Benefits Of Getting A Foot Spa
1. It Keeps The Skin Healthy
Cracked heels and calluses on the feet can be irritating and unsightly to look at. Regular foot spas help you get rid of cracked heels and hardened skin on your feet as they soften the skin and keep it moisturized.
2. It Keeps the Feet Soft
When you soak and moisturize your feet during the spa, it seeps deep into the skin. This keeps your feet youthful and soft for a long time.
3. It Soothes Your Feet Muscles
Soaking your feet in warm water mixed with salts and essential oils reduces soreness and tiredness. It warms them up and loosens tension in the muscles. This also helps to improve the blood circulation in your feet (1). However, make sure you do not soak your feet too long to avoid the natural oils being washed off resulting in dry skin eventually. Is a home foot spa worth it? Find below an infographic where we have summarized the entire process for your reference. Yes, a foot spa at home is a relaxing and cost-effective way of pampering your feet after a tiring and stressful day. Is it good to soak your feet in hot water? Yes, soaking your feet in hot water can boost circulation, soothe pain, and soothe your tired feet. Who should not use a foot spa? People with open sores or wounds should avoid foot soaks as they can increase the risk of infection. Also avoid doing a foot spa after laser treatment, as your skin is more sensitive. People with skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema should practice cushions before going for a foot soak. Can you put soap in a foot spa? Yes, you can use a mild antibacterial liquid soap in a foot spa if required to help clean your feet. What are some additional tips for foot care and maintenance? Make sure you moisturize your feet after the foot soaks to prevent cracking and gently massage your feet to boost your blood circulation. How can I make a foot spa a fun and relaxing activity to do with friends or family? You can hire pedicure specialists for the day, play light music, serve refreshments and snacks, and play foot spa games to make it a fun and relaxing activity with your loved ones. What temperature should the water be for a foot spa? The optimal temperature range of the water should be between 92-1004° Fahrenheit. It will help soothe the soreness and boost blood circulation. Can I use regular bath salts for a foot spa, or do I need special foot soak salts? You can use both regular bath or special foot soak salts as per your preference.
Illustration: How To Do A Foot Spa At Home
Relax and pamper your feet with these four easy at-home foot spa treatments. Check out this video to learn how to make your feet feel refreshed and rejuvenated.
