What the heck is that stuff you ask? This is the goop you get when you combine coffee grounds, banana and oil for an exfoliating and softening homemade foot scrub – and your feet will love it! I know, it kind of sounds like some bizzaro-world recipe for banana bread, but it’s not. Instead, it’s the perfect recipe for super-smooth feet!
Are you a barefoot kind of person? I love to shed my shoes as often as possible, but some folks can’t stand it (my son Henry freaks out if he doesn’t have socks on at all times).
But the time of year is here when your feet are on display in cute sandals, and soft soles and non-cracked heels are a must. Here’s a quick and easy way to give them some TLC.
Softening Foot Soak
Softening Foot SoakA foot soak is an underrated indulgence. All you need is 1 cup of white vinegar and 1/4 cup sea salt or Epsom salt to a bowl of warm water. (I do this in the tub and sit on the side with People magazine.) Add a few drops of essential oil if you want. Sit for 10 minutes and let the acidic water soften your soles.
Make the water as hot as you can tolerate if you like—there’s nothing better than a hot foot soak at the end of the day to relax feet, as well as prep them for the next step you need to take for super soft soles.
Homemade Foot Scrub
Awhile back I experimented with a banana foot mask and loved it—my rough feet were so smooth!—but wrapping yourself in banana is a tiny bit messy. This time I’ve combined the mask with a scrub so you can apply it, finish reading People and then let the salt and coffee do their scrubbing magic.
I love using coffee grounds because a) it’s cheap and eco-friendly and 2) the caffeine can help tone your legs. You can use already brewed grounds, or buy some cheap grounds to set aside just for this.
I highly recommend doing this scrub/mask in the tub to keep the mess contained. To seal the moisture in, apply a generous layer of your favorite foot cream (or even Vaseline in a pinch) and pop some socks on before you go to bed. This really locks in all the extra hydration from the bananas and ensures that your feet aren’t left looking crusty or ashy!
If you have toe painting skillz (I do not) you can prettify further with a DIY pedicure and polish. Then it’s time for a new pair of sandals to show things off, right?
How do you keep your feet pretty in the summer?
Homemade Foot Scrub + Mask
Equipment
- Mixing bowl and spoon
Materials
- 1/4 cup fresh coffee grounds
- 1/4 cup kosher salt
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 banana
Instructions
- Combine ingredients in a bowl and slather all over your feet and lower legs.
- Pack the banana around your feet and let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
- Then give your feet and legs a really nice, long scrub.
- Rinse yourself and the tub well.
Notes
Photos by Ana-Maria Stanciu
296
Whats the shelf life on this?
I want to give it a present.
how long does the coffee and banana foot scrub last?
Very simple soothing over night foot treatment!!!
(i do this all the time and it feels amazing afterwards!!!)
Things you’ll need:
-pair of socks
-foot/or baby powder
-Your favorite moisturizing lotion!!(Baby lotion/ cocoa butter, etc.)
1st- pour even amount of powder into socks, then lather your feet with lotion(make sure you use plenty so lotion is still moist when you put socks on). After you lather feet in lotion, place in sock and leave on over night for very smooth feet in the morning..by then the lotion should have locked into skin, if still a little moist, simply wipe off with towel and enjoy!!
I also shed my shoes and socks as soon as I step into my home. I’d love to be outside barefoot, but the city pavement and litter aren’t barefoot-friendly!
My feet get really dry and rough in the winter, so I look forward to the summer when there’s more moisture in the air; my skin fares better.
I’m looking forward to trying this soak/scrub. Thanks for posting it!
Yeah, I’m always curious about the people who run almost barefoot (have you seen those sock/foot things?). I would think that would hurt on a sidewalk!
Ha, me either! Running = complete torture… just thinking about it makes me tired :)
Love it! I was looking for this kind of recipe today, and here it is in my inbox. Awesome!! Going to do this today, as it finally feels like Spring here (it just got up to 70 degrees today). My flip flops and sandals are ready to go, but my feet need a little rejuvenation. Thanks bunches!!
Yay for finally getting warm weather! (it’s cold again here today, what is the deal?!) Hope you enjoyed the scrub :)
Hi gerbermom! Oh, the weather, it’s just what I call “Global Climate Change”, as I don’t tend to agree with the title “Global Warming”. I enjoyed the scrub & will continue using it; it’s wonderful & refreshing! :)
Great tips! I normally just go and get a pedi/mani, although I prefer pampering myself but there are times when I really need professional hands on me haha. Everything looks delicious, I think I’d eat it before using it for my feet :P x
So true, I definitely need the pros when it comes time for polishing – I love colorful toes but I’m the worst!