If cracked, dry feet is what you uncovered when you removed winter’s thick socks and boots, then you need to pamper your feet before showing them off in summer sandals. This easy DIY olive oil foot wrap will heal dry skin and leave your feet soft and smooth all over, plus it will give you chance to sit down and relax for a few minutes.
Foot Soak
Start the healing with a cleansing foot soak that will prepare the skin to absorb the olive oil. Use a flat bottom basin or dish pan and put enough warm water in it to cover feet. Mix in one cup of Epsom salts and one teaspoon of tea tree oil, then soak feet for 10 minutes. The warm water relaxes feet while Epsom salt absorbs into muscles for a deep down relaxation. Tea tree oil is an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory that will remove surface bacteria and promote healing of fungus or other feet and nail issues.
Foot Massage
After the 10 minute soak, pat feet dry and give them a 5 minutes massage to improve blood circulation and relieve muscle tension. Hold one foot in both hands, thumbs on top and fingers on bottom, then ‘walk’ hands from toes to heel, stopping and applying pressure for 5 seconds with each finger step. Finish the foot massage with a few long, smooth strokes on the bottom of your feet, starting at toes and ending at heel. Repeat on other foot.
DIY Olive Oil Wrap
Now your dry feet are primed and ready for the DIY olive oil wrap. You will need a medium bowl, pair of thick socks, plastic wrap, whisk, unscented lotion and a bottle of olive oil.
Whisk ¼ cup of unscented lotion and ¼ cup of olive oil in the bowl and warm in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. Tear off 2 long sections of plastic wrap while olive oil mixture is warming (hands will be greasy afterwards and the stubborn nature of plastic wrap will make it difficult to control after application). Smooth warm olive oil onto each feet, apply generously and focus on cracked, dry heels or other rough spots. Do one foot at a time, then wrap with a piece of plastic wrap to lock in warmth and healing oil. Slip on thick socks and relax for at least one hour before removing. The DIY olive oil foot wrap can also be slept in for a deep, overnight moisturizing healing. Remove socks, plastic wrap and pat feet dry to reveal smooth, sandal-ready feet.
For an added bonus to treat dry hands, smooth any remaining olive oil mixture into hands (they will already be covered with the mix) and have someone wrap your hands with plastic wrap and put on a pair of mittens or socks to lock in warmth and moisture for at least one hour.
Sources:
The Naked Scientists