All types of foot scrubs, how to use, review of products and recipes

What is a scrub

The word "scrub" is derived from "scrape".

The main function of a scrub is to scrape off the stratum corneum of the skin with abrasive particles. Depending on the components of the composition, it can also moisturize, nourish and increase skin elasticity.

The main indications for use are dryness and flaking.

Causes of dryness:

• Violation of drinking regime . To maintain normal functioning of the body, an adult should drink at least 1.5 liters of clean water. If this rule is violated, the skin will be the first to report a lack of moisture;
• Long water procedures . A long hot bath can also cause excessive dryness. By the way, wrinkled skin after a long stay in water is an indicator that liquid has been “sucked” out of the skin;
• Poor nutrition . The main component of healthy skin is the presence of essential vitamins and microelements in the foods consumed. Without this, even an expensive drug will not help you achieve velvety legs;
• Reduced number of sebaceous glands . The feet and legs are initially more dry than other areas of the skin. The main reason for this is the small production of sebaceous secretion.

Eliminate all causes of possible dryness and enjoy improved skin condition on your feet, and regular scrubbing will help you maintain the effect.

Action:

• Removing dead cells and combating flaking
• Using a product with abrasive particles helps improve blood circulation, saturate it with oxygen and start the renewal of skin tissue;
• Prepares the skin for contact with nourishing oils or creams. Open and cleansed pores absorb beneficial components better;
• Helps fight ingrown hairs after depilation.

Differences between scrub and peeling

It is a misconception to believe that scrub and peeling are the same product. The only similarity between these products is their cleansing function. Initially, peeling is any procedure aimed at removing the stratum corneum, while a scrub is a mechanical type of peeling. After the appearance of products called “peeling”, the scrub remained a mechanical option, and the new product was characterized as a liquid composition with a high acid content. What is the difference between peeling and a regular scrub?

Main differences:

• Depth of impact . The action of the scrub is aimed at eliminating external defects - peeling and dryness. Peeling penetrates much deeper and carries out a “thorough” cleaning;
• Effect . The scrubbing preparation, due to its aggressive effect on the skin, shows instant results, but is rather short-lived - you will need to repeat the procedure once a week. Peeling involves the deep layers of the skin, so the cleansing result lasts for about a month.
• Allergenicity . The use of a scrub is less likely to be accompanied by allergic reactions due to its surface action. Aggressive peeling components of mineral or chemical origin are much more often accompanied by rashes and itching.
• Safety . But it is much easier to damage the skin with hard abrasive particles. If the abrasive particles are too large and sharp, micro wounds and cuts will remain on the surface.

Peeling for feet - we explain the types and technologies

Users' opinions

• EllenFrolo . So far, of all the scrubs I've tried, Savonry has proven to be the best.
• First of all, it exfoliates perfectly.

Secondly, it does not injure my skin.

Usually I first steam my feet in a bath with essential oils, and then scrub. The effect is excellent and lasts a long time. Over the summer, I may end up with more than one package, because I love open-toed shoes, and the roads in our city leave much to be desired.

Scrubbing your feet helps eliminate flaking and dead skin, leaving it soft and silky. You can prepare the scrub yourself, or you can purchase a finished product at a cosmetic store. The main thing is the presence of caring components and not too aggressive abrasive.

Rules of application

To achieve the best scrubbing effect:

• Before the procedure, it is recommended to prepare a bath and steam the skin. It is best to use water with the addition of chamomile, sage, essential oils or sea salt for these purposes.
• Apply the required amount of product to wet feet and distribute it with light massage movements. The movement is carried out from the heel with a gradual transition to the toes. The drug, rich in useful substances, can be left for 5-10 minutes and only then rinsed off with warm water.
• Lubricate your feet, legs and toes with moisturizing cream.

It is recommended to carry out the procedure before bedtime so that the nutritional components have time to penetrate deeper and moisturize thoroughly.

Coffee

A foot scrub made from ground coffee beans is also easy to prepare. It requires about 1 tablespoon of ground coffee, the same amount of cinnamon and cocoa powder. All 3 ingredients need to be mixed, and then add another spoonful of sugar and 150 milliliters of any base oil.

Massaging your feet also costs about 10 minutes. After time, everything is washed off with water. The advantage of this scrub is that, in addition to removing the dead layer of epithelium, cocoa perfectly moisturizes the skin. Essentially, the coffee product acts as a foot scrub cream, moisturizing and exfoliating at the same time.

Types of use

• As an independent remedy to combat dryness and flaking;
• As an additional stage of the SPA procedure;
• To improve the effect of massage;
• As a preparatory stage before a pedicure;

Massage

The use of compounds with abrasive particles is an excellent addition to the main steps of massage.

Using a scrub allows you to:

• Improve blood flow;
• Start the regeneration of skin cells;
• Allow the massage oil to penetrate deeper and produce a moisturizing effect.

How to use for massage:

1. Lightly steam the legs in a warm bath with herbs or oils;
2. Apply a small amount of scrub to the desired area;
3. Distribute with circular movements, from top to bottom, from heel to toes;
4. Massage for 10-15 minutes, then rinse off the composition with water and continue the massage using oil or lotion.

Pedicure massage: benefits, features and procedure for performing the procedure

A couple of tips:

• You should not scrub your feet for more than 15 minutes. Prolonged contact with abrasive particles of the drug can damage the skin;
• For massage, it is better to choose a product with a finely ground abrasive to prevent injuries and micro scratches.

Pedicure

It is difficult to imagine a complete foot care procedure without thoroughly cleansing the skin. A scrub will help in the fight for cleanliness and velvety. The product is perfect for both regular, dry pedicure and spa pedicure.

How to use in a spa pedicure procedure:

1. Prepare a warm bath and steam the skin for 10-15 minutes;
2. Apply a small amount of scrub to your feet and spread it over your feet with light movements;
3. Massage for 3-5 minutes, paying special attention to the heel and toes. To enhance the effect, you can use pumice stone together with the scrub.
4. Rinse off the mixture, dry your feet and start working on your nails.

Dry pedicure: European and hardware options

For dry pedicure:

1. Thoroughly disinfect your feet with an antiseptic;
2. Apply the scrub and rub it in in a circular motion for a few minutes. Particular attention is paid to problem areas - heels, toes and lateral surface of the foot;
3. Remove residues with a dry cloth or towel;
4. Start working on your nails.

In this case, the scrub works as a substitute for a foot grater. The main thing is to choose a product suitable for use on a non-steamed surface.

The basis

In addition to the abrasive, you also need to take care of the base. It should be light, but nutritious, and even better if, at the same time, it also has a softening effect. Any vegetable oil you can find in the kitchen can be used as a base for a foot scrub: olive or sunflower. Another option is to buy a special composition for these purposes, since the choice today is simply huge.

In stores and pharmacies you can buy flaxseed, sea buckthorn, coconut, grape seed or walnut oil. The base can also be sour cream or cream with a high percentage of fat content. An excellent solution would be the most common cream used by a woman in her daily care.

Varieties

According to the purpose of use, scrubs are:

• To combat hyperhidrosis .
  Some components help not only with removing the stratum corneum, but also to reduce sweating. Sea salt, mint essential oil, sage or lavender in the composition will have an antimicrobial and antiseptic effect and reduce the production of secretions; Hyperhidrosis of the feet: causes and solutions to the problem
• To eliminate heaviness;
• Nutritious . Active moisturizing agents in the composition help saturate the skin with moisture and prevent the appearance of cracks.

Depending on the area of ​​application , foot scrubs can be divided into 2 types:

• For the feet . Includes large abrasive particles that skillfully cope with corns and keratinization. It is dangerous to use such a product on other parts of the body - thin skin can be easily damaged by sharp components;
• For ankles and shins . A more gentle option with reduced “scraping” particles. This product cannot cope with a thick layer of keratinization, but it will gently scrub sensitive skin.

Folk recipes

Most people prefer to make their own scrubs at home. This method has many advantages:

• the product turns out natural;
• the cost of a ready-made home remedy will be much lower than a purchased one;
• an abundance of recipes for every taste and skin type.

Citrus cocktail

Citrus fruits contain acids that soften dead skin layers and make them easier to remove with an abrasive.

Components:

• lemon – 1 pc.;
• grapefruit – 1 pc.;
• granulated sugar – 55 g.

Cooking process:

1. Cut the fruit in half. For one use you will need half of each fruit.
2. Remove the peel from each fruit, leaving only the pulp.
3. Pass the fruit pulp through a meat grinder and add granulated sugar.

You should not leave this scrub for storage in the refrigerator. Use the entire prepared volume of the product in one application.

We recommend: How to choose and use a body scrub? The best home remedy recipes and most popular brands

Using semolina

Semolina is great for exfoliating the skin on your shins because it is a more gentle abrasive than sugar or salt.

Components:

• semolina – 1 tbsp. spoon;
• moisturizing cream (oily and thick) – 2 tbsp. spoons.

Cooking process:

1. Mix the ingredients in a clean container until a homogeneous consistency is obtained.
2. When using the product on your feet, double the amount of semolina to get a more pronounced abrasive effect.

From salt

This scrub is one of the most effective and at the same time budget-friendly. However, it is not recommended to use it on sensitive skin.

Components:

• salt (sea or table fine) – 3 tbsp. spoons;
• liquid soap – 160 ml;
• Apricot essential oil (or rosemary oil) – 6 drops.

Cooking process:

1. Mix all ingredients in a clean bowl until smooth.
2. If the scrub seems too aggressive to you, then dilute it with a few spoons of rich cream.

Chocolate remedy

Cocoa beans are useful not only internally. They also work well as a cosmetic component, as they make the skin soft, smooth and moisturized.

Components:

• cocoa powder – 1 tbsp. spoon;
• cane sugar (brown) – 1 teaspoon;
• milk – 4 tbsp. spoons.

Cooking process:

1. Heat the milk over low heat to a temperature of 30–35 degrees.
2. Add cocoa powder and sugar to warm milk.
3. Mix the ingredients until a single mass is obtained.

Contraindications

The relative safety of the scrub does not deprive it of a number of restrictions on its use.

• Phlebeurysm. If there are pronounced spider veins and enlarged veins in the treated area, the use of cleaning with abrasive particles is prohibited;
• Individual intolerance to the abrasive effect. If the skin reacts to the drug with even greater dryness, redness or rashes, it is better to abandon this method of cleansing;
• Close location of capillaries.
  Closely located vessels may react unpredictably to abrasive particles; Proximity of blood vessels: features of the choice of manicure and cuticle care
• Allergy. Especially relevant for home scrubs. Before applying a new drug, check for the presence of an allergic reaction. To test, apply a small amount of product to a small area and leave for 30-40 minutes.

Possible side effects

If foot scrubs are used incorrectly or too frequently, side effects may occur:

• Minor cracks and scratches . Most often this happens when using an abrasive that is too large or hard, or when applying excessive pressure to the skin during the procedure.
• Redness . If your scrub contains fruit acids or vinegar, don't be surprised when your skin turns red after using the product. Redness usually subsides 1–2 hours after the procedure.
• Allergic reaction. Individual intolerance to individual components from the composition can always appear unexpectedly. It usually manifests itself in the form of a rash, itching or redness.

The best ready-made scrubs

Org anic Shop Polishing foot scrub “Glass slipper”

The salt crystals in the composition do an excellent job of mild peeling and mild keratinization of the feet. With a jar volume of 100 ml. It is used sparingly. The package is enough for 8-10 uses.

Price – from 70 to 130 rubles.

ARAVIA Professional, Salt & Aroma scrub

Aravia salt foot scrub contains tropical verbena and tea tree oils, thanks to which it has a decongestant, antiseptic and spasmodic effect. Also among the functions of the scrub:

• Acceleration of tissue regeneration;
• Saturation of the skin with vitamins;
• Smoothing effect;
• Relieving leg fatigue.

The product is intended for professional use. One procedure requires 6-8 grams of product. Apply the product to damp skin of the feet and legs.

Farmona, Grapefruit Salt Peeling Smooth Feet

Another professional product is Farmona foot scrub. Salt crystals act as an abrasive, and the caring effect is achieved through shea butter, as well as grapefruit squeeze and extract.

The product is applied with massage movements to slightly damp skin of the feet. It is important that it is recommended to use the scrub after a hardware pedicure and after coating. This is due to the oils in the composition - they will ruin the adhesion between the material and the nail.

Avon, Pineapple and Tea Tree

Avon Foot Scrub gently removes dry skin particles and dead cells. It has a pleasant aroma and effectively moisturizes the skin of the feet. Contains tea tree oil, which has an antiseptic effect and prevents the development of mycoses.

Avon Foot Works “Lime Mojito”

The product promotes high-quality cleansing of the stratum corneum and deep moisturizing of the skin. It has small abrasive particles and is used for both feet and ankles.

Package volume – 75 ml. Average price – 70 rub.

Avon Foot Works Sea Salt Toning

Cools, fights heaviness and effectively cleanses the feet. The gel texture of the scrub is perfectly distributed.

Price for 75 ml – from 80 to 100 rubles.

Faberlic foot scrub ETNO botanica series

Abrasive particles in the form of crushed apricot kernels do an excellent job even with old keratinization. In addition to its main function, the product tones and gives lightness.

Standard tube 75 ml. will cost 100 rubles.

Scholl Foot Scrub

The manufacturer of pedicure instruments has expanded its line with a scrubbing product. Pumice particles are used as an abrasive, which effectively removes unwanted particles. A significant drawback is the unpleasant smell.

Volume 75 ml, costs an average of 250 rubles.

One hundred beauty recipes “Flower honey and apricot kernels”

After using the product, the legs become soft and tender due to the honey in the composition. Copes perfectly with dryness and moderate flaking.

Standard packaging 75 ml. Price – from 70 to 110 rubles.

Foot scrub Natura Siberica Volcanic

Carefully removes keratinized areas and saturates with moisture. The composition contains volcanic pumice, thermal water and salt crystals.

Volume – 150 ml. Price – from 400 to 600 rubles.

Sally Hansen Foot Polish Scrub

Pumice particles, lavender extract and tea tree oil effectively clean and disinfect. When used systematically, it has a deodorizing effect.

Tube volume – 75 ml. The average price is 350 rubles.

Beneficial features

The foot scrub is designed to free the skin from rough and dying elements of the dermis and saturate young cells with nutrients.

The care product has the following effects:

• cleansing (removes old rough skin);
• renewing (promotes epithelial regeneration);
• restorative (relieves fatigue, has a relaxing effect);
• protective (prevents the development of pathogenic bacteria, as well as the growth of unwanted hair and its ingrowth into the skin surface);
• improves the appearance of the legs.

The secret to efficiency

A foot scrub at home is prepared according to a standard formula, the secret of which lies in small solid particles. They are the main component that exfoliates dead skin cells. But at the same time, the scrub is gentler than peeling. The procedure can be performed more often.

You can change the ingredients each time, getting a different effect. As a result, the feet will receive not only cleansing, but also nutrition, hydration, and regeneration. The formula for a homemade scrub can be made in such a way that all the components needed for this are in one product. Then it will have a triple effect.

With semolina

These are products with semolina or apricot peeling. A semolina scrub can be prepared from a tablespoon of ground cereal (so-called semolina flour) and half a tablespoon of any cream.

It is necessary to bring the mixture to a homogeneous consistency, then begin applying to the feet and massaging. You should not keep the composition on your feet for more than 10 minutes. Women who use this scrub say that the skin after it becomes not only clean, but also softer and more delicate.

Girls' opinions on coffee and salty remedies

These products are really simple, and most importantly, they are affordable for any woman. As for effectiveness, it seems that a coffee or salt foot scrub works great. Reviews are the best confirmation of this. As many say, these products exfoliate perfectly, but girls also note that the effect is short-lived. Therefore, the scrubbing procedure should be carried out at least once a week. If you can’t do this so often, you can try other foot scrub recipes with a harsher abrasive.

Causes and treatment of cracked heels

This problem causes considerable discomfort - it is often accompanied by inflammation, and the affected areas hurt with every touch. There are several reasons for the appearance of cracks:

• Tight shoes

It compresses the legs, which leads to impaired blood supply and deterioration of the skin.

• Fungal diseases

In this case, along with pain, itching and an unpleasant odor occur.

• Lack of vitamin A and tocopherol

Leads to insufficient nutrition and dryness of the epidermis, which causes the appearance of thin cuts, and after them - deep cracks.

• Diabetes

Another internal source of the problem. Increased blood sugar levels lead to fluid loss, resulting in disruption of the sebaceous glands, dehydration of the skin and rough feet.

The cracks can become inflamed and cause pain when walking. To get rid of them, you need to visit an endocrinologist and dermatologist and only then begin treatment. Most often, treatment of heels with antibacterial and softening agents or application of special cosmetics containing antibacterial components is prescribed. For concomitant fungal infections, ointments and creams that have a fungicidal effect are used.