If the skin on your feet is dry, itchy, rough, and/or callous, soaking your feet in an Epsom salt solution is a natural way to soften and soften your feet. In addition, soaking feet in warm liquids is also good for relaxation. However, if you have health problems, such as diabetes or heart disease, consult your doctor first before soaking your feet.
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Part 1 of 4: Preparing for the Foot Soak
Step 1. Prepare the Epsom salt
Epsom salt can be purchased at most pharmacies. Epsom salt is likely to be in the same section as painkillers (aspirin, ibuprofen, etc.) and bandages because it is often used to treat muscle pain. Make sure the packaging for your Epsom salt product contains an indication that the product can be used for humans (in the United States, such products display the USP verified logo on the packaging).
All Epsom salt products contain natural minerals (magnesium and sulfate), but have different “values” depending on the intended use (e.g., “for humans” or “for agriculture”)
Step 2. Purchase a foot bath
Foot tubs, also known as pedicure bowls, or other similarly sized containers can be purchased at most department stores, maybe even a large pharmacy.
- If your budget is tight, buy a regular basin which is cheaper than a foot tub. Since it's not specifically designed for soaking feet, buy a regular basin that's big enough to put both feet comfortably (even try standing in a basin at the store). Also consider the depth of the basin. Buy a basin that allows your feet to be submerged in the water to just above the ankles.
- If you buy a foot tub/pedicure bowl, make sure you can add ingredients other than water to the tub before you buy it.
Step 3. Buy a pumice stone
Various types of pumice can be purchased at pharmacies and convenience stores. Some pumice stones are rock-shaped, others have ropes, and some have handles: none is the best; just choose what you like.
Don't buy natural-looking pumice, which is hard like coral. If you use a pumice stone that is not specially made for cosmetic purposes, you run the risk of damaging your skin
Step 4. Determine the room where you want to soak your feet
Is it in the living room while watching TV? Are you in the bathroom listening to a song or reading a book? Whichever room you choose, be sure to have everything you need ready before taking the next step.
Step 5. Pay attention to the type of floor in the room where you will soak your feet
If the room has tile or wood floors, spread a towel on the floor so you don't slip if water spills over while soaking and peeling off the skin on your feet. If the floor of the room is carpeted, place the foot tub/basin on a waterproof mat (such as a dinner plate) to protect the carpet from getting wet if water is spilled.
Part 2 of 4: Washing Feet
Step 1. Wash your feet with mild soap and warm water
Before soaking, wash your feet to remove dirt. Wash your feet in the bathroom. Wet feet, scrub with soap, then rinse.
Use a mild soap that does not irritate the skin of the feet
Step 2. Wash the entire foot
Clean between the toes, all parts of the ankles, the backs of the feet, and the soles of the feet. It is very important to comply with this rule, especially if you often go barefoot or wear sandals.
Step 3. Pat your feet dry with a clean towel
While drying your feet, pay attention to the areas of your feet that have dry skin, as these may not be visible after soaking. So, it is important to remember these parts to make the exfoliation procedure easier later.
Part 3 of 4: Soaking Feet
Step 1. Fill the foot basin/tub with hot water
Use water that is as hot as you can stand without hurting your feet. Be careful not to overfill the tub/basin; leave enough room for the increase in water level that will occur when the feet are dipped in the tub/basin.
- Make sure the water temperature is right before adding the Epsom salt so you don't waste the salt if you need to remove some of the hot water later and add cold water to adjust the water temperature.
- If using a foot/pedicure tub, take advantage of additional options such as vibration to relax you more.
Step 2. Mix Epsom salt in hot water
The amount of salt needed depends on the amount of water used. If using a standard foot tub or a standard foot tub, pour in 120g of Epsom salt.
Step 3. Dip your feet into the foot tub/basin
Dip your feet slowly to make sure the water isn't too hot and doesn't splash out of the tub/basin. Once submerged, gently move your feet to mix the Epsom salts with the water.
Step 4. Soak the feet for 10-15 minutes
After soaking for that long, the rough skin on the feet will feel smoother (even a little soft). If it is like that, the exfoliation procedure can be started.
Step 5. Exfoliate your feet with Epsom salt paste
Mix a handful of Epsom salt with a little hot water and stir until it becomes a paste. Rub the paste on your feet for 2 minutes to exfoliate rough skin.
Also rub Epsom salt paste between your toes and the back of your heel where dead skin may not be visible
Step 6. Dip your feet back in the tub/basin
Rinse off the Epsom salt paste by dipping your feet back into the tub/basin after exfoliating the rough/dry skin on your feet with the paste.
Part 4 of 4: Exfoliating and Moisturizing Feet
Step 1. Exfoliate your feet with a pumice stone
Lift the feet from the tub / basin without having to dry. Wet the pumice stone before rubbing it on your feet. With light to medium pressure, rub the pumice stone on the callused feet for 2-3 minutes to remove dead skin.
- Do not rub the pumice stone too hard as this can cause skin irritation and infection. The exfoliation procedure with a pumice stone should not be painful. So, if it starts to hurt, rub the pumice stone more gently or, if the skin is very irritated, don't exfoliate until the skin heals.
- Pumice stone can be used every day. However, wash the stone thoroughly after each use. If the pumice seems to be getting dirty, try boiling it. If it doesn't look clean after boiling, buy a new pumice stone.
- If you don't have or don't want to use a pumice stone, you can also use a foot file, which can be purchased at most pharmacies and convenience stores. The method is the same as for a pumice stone: with light to moderate pressure, rub a foot scraper against the callused area of the foot and stop the procedure if it hurts.
Step 2. Rinse the feet
If the water in the foot tub/basin is still clean (not full of flakes of dead skin), dip the feet back into the tub/basin as a final rinse before drying. If the water is full of flakes of dead skin or feel cleaner rinsing your feet with clean water after soaking, place your feet under the faucet and wash them with lukewarm water.
Some people believe that Epsom salt can be used for detoxification so the feet should be rinsed with water after soaking in Epsom salt solution to wash out toxins that have leaked onto the skin's surface. There is almost no scientific evidence to support it. However, it never hurts to rinse your feet with water
Step 3. Wrap feet with a towel
Wrap your feet in a towel to absorb most of the water, then pat them dry. Do not rub your feet as this can irritate the skin.
Step 4. Apply moisturizer to the feet
After drying your feet, apply a moisturizing lotion. All moisturizing lotion products can be used; choose as you like. However, it's a good idea to choose products that are unscented or only lightly scented.
- If the skin on your feet is not very cracked or dry, a light moisturizer can be used. If the skin on your feet is very dry, use a stronger moisturizer or even one made especially for dry, cracked feet.
- Beauty websites recommend the method of applying petrolatum jelly to the feet, then protecting the feet by wearing socks before going to bed.
Step 5. Be patient
Depending on the roughness of the skin on your feet, you may need more than one soaking session to smooth the skin on your feet. If you are diligent about doing this soaking procedure 2-3 times per week, the skin on your feet should start to become smooth within 1-2 weeks.
Step 6. Do not stop the habit of soaking the feet after the foot skin is smooth
If you want to keep the skin on your feet smooth in the long run, you must continue to take care of them. However, you may not need to soak your feet as often as before.
Tips
- Add ingredients such as lavender oil (for relaxation) or olive oil (for moisturizing the skin) to enhance the benefits of an Epsom salt solution. If using an electric pedicure tub, read the instructions carefully to make sure that oil is allowed to be poured into the tub.
- To enhance the spa sensation, perform a pedicure procedure after soaking your feet in Epsom salt solution. The cuticles will be softer and easier to push and the toenails will be easier to trim after soaking the feet.
- Soaking feet in warm water has been scientifically proven to help relieve fatigue and insomnia.
Warning
- Only use tools that are specifically designed for feet when exfoliating. Also, make sure all tools are properly washed to prevent infection.
- Do not soak your feet in Epsom salt solution more than 2-3 times per week as this can dry out the skin on your feet.
- If the skin on your feet becomes more dry or irritated after soaking in Epsom salt solution, reduce the frequency of soaking your feet (eg from 3 times a week to 1 time a week) or stop soaking them altogether. If irritation persists after stopping foot soaking, consult a doctor.
- If you have health problems, consult your doctor first before using Epsom salt.
- Be careful if there is an open wound on the leg. Do not use strongly scented oils or anything else that can irritate the wound.
- Sufferer diabetes Do not use Epsom salts, strong antiseptic soaps, chemicals such as iodine or wart/vessel/fisheye remover, and scented skin lotions.
- Sufferer peripheral vascular disease or diabetes Do not soak feet in hot water.
