6 DIY Foot and Leg Scrubs for Smoother-Looking Skin

Dry heels, rough shins, and dull patches on the legs tend to show up as soon as sandal season ends and the tights come out. Store-bought scrubs can be pricey, yet most of what they contain is sitting in the pantry already.

A sweetener or grounds for grit, a little oil to soften, and a gentle hand are all it takes. Here are six easy mixes to try.

Brown Sugar and Olive Oil Scrub

This is the classic starter scrub. Stir together half a cup of brown sugar and a quarter cup of olive oil, almond oil, or grapeseed oil until it forms a thick, damp paste.

Brown sugar is softer and rounder than salt, so it’s a good choice for first-timers.

Rub it over wet skin in slow circles, then rinse well. Store any extra in a jar for about a week, or longer in the refrigerator.

Coffee and Coconut Oil Scrub

Coffee grounds make an easy, gritty base. Mix about half a cup of cooled used grounds with half a cup of sugar and a third cup of melted coconut oil.

The scent is a bonus, and the warm, nutty smell wakes up a sleepy morning shower.

Massage it onto legs and feet, then rinse thoroughly. A coffee filter or mesh strainer over the drain keeps grounds from clogging the plumbing.

Oat Flour and Honey Scrub

Oat flour is far gentler than sugar or salt, which makes this one a good pick for sensitive skin. Combine half a cup of oat flour with a third cup of shea butter and a few tablespoons of honey.

Honey is a natural humectant, meaning it helps skin hold on to moisture.

The texture is soft and creamy rather than sandy. It’s best for a light polish on legs, not for heavy calluses.

Sea Salt and Almond Oil Scrub

Salt is the roughest option on this list, so it works best on the feet. Mix half a cup of sea salt with a third cup of almond or olive oil until a loose paste forms.

Soak the feet for five to ten minutes first to soften rough patches.

Then scrub gently over heels and calluses. Skip this one on the legs, particularly after shaving, since the larger crystals can sting.

Epsom Salt, Honey, and Sugar Scrub

For very dry, cracked heels, this mix pairs several textures. Combine half a cup of Epsom salt, half a cup of sugar, half a cup of coconut oil, and a spoonful of honey.

The oil and honey keep the scrub from feeling harsh.

Apply it to damp feet, rub over the rough areas, and rinse. Putting on socks right afterward helps seal in moisture, especially if it’s done before bed.

Milk and Sugar Soak-and-Scrub

This two-step routine starts with a soak. Fill a basin with equal parts whole milk and hot water, and soak the feet for ten to fifteen minutes.

Afterward, mix raw sugar and white sugar with enough coconut oil to form a thick paste.

Rub it over the heels and calluses, then rinse and moisturize. Wearing socks for an hour or overnight deepens the effect.

Safety Rules for Any Scrub

Scrub gently, using light pressure and slow circles for no more than a few minutes. Dermatologists generally suggest exfoliating once or twice a week, and once weekly is plenty for dry or sensitive skin.

Stop right away if the skin turns red, stings, or hurts.

Skip scrubbing if you’re using products with retinol, salicylic acid, or benzoyl peroxide, and never use a scrub on broken or freshly shaved skin. People with diabetes or circulation problems should ask a doctor before scrubbing their feet. Oil also makes shower floors slippery, so rinse carefully.