PUMPKIN PIE FOOT SCRUB
Just the other day my husband walked in the front door to see me in the kitchen with my apron on mixing a bowl of what appeared to be pumpkin pie filling. He immediately stopped in his tracks and shockingly asked, “Are you making pumpkin pie right now?” This question may not seem strange or comical to you all because there are many out there who are well versed in the baking world, but that just is not me. So, I let out a loud chuckle and had to respond with the cold hard truth, “I am making a pumpkin pie foot scrub.”
Although I was very excited to try out my new recipe, you can imagine my husband’s disappointment and lack of shared enthusiasm. The man married the wrong woman if he wants to come home to a homemade pumpkin pie on the table. But in all seriousness, this DIY pumpkin pie foot scrub is just as delectable as any pastry dessert, and even better you can enjoy it guilt-free.
MAKING A PUMPKIN PIE FOOT SCRUB
In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of Dead Sea salt, 1/4 cup of organic extra virgin olive oil, 1 tablespoon of organic pumpkin purée, 1 teaspoon of organic vegetable glycerin, and 1 teaspoon of organic cinnamon powder. Stir to combine. Transfer to a sterilized airtight container, label your pumpkin pie foot scrub with the contents and date of creation, and store in the refrigerator for up to one week.
UNDERSTANDING THE INGREDIENTS
DEAD SEA SALT
A basic salt or sugar scrub is honestly one of the easiest DIY recipes you can make. You only need 1 cup of salt or sugar, 1/4 cup of a carrier oil (like jojoba oil, olive oil, or sweet almond oil), and then 12 to 25 drops of an essential oil if you prefer. The difference between a sugar scrub and a salt scrub is that salt is slightly more abrasive in texture compared to that of sugar, which makes it more of an exfoliant. I do not recommend using a salt scrub on the face, or the body (if you have sensitive skin), but it is wonderful on areas of the body with thicker skin, like the feet!
Dead Sea salt is one of my favorite salts to use in bath salt recipes and salt scrubs due to its high mineral content. It has traces of 21 minerals including: calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sulfates, all of which our body needs, and often craves. Dead Sea salt may also support the cleansing and purification process of the skin - so very needed on our feet.
EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL
Olive oil is a lovely cooking ingredient but is also phenomenal at hydrating and nourishing the skin. For several years, I used pure olive oil as a nighttime facial treatment and absolutely loved it. Olive oil also contains antioxidants that can neutralize free-radical damage on the cellular level. What that means is olive oil may assist in fighting off signs of premature aging. Now, in this DIY, we are applying olive oil to our feet because of its ability to deeply moisturize — if you have dry or cracked feet, olive oil will become your best friend.
PUMPKIN PURÉE
Don’t pigeonhole pumpkin purée as a baking ingredient because it also serves up an array of benefits in the natural skin care arena. Pumpkins are a nutrient-rich winter squash and the purée is the product produced once a cooked pumpkin has been blended into a smooth pulp. You can either make your own pumpkin purée using a food processor or purchase a can of it at your local grocery store.
According to the ScienceDirect website, pumpkins contain antioxidants such as alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, and beta-cryptoxanthin that can help neutralize free radicals which may prevent damage at the cellular level. It also offers notably high levels of vitamin A and C. Vitamin A supports the skin’s natural healing process while stimulating the production of new skin cells. It essentially encourages a healthy balance in dermal functions. Vitamin C is often associated with anti-aging treatments and serums because it contributes to a smooth and hydrated complexion, while its anti-inflammatory action reduces redness and irritation.
VEGETABLE GLYCERIN
Vegetable glycerin is often derived from soy. For this reason, I highly recommend purchasing an organic vegetable glycerin made from non-GMO soybeans or one that is corn-derived. Vegetable glycerin is the non-fatty component of plant oils extracted through a hydrolysis process. It’s an incredible emollient ingredient to employ when you need to hydrate, smooth, and soften dry skin.
As a colorless, odorless, and transparent viscous liquid with a pH that closes resembles our skin, vegetable glycerin is also ideal for those with skin sensitives. It can be added to a variety of recipes like body scrubs, facial serums, hand sanitizers, foot scrubs and soaks, and shower gels.
CINNAMON POWDER
If you have unpleasant foot odors or athlete’s foot, cinnamon is a fantastic ingredient to recruit for foot health due to its antiseptic properties. Additionally, it can assist in sloughing off the cracked and hardened skin on the bottom and sides of our feet.
You will have the softest and smoothest of feet after this pumpkin pie foot scrub.
DIY PUMPKIN PIE FOOT SCRUB
Ingredients
1 cup Dead Sea salt
1/4 cup organic extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon organic pumpkin purée
1 teaspoon organic vegetable glycerin
1 teaspoon organic cinnamon powder
Materials
mixing bowl
mixing spoon
airtight container
Instructions
In a mixing bowl, add Dead Sea salt, extra virgin olive oil, pumpkin purée, vegetable glycerin, and cinnamon powder.
Stir to combine.
Transfer to a sterilized airtight container and label your pumpkin pie foot scrub. Store in the refrigerator and use with 1 week.
How to Use
Dampen your feet with water before use. Place a tablespoon of the pumpkin pie foot scrub onto each foot and scrub your feet using gentle circular motions focusing on areas where your skin may be cracked or dry. Remove the foot scrub with warm water.
