Are you looking for a simple and effective solution to achieve pretty feet? Look no further than an apple cider vinegar foot soak. Apple cider vinegar is the secret ingredient that can transform your feet, leaving them soft, fresh and healthy.
The acetic acid in vinegar helps to exfoliate skin and possesses antimicrobial properties that help banish bacteria and fungus. Plus, with the addition of essential oils in our recipe, your feet will smell sweet too.
Alternatively, try this foot peel for an instant transformation to get rid of calluses and corns fast.
How to Make an Apple Cider Vinegar Foot Soak
Ingredients:
- A quarter cup of apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp oil of choice (olive or coconut)
- Warm water
- 15 drops of essential oil of choice (peppermint essential oil adds more antimicrobial power and a fresh scent).
Instructions:
- In a bowl or basin large enough to submerge your feet, combine the apple cider vinegar, oil of choice and essential oils
- Add enough warm water to cover your feet
- Wash your feet with soap and water before soaking
- Soak your feet in the mixture for 20 minutes
- Rinse off with warm water
- Use a foot brush or pumice stone to exfoliate the dead skin
- Finally, apply a hydrating moisturising cream to your feet (put on a pair of socks and let the lotion work its magic overnight).
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Three Amazing Benefits of Apple Cider Foot Soak
Using apple cider vinegar foot soak regularly can help banish dead skin and calluses and also address various foot concerns.
1. Foot Odour
Apple cider vinegar is a powerful solution for combating foot odour. Foot odour occurs when the skin microbiome, which consists of various bacteria and microbes, becomes imbalanced, leading to bacterial overgrowth. When your body produces sweat, the bacteria feed on it and produce unpleasant odours. Fortunately, apple cider vinegar’s antibacterial properties make it effective in neutralising the odour-causing bacteria on your feet.
Furthermore, apple cider has been proven to destroy bacteria, including those commonly found on the body that contributes to foot odour, such as staphylococcus aureus.
2. Prevent and Treat Athlete’s Foot
The antifungal properties of apple cider vinegar, particularly the acetic acid it contains, help fight against the fungi that cause fungal infections like athlete’s foot. Athlete’s foot is a common fungal infection that causes itching, burning and skin peeling between the toes. Apple cider vinegar’s antifungal benefits can also help support the balance of the skin’s microbiome and inhibit the growth of fungi.
It achieves this by destroying the structure of the fungus cells and disrupting their essential enzymes. By soaking your feet in an apple cider vinegar foot bath, you can slow the growth of foot fungus and help to prevent and alleviate symptoms.
NB: while vinegar can offer some relief and soothe symptoms, it may not be as effective as medications specifically designed to treat fungal infections like athlete’s foot. If symptoms persist or worsen, medical attention should be sought.
3. Get Rid of Dead Skin, Calluses and Corns
The natural alpha-hydroxy acid properties in apple cider vinegar help remove dead skin cells, reduce calluses and promote cell turnover. This all leaves you with smoother, softer, hydrated skin. The gentle exfoliation can also help maintain the health and strength of toenails.
Similarly, apple cider vinegar can be used to reduce calluses and corns. Applying a cotton ball soaked in apple cider vinegar to the problem area can also be beneficial.
Is Apple Cider Foot Soak Safe For Diabetics?
When using apple cider vinegar, it’s important to exercise caution. Vinegar has the potential to irritate already inflamed skin and is not appropriate for treating wounds on the foot. Individuals with diabetes should avoid using vinegar for foot problems and instead seek specialist care for diabetic foot conditions.
The Take Away
Vinegar, with its antimicrobial properties, may help kill bacteria and fungi contributing to foot odour, and it could also have a positive effect on conditions like athlete’s foot and warts. However, it is important to note that vinegar is not a substitute for medical treatment, and if symptoms persist or worsen, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional.