Exfoliation is an important step to heal cracked heels. After soaking the feet in lukewarm water, Rubbing a pumice stone can help remove hardened calluses and dead skin. But should you choose a ceramic one or a volcanic pumice stone? Should it have smaller pores or large ones? What are the benefits of pumice stone for feet?
The formation of pumice stone takes place when water and lava mix together. It’s an abrasive-yet-light stone used to remove dead, dry skin. A pumice stone [1] can also soften your corns and calluses to minimize pain from friction.
Pumice stone uses
You can use this stone regularly, but it’s essential to know how to use it correctly. If you’re not attentive, you can take away too much skin, increase your risk of infection, or cause bleeding.
Supplies
You can buy a pumice stone at local grocery stores or beauty supply stores. Few stores offer a two-sided pumice stone. These stones have a softer side for buffing or more sensitive areas and an abrasive side for rougher skin.
To safely exfoliate your skin, you’ll also require a big basin or bowl of soapy, warm water. This is particularly essential for exfoliating your hands or feet. If you want to try a pumice stone on your face, elbows, or neck, consider using this stone while taking a shower.
[Read: How to get rid of dead skin on Feet]
Other accessories you need include:
- soft towel
- moisturizer (cream, lotion, or oil)
- bristled brush to clean the pumice stone
- moisturizing socks (optional)
Step-by-step instructions
These instructions will help you to take away your rough skin properly. If you start to experience pain or irregular symptoms, stop using the pumice stone right away.
Preparation
Gather all of your materials at a place. Make sure that your water and stone are clean.
Soak your callused, dry skin in warm water for 10 to 15 minutes. This will aid to soften your hardened skin. Add oil or soap to your water to increase moisture and for extra softening.
Pumice stone for feet
If you are using a pumice stone on your knees, elbows, or face, complete this step in a shower or warm bath.
How to use a pumice stone?
- While you are soaking your skin, also soak your pumice stone in lukewarm water. Don’t use a dry pumice stone over your skin. A wet pumice stone will slide across your skin quickly and will minimize your threat of injury.
- Remove the target place from the soap bath and pat dry with a towel. If your skin is still tough, soak for some more minutes before drying your skin.
- Take away the pumice stone from the warm water and use it for your skin.
- Applying light pressure, rub the abrasive side of the pumice stone over your skin in a circular motion. Massage the skin for 2 or 3 minutes. If your skin begins to feel sore or sensitive, stop right away because you’re most likely using excessive pressure.
- For your feet, focus your attention on the sides of your toes, your heels, and other dry areas you notice.
- Continue rubbing the pumice stone over your skin until you have removed the dead skin and exposed softer skin underneath.
- After 2 to 3 minutes of slight rubbing, rinse the skin. If you still notice patches of dead skin, repeat this procedure. Also, rinse your pumice stone for each sesh to keep the surface clean.
- You can repeat this procedure daily or a few times a week to maintain supple, soft skin.
[Also Read: How to Get Rid of Corns on Feet]
Finishing up
- When you’re finished, apply an oil or moisturizer to your skin to maintain moisture and keep your skin supple. For a boost, wear moisturizing socks after moisturizing the skin.
- Clean your pumice stone after each use. Under flowing water, use a bristle brush to scrub off the dead skin of the stone. Apply a small quantity of soap to make sure it’s free of any dirt and clean. Bacteria may grow on the surface.
- Don’t share your pumice with others. Every family member should have a separate one.
- Leave the stone to dry on its own. Set it in a dry place away from moisture to avoid bacteria growth.
- For deep cleansing, boil your pumice stone in hot water for 5 minutes. Leave it to air dry away from damp places.
Your stone may wear down over time, becoming extra smooth to be effective. If your stone becomes too smooth, small, or soft, replace it.
Tips for using a pumice stone
1. Pumice stone for face
Your neck and face are more sensitive places. If you apply excessive pressure, you can cause abrasions and redness. To use a pumice stone on your neck or face, consider buying a dual-sided stone.
Repeat the same as above. Rather than using the abrasive side of the pumice stone, use the softer side. Rub the stone in a circular pattern for around 20 seconds. If you observe any redness or feel any burning, stop using the pumice stone right away.
After exfoliating your skin, rinse your neck and face with warm water and apply a moisturizer. Only use a pumice stone over your face once per 7 days.
2. Pumice stone hair removal
Apart from taking away dead skin, a pumice stone can also eliminate unnecessary hair.
You may follow these steps for hair removal:
- Soften your skin in lukewarm water for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Dampen your pumice stone.
- Lather soap on to your skin.
- Press the pumice stone over your skin, rubbing circularly with light pressure to take away hairs.
- Repeat and rinse until all hair has been taken away. If you experience any uneasiness, stop using the pumice stone right away.
- When you’ve completed, rinse thoroughly with warm water to remove any excess skin or hair.
- Apply an oil or moisturizer to your skin.
- Repeat this process every now and then until all hair has been removed.
[Also Read: Tips to Get Rid of Calluses on Feet]
Bottom Line
These instructions should walk you through using a pumice stone effectively and safely for exfoliation or hair removal. After you’re done using a pumice stone, always moisturize the skin and wash the stone. Just remember that your results may not reflect those of others.
If you start to experience any pain or irritation, stop using this stone immediately. Individuals with delicate skin may not be able to use a pumice stone. If you notice skin damage during this process, apply an antiseptic, and stop using it. Discuss other options with your dermatologist or doctor.
