If your feet are looking a little worse for wear, pumice stones can help restore them to their former glory!
These natural tools can exfoliate dead skin and can even remove body hair.
This all sounds amazing, but using it in the wrong manner can take off more skin than necessary, leading to infections later down the line.
It can be tricky to know how to use a pumice stone correctly, and many of us find ourselves causing more pain than removing dead skin.
You wonder if there is a right way to use the stone, but no matter how much you search, you come up empty-handed.
Well, no more! Today we have the answers for you. Keep reading to learn how to use a pumice stone correctly.
We’ve also included some tips on how to prepare your skin beforehand, as well as how to use a pumice stone for hair removal.
Pumice Stone Basics
Pumice stones are created when water and hot lava mix naturally. This forms a coarse stone that works well to exfoliate dead skin cells.
Pumice stones also work well on corns and calluses caused by excess friction.
Using a pumice stone regularly can remove areas of thicker skin, creating softer skin as a result.
Pumice stones can be used every day, but if they aren’t used correctly, you can take off too much skin.
This can lead to bleeding which raises your chances of getting an infection.
Grocery stores and standard beauty supply stores should stock pumice stones for purchase. You may be able to find ones with two sides.
One will have a rougher side ideal for removing tougher skin. The other will be slightly smoother, ideal for softer areas or sensitive skin.
Before you begin using a pumice stone, you’ll need to fill a basin or bowl with warm water.
Other tools you might want are a towel, moisturizer for your feet, thick socks, and a brush to clean the stone after use.
Who Should Avoid Using Pumice Stones?
Pumice stones are safe for most people, but they can be unsafe for those with certain medical conditions.
People with diabetes, those on blood thinners, or those with poor circulation should avoid using pumice stones completely.
These individuals are more prone to bleeding or infections after using one.
Those with nerve damage or numbness should also skip using a pumice stone.
This makes it difficult to know whether they are applying too much pressure or not, which can cause injury later.
How To Use A Pumice Stone
Follow these steps to use a pumice stone on your feet correctly.
Step 1 – Preparation
As mentioned above, make sure you have a bowl or basin of clean, soapy water.
Gather your pumice stone and any other materials you need together.
Make sure that your feet are clean and dry beforehand, then soak your callused feet in the water for up to 10 minutes.
The warm water will make hard skin softer, making it easier to remove dead skin.
You can add oils, like olive, sweet almond, or avocado to further moisturize your skin.
If you are using a pumice stone to remove dead skin on other parts of your body, preparing your skin in a warm bath or shower may be easier.
As you soak your skin in the water, do the same to your pumice stone. Dry pumice stones will be too rough on your skin.
Wetting the surface lets it slide easier across your skin, lowering the chance of you cutting or injuring your skin.
Step 2 – Using A Pumice Stone Correctly
After 10 minutes, remove your feet from the water and use a soft towel to dry them gently. Examine your skin.
If the skin is still tough, soak your feet again for 5 minutes. Use a towel to make your skin dry.
Take your pumice stone out of the water and run it over the calloused skin. Use the stone’s coarse side in circles.
Don’t press too hard, maintain an even, light pressure. Keep using the stone for up to three minutes.
Keep note of how your skin is feeling. Applying too much pressure can make your feet inflamed or sore.
If this occurs, discontinue the process immediately.
As you massage, pay more attention to areas of your feet that need more love.
These may be your heels, balls of the feet, or the edges of your toes.
These areas can get neglected over time, leading to dry and calloused bits of skin.
Keep rubbing the pumice stone over the skin until the dead skin is removed. You should see softer, supple skin start to come through.
After no more than three minutes, clean your skin with fresh water. Examine your feet again.
If any dead skin patches remain, repeat the steps.
Always rinse your pumice stone well after using it. You can also use a bristle brush and soap to deep clean it after a few uses.
This method is safe to perform every day, but a few times a week is all that’s needed to keep your feet soft and supple.
Step 3 – Last Steps
After you’ve used your pumice stone, coat your feet with a thick moisturizer. This will help maintain your newly soft skin.
Putting on moisturizing socks will help your feet absorb the lotion better, but if you don’t have these, a pair of fluffy thick socks will work just fine.
Never share your pumice stone with anyone else. When you leave it to dry, keep it in an open area.
Damp or closed-off areas can harbor moisture, leading to bacteria growing on the surface.
Pumice stones can become smoother over time, becoming less effective at removing dead skin.
If this happens to your stone, you’ll need to get another one.
How To Use A Pumice Stone For Hair Removal
Pumice stones are great for your feet, but they can help remove body hair too.
If you want to remove unwanted hair, try these steps out!
Step 1 – Soak The Area
Soak the area in warm water for 10 minutes. Depending on the area in question, this may be easier to do in the shower or bathtub.
Soak your pumice stone while you do this.
Step 2 – Lather
Apply soap or shower gel in a lather. Use the pumice stone in circles, keeping an even, gentle pressure.
You should see some hairs falling out. If your skin becomes inflamed or irritated, discontinue using the pumice stone at once.
Step 3 – Rinse
Once all of your hair has been removed, rinse your skin with fresh water. Apply a body lotion or oil to protect your skin afterward.
Repeat these steps a few times each week until you’ve removed all of the unwanted hair.
Conclusion
The guidelines above should help you use a pumice stone correctly.
Pumice stones can help you remove rough skin on your feet or unwanted hair on other parts of your body.
Always remember to clean your stone after each use, as bacteria can easily grow unchecked.
Moisturize your feet after each use and repeat regularly for the best results.
However, if you have poor circulation or nerve damage, it’s best to avoid using pumice stones entirely, as they can cause injury.