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Prevention
It is almost impossible for our skin to naturally shines 365 days a year. Every now and then we have to take matters into our own hands, and the perfect tool for that is an old but good one: the pumice stone.
According to dermatologists, the natural exfoliating product, which can be purchased for under $ 15 and dates back to 100 BCE, is easy to use and will turn your feet from dry and callused to silky and smooth.
Pumice not only easily removes that excess dead, scaly skin you dread, but it’s gentle enough for daily use if you’re careful enough, says certified dermatologist Caroline A. Chang, MD, founder of the Rhode Island Dermatology Institute and member of the preventive medical examination committee.
What exactly is a pumice stone?
Formed from a combination of water and lava, pumice stone is the best known natural product for removing rough spots on feet, elbows and hands, allowing softer skin to emerge. “When the lava / water [combination] cools, hardens and gives a light rock with a porous texture, ”says Ana Cristina Laureano, MD, a dermatologist certified by Scherl Dermatology in New Jersey. The texture of the stone provides a gentle to medium exfoliation.
You can find pumice stones in different sizes and shapes, sometimes attached to handles, which makes it even easier to use. This is especially true when it comes to the feet, which can be prone to dryness, scaling, and calluses from excessive wear and tear, says Tanya Kormeili, MD, a certified dermatologist in Santa Monica, Calif.
Dr Chang and Dr Laureano recommend pumice stone to their patients. “The advantages of using a pumice stone [are] that you can gently but effectively remove dead, callused skin to reveal softer skin, ”says Dr. Chang. But while it’s generally safe, knowing when and how to use it properly is important, as any exfoliation product can damage the skin.
Are there any negative side effects of using a pumice stone?
Overall, dermatologists advise against being too aggressive when using a pumice stone, especially on certain parts of the body.
“It’s best to use a pumice stone in areas with thicker skin like the knees, elbows and feet,” says Dr. Laureano. “The feet are the safest area to go if you have very sensitive skin on your body. I would avoid using it on thinner skin, like the face, as this skin is more sensitive to micro-abrasions and tears. Too much irritation on an area of thin skin can lead to inflammation, which can lead to scarring and / or pigmentation changes. “
She also advises against using pumice stone if you have diabetes, poor blood circulation or if you are taking blood thinners. “These patients are at an increased risk of bleeding and foot infections,” she says, adding that patients with nerve damage or infections should not use pumice unless they are explicitly authorized by their doctor. .
In other words, when misused, pumice stone can easily cause bleeding, tearing, and scabs. It is therefore essential that you first determine whether you need to be cleared by a doctor before use. If you get the OK remember to be gentle, take your time, avoid using on broken skin, and limit use to once a day. It is also not a good idea to share your pumice stone with another person, as bacteria can remain in the stone and be transferred from person to person.
How to properly use a pumice stone
Almost everyone experiences natural changes in their skin throughout the year. The cold, dry air of the winter months tends to make the skin almost ten times drier; in the summer our feet are exposed to the elements, which makes them more vulnerable. To gently exfoliate, take a pumice stone and follow these four steps:
✔️ Step 1
Before starting, you should soak your skin and the stone (separately) in lukewarm water for five to ten minutes. Dr Laureano says it will ease the process by loosening the dead callused skin. It will also soften the texture of the stone, making it less rough.
✔️ 2nd step
Once the skin and stone have both been soaked in hot water, you can then begin to exfoliate by gently rubbing the stone over the area in a circular motion. By doing this step for two to three minutes, you will likely see some dead skin falling off. Every now and then you need to stop and rinse the area and the stone in order to keep track of how much skin you are exfoliating.
✔️ Step 3
After exfoliation for a few minutes, check the softness of your skin with your hand. If it is still dry or hard, continue using the stone in a circular motion over the area for an additional minute or two. Once your skin is smooth, you’re done! Do not continue to use the pumice stone all at once after reaching this point, as it is possible to overdo it which can cause skin irritation or even bleeding and scarring.
✔️ Step 4
When you are done using the pumice stone, you should finish by rinsing the rock and the treated area with lukewarm water. “Pumice stones are very porous and, after use, can accumulate dead skin cells in your skin. [its] pores. So, it is important to wash and rinse your stone after using it, ”explains Dr Laureano.
Then apply your favorite body lotion or foot cream to keep it soft for longer. It’s also generally safe to repeat the whole process daily if you feel your skin needs it.
Bottom line: Pumice stone is a dermatologist-approved tool for exfoliating dry, callused skin.
It is not only affordable, but it is also reusable and can give you smoother skin when used properly. “The abrasive nature of pumice has stood the test of time,” says Dr. Laureano. “It’s a natural exfoliant which, if used correctly, can be of great benefit.”
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