Prevention
It’s almost impossible for our skin naturally shine 365 days a year. Once in a while, we must solve the problem with our own hands, and the perfect tool for that is an old but good thing: the pumice.
According to dermatologists, the natural scrub, which can be purchased for less than $ 15 and dates back to 100 BC, is easy to use and turns your feet from dry, callused to silky and smooth.
Not only does pumice easily remove that excessively dead, scaly skin you fear, but it is soft enough to use daily if you are careful enough, says accredited dermatologist Caroline A. Chang, MD, founder of the Rhode Island Dermatology Institute and member of the Prevention Medical Review Board.
What is a pumice stone, exactly?
Formed by a combination of water and lava, pumice is a natural product best known for removing rough spots on the feet, elbows and hands, allowing for the appearance of softer skin. “When the lava / water [combination] it cools, hardens and results in a light rock with a porous texture, ”says Ana Cristina Laureano, MD, an accredited dermatologist at Scherl Dermatology in New Jersey. The texture of the stone offers light to medium exfoliation.
You can find pumice stones in various sizes and shapes, sometimes attached to handles, which makes it even easier to use. This is especially true when it comes to feet, which can be subject to dryness, flaking and calluses due to excessive wear and tear, says Tanya Kormeili, MD, an accredited dermatologist in Santa Monica, California.
Both Dr. Chang and Dr. Laureano recommend pumice to their patients. “The benefits of using a pumice [are] that you can gently but effectively peel off dead skin and callous skin to reveal smoother skin, ”says Dr. Chang. But while it is generally safe, it is important to know when and how to use it correctly, since any exfoliation product has the potential to damage your skin.
Are there any negative side effects from using pumice?
In general, dermatologists warn against being too aggressive when using a pumice stone, especially on certain parts of the body.
“It is better to use a pumice stone in areas with thicker skin, such as knees, elbows and feet,” says Dr. Laureano. “Your feet are the safest area to keep if you have very sensitive skin on your body. I would avoid using it on thinner skins, such as the face, as this skin is more susceptible to micro-abrasions and tears. Too much irritation in an area of thin skin can lead to inflammation, which can result in scarring and / or changes in pigmentation. “
It also discourages the use of pumice if you have diabetes, low blood circulation or take anticoagulants. “These patients are at increased risk of bleeding and foot infections,” she says, adding that patients with nerve damage or infections should not use the pumice stone unless explicitly instructed by their doctor.
In other words, when used poorly, pumice can easily cause bleeding, tears and crusts. Therefore, it is crucial that you first determine if you need to be released by a doctor before using. If you get OK, remember to be gentle, don’t be in a hurry, avoid using on injured skin and limit the use to once a day. It is also never a good idea to share your pumice stone with another person, as bacteria can remain on the stone and be transferred from one person to another.
How to use a pumice stone the right way
Almost everyone experiences natural changes in their skin throughout the year. Cold, dry air in the winter months tends to make your skin almost ten times drier; in summer, our feet are exposed to the elements, which makes them more vulnerable. To gently exfoliate, pick up a pumice stone and follow these four steps:
✔️ Step 1
Before you start, you need to soak the skin and stone (separately) in warm water for five to ten minutes. Dr. Laureano says this will make the process easier by loosening the calloused skin. It will also soften the texture of the stone, which will make it less rough.
✔️ Step 2
After the skin and stone are immersed in warm water, you can start exfoliating by gently rubbing the stone in the area in a circular motion. When you perform this step for two to three minutes, you will likely see dead skin falling off. Once in a while, you should stop and rinse the area and the stone to control the amount of skin you are exfoliating.
✔️ step 3
After exfoliating for a few minutes, check the smoothness of the skin with your hand. If it is still dry or hard, continue using the stone in a circular motion in the area for another minute or two. As soon as your skin is smooth, ready! Do not continue using the pumice 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 have finished using the pumice, you should finish by rinsing the stone and the treated area with warm water. “Pumice stones are very porous and, after use, can accumulate dead skin cells in [its] pores. Therefore, it is important to wash and rinse the stone after use ”, explains Dr. Laureano.
Then, apply your favorite body lotion or foot cream to maintain softness for longer. It is also generally safe to repeat the entire process daily if you think your skin needs it.
In short: pumice is a dermatologist-approved tool to exfoliate dry, calloused skin.
It is not only affordable, but also reusable and can provide smoother skin when used properly. “The abrasive nature of pumice has stood the test of time,” says Dr. Laureano. “It is a natural scrub that, if used correctly, can be very beneficial.”
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