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Pumice stone is created when hot lava mixes with water and solidifies, forming a porous and abrasive rock ideal for exfoliating dry skin. To use a pumice stone, soften the calloused area with warm water, wet the stone, and gently rub it on the skin in circular motions to remove dead skin cells. Besides its primary use for exfoliation, pumice stones can also be used for hair removal, fabric de-pilling, and even cleaning toilets.
Steps
Exfoliating with a Pumice Stone
Soak the calloused area in warm water. Feet are the most common area exfoliated with a pumice stone. Heels often develop thick, hard calluses that can crack or flake. Elbows are another area that can benefit from pumice stone exfoliation. Soak the calloused area in warm water for about 5 minutes to soften the skin.
- If exfoliating your feet, fill a basin with warm water to soak them.
- For other body parts, using a pumice stone during a shower is the simplest method.
Wait until the dry skin softens. Soft and moist skin is easier to exfoliate. After soaking for a few minutes, test the skin by touch. If it still feels rough, wait a few more minutes (add more warm water if needed). If the skin feels soft, you're ready to use the pumice stone.
Wet the stone. Wetting the stone helps it glide smoothly over the skin instead of sticking. To fully saturate the stone, run it under warm water or soak it in the same water used for softening the skin.
Gently rub the stone on the calloused area. Start by moving the pumice stone in circular motions to remove dead skin cells. If the skin is soft and moist, the dead skin will begin to slough off. Continue rubbing until the dead skin is removed, revealing the soft, moist layer underneath.
- Avoid pressing too hard. A light touch is enough for the pumice stone to work effectively.
- When exfoliating feet, focus on the heels, sides of the toes, and other areas prone to dry, flaky skin.
Rinse and repeat if necessary. Rinse away the dead skin cells and assess if further exfoliation is needed. If some dead skin remains, use the pumice stone again. Continue until you're satisfied with the results.
- Since the pumice stone wears down with use, flip it or switch to a fresh surface for continued exfoliation.
- Rinse the stone regularly to keep its surface clean and effective.
Dry and moisturize the skin. After exfoliating and rinsing, pat the skin dry with a towel. Apply a layer of oil or lotion to prevent the skin from drying out too quickly. The old, rough calluses will be replaced with soft, moist, and radiant skin.
- Use coconut oil, almond oil, or body lotion to moisturize after exfoliating with a pumice stone.
- Repeat regularly to maintain smooth and healthy skin.
Pumice Stone Care
Clean the stone after use. Dead skin cells can accumulate in the pores of the pumice stone, so it's essential to clean it thoroughly after each use. Rinse the stone under running water and scrub it with a brush. Adding a bit of soap ensures a deep clean, leaving the stone ready for its next use.
Allow the stone to dry completely. Store the pumice stone in a dry place to prevent moisture buildup. Some pumice stones come with a string for hanging, which helps keep them dry. If left wet, bacteria can grow in the stone's pores, making it unhygienic for future use.
Boil the pumice stone if necessary. Occasionally, deep cleaning the stone is necessary to prevent bacterial growth. Boil a pot of water and submerge the stone for about 5 minutes. Use tongs to remove it and let it dry completely before storing.
- For frequent use, boil the stone every two weeks to maintain cleanliness.
- If the stone is used on dirty surfaces, add a tablespoon of bleach to the water to ensure all bacteria are eliminated.
Replace the stone as it wears down. Pumice stones are soft and will gradually wear out over time. When the stone becomes too small to handle or its surface becomes smooth and less effective, it's time to replace it. Pumice stones are affordable and widely available at beauty supply stores.
Discover Other Uses
Use a pumice stone for hair removal. Ancient Greeks used pumice stones to remove body hair, and some people still use them for this purpose today. Pumice stones are a gentle, natural hair removal option. Simply soak your skin in a bath or shower until it's soft and warm. Wet the stone and gently rub it in circular motions over the skin. After about 30 seconds, the hair in the treated area will be gone.
- The effect of a pumice stone is similar to shaving. Hair is removed at the skin level rather than being pulled out completely.
- Avoid causing pain while using the stone. If it hurts, use a lighter touch and avoid pressing too hard.
Use a pumice stone to remove fabric pills. The porous, soft surface of a pumice stone is highly effective at removing fabric pills and lint from clothing. To remove pills from a sweater, lay the garment flat and gently rub the dry pumice stone over the pills in circular motions. Avoid pressing too hard to prevent damaging the fabric. A light touch is enough to remove the pills.
Use a pumice stone to clean a toilet. Pumice stones can remove stubborn yellow stains inside the toilet bowl. Start by wearing waterproof cleaning gloves. Then, gently scrub the pumice stone along the stained areas of the toilet bowl. Repeat until the stains disappear.
- For tough stains, you can combine the pumice stone with a toilet cleaner.
- Ensure you use a separate pumice stone for toilet cleaning and personal use. Never use the same stone for both purposes.
Tips
- After exfoliating your feet and applying moisturizing lotion, wear socks to lock in moisture and keep your feet extra soft and smooth.
- Use a pumice stone at least once a month to prevent rough skin from returning. Increase the frequency if you walk a lot or wear shoes that cause discomfort.
Warnings
- Avoid scrubbing too hard with the pumice stone to prevent skin abrasions, which could lead to infections.
