From prevention
It is almost impossible for our skin natural glows 365 days a year. Every now and then we have to take matters into our own hands, and the perfect tool for that is a cute but delicious one: the pumice stone.
According to dermatologists, the natural exfoliating product, which can be purchased for less than $ 15 and as far back as 100 BC, is easy to use and will keep your feet from dry and stained to silky and smooth.
The pumice stone not only removes the excessively dead and flaky skin you fear, but is gentle enough to use daily if you are careful enough, says certified dermatologist Caroline A. Chang, managing director of Rhode Island Dermatology Institute and member of the Medical Review Board for Prevention.
What exactly is a pumice stone?
The pumice stone is formed by a combination of water and lava, and is the natural product best known for removing rough spots on feet, elbows and hands so that softer skin can emerge. ‘When the lava / water [combination] cools, hardens and results in a light rock with a porous texture, “says Ana Cristina Laureano, MD, a certified dermatologist at Scherl Dermatology in New Jersey. The stone’s texture provides soft to medium exfoliation.
You can find pumice stone in different sizes and shapes, sometimes attached to the handles, making it even easier to use. This is especially true when it comes to the feet, which are prone to dryness, flaking and calluses due to excessive wear and tear, says Tanya Kormeili, MD, a dermatologist in Santa Monica, California.
Both dr. Chang and dr. Laureano recommends the pumice stone to their patients. ‘The benefits of using a pumice stone [are] that you can gently but effectively wipe off the dead skin and the stained skin to reveal a softer skin, ‘says dr. Chang. But while it is generally safe, it is important to know when and how to use it properly, as any exfoliating product can damage the skin.
Are there any negative side effects of using a pumice stone?
In general, dermatologists warn against being too aggressive when using a pumice stone, especially on certain parts of the body.
“It is best to use a pumice stone in areas with thicker skin such as the knees, elbows and feet,” says Dr. Laureano. ‘The feet are the safest place to keep if you have very sensitive skin on your body. I would avoid using it on thinner skin, such as the face, as this skin is more susceptible to micro-abrasions and tears. Too much irritation on a thin skin area can lead to inflammation, which can result in blemishes and / or pigmentation changes. ”
She also recommends using the pumice stone if you have diabetes, low blood circulation or use blood thinners. “These patients are at increased risk for bleeding and foot infections,” she says, adding that patients with nerve damage or infections should not use the pumice stone unless their doctor explicitly deletes it.
In other words, if used incorrectly, the pumice stone can easily cause bleeding, tears and crusts. It is therefore crucial that you first determine if you need to be cleaned by a doctor before use. If you get it right, remember to be gentle, take your time, avoid use on broken skin and limit use to once a day. It is also never a good idea to share your pumice stone with another person, as bacteria can remain in the stone and be transmitted from person to person.
How to use a pumice stone the right way
Almost everyone experiences year-round natural changes to their skin. The cold, dry air in the winter months tends to dry the skin almost ten times; in summer, our feet are exposed to the elements, making them more vulnerable. Grab a pumice stone and follow these four steps to exfoliate gently:
✔️ Step 1
Before you start, soak your skin as well as the stone in warm water for five to ten minutes. Dr. Laureano says it will ease the process by loosening the skin that has been beaten to death. It will also soften the stone’s texture, making it feel less rough.
✔️ Step 2
Once the skin and stone have both soaked in warm water, you can start exfoliating by gently rubbing the stone in the circle. If you perform this step for two to three minutes, you will probably see dead skin fall off. From time to time, you should stop and rinse the area and the stone to keep track of how much skin you are exfoliating.
✔️ Step 3
Check the softness of your skin with your hand after sanding for a few minutes. If it still feels dry or hard, use the stone for an extra one or two minutes in a circular motion on the area. Once your skin feels smooth, you are done! Do not continue to use the pumice stone 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 with the pumice stone, rinse the rock and the treated area in warm water. ‘Pumice stone is very porous and, after use, can accumulate your dead skin cells [its] pores. It is therefore important to wash and rinse your stone after using it, ‘explains dr. Laureano.
Then apply your favorite body cream or foot cream to keep the smoothness longer. It is also generally safe to repeat the whole process daily if you feel your skin needs it.
In short: the pumice stone is a dermatologist-approved tool for exfoliating dry and stuffed skin.
Not only is it affordable but it is also reusable and can give you smoother skin if used appropriately. “The abrasive nature of the pumice stone has stood the test of time,” says Dr. Laureano. “It is a natural exfoliating agent that, if used correctly, can be very beneficial.”
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