Caring for the pores and skin in your ft is simply as vital as taking good care of the pores and skin on the remainder of your physique, which suggests your exfoliation and moisturizing routine ought to lengthen all the way down to your toes. Sustaining mushy ft may help get rid of cracked heels and calluses, and a pumice stone is a superb exfoliation instrument that may make it easier to get there. Right here, we spoke with Emily Splichal, DPM, Casey Ann Pidich, DPM, and Marisa Garshick, MD, on every part you should find out about pumice stones, how you can use one safely, and the way typically you possibly can incorporate this instrument into your routine for ft which might be mushy as ever.
What’s a pumice stone?
In line with Dr. Splichal, a pumice stone is an exfoliation instrument generally used for dry pores and skin and calluses on the ft. “It’s fabricated from pure lava rock that’s porous and ideal for eradicating useless layers of the pores and skin,” she says. The rock itself could be very light-weight and really tough to the contact. This texture makes it excellent for exfoliating, says Dr. Pidich.
Does a pumice stone take away cracked heels?
In line with the consultants, a pumice stone may help take away extra pores and skin, cracked heels, or calluses on the ball of the foot. Whereas this instrument might be helpful for extra pores and skin build-up, the consultants warn that in case you have a really deep crack in your heel or bleeding, go to a podiatrist for a correct analysis.
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It is also vital to notice that when utilizing a pumice stone, keep away from any areas that will have a fungal an infection or plantar warts, as these can contaminate the stone and trigger extra issues than you bargained for.
Do you utilize a pumice stone moist or dry?
Dr. Pidich says you need to all the time moist a pumice stone earlier than exfoliating to assist cut back friction. A dry stone might be too abrasive and harsh on the pores and skin and may result in damage. “If a pumice stone is dry, it could actually doubtlessly trigger small tears, particularly if used vigorously on delicate areas,” Dr. Garshick explains.
How you can use a pumice stone
“Begin by soaking your ft in heat, soapy water for 10-Quarter-hour to melt the pores and skin,” says Dr. Garshick. Subsequent, moist the pumice stone and gently rub it all around the callused areas you wish to exfoliate. “Gently debride the dry pores and skin till you are feeling the softer pores and skin uncovered,” says Dr. Splichal.
The consultants agree that the most effective technique for utilizing a pumice stone is to maneuver it in a round or back-and-forth movement. “Medium stress is required to take away the useless pores and skin. Nevertheless, an excessive amount of stress could cause damage or cuts to the pores and skin. It is a delicate stability and will depend on how thick your foot calluses are,” says Dr. Pidich.
How typically must you use a pumice stone?
In line with our consultants you need to use a pumice stone at most a few times every week. “This frequency helps forestall over-exfoliation and permits your pores and skin to get better between periods. Utilizing it too typically can result in pores and skin irritation, redness, or injury,” Dr. Garshick says.
You shouldn’t use a pumice stone on delicate, damaged, or infected pores and skin areas. Additional, Dr. Pidich recommends consulting with a podiatrist earlier than utilizing a pumice stone in case you have diabetes, poor circulation, or are pregnant. It is also essential to wash and retailer your pumice stone in a cool, dry space and wash it after each use. “Make sure you maintain the pumice stone as clear as potential as it could actually simply entice micro organism. Don’t go away them within the bathe the place there might be quite a lot of humidity,” Dr. Splichal provides.
What to do after utilizing a pumice stone on ft
After utilizing a pumice stone, totally rinse your ft to take away any remaining useless pores and skin, after which apply a wealthy, hydrating moisturizer or foot cream. “The best lotions to assist cut back calluses include urea,” says Dr. Pidich. Urea works to retain the pores and skin’s moisture and break down useless pores and skin cells, which works effectively in tandem with a pumice stone. Dr. Splichal additionally recommends utilizing a foot butter or moisturizing foot masks after you exfoliate with a pumice stone, just like the Voesh Solemate Heel Balm & Moisturizing Heel Socks ($22) or the Patchology Rosé Toes Shea Butter Foot Masks ($10).
Remaining takeaway
Pumice stones are an ideal instrument for softening ft and stopping cracked heels and calluses. Use them moist to exfoliate and slough off useless pores and skin for a smoother texture in your heels or balls of the ft. You should utilize a pumice stone a few times every week to make sure correct exfoliation with out harming your ft. End your pumice stone routine with a hydrating foot balm or moisturizing masks to present you silky, plush ft.
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