Not all beauty gadgets were developed in a laboratory using cutting-edge technology.
Did you know that some of the worlds’ most tried-and-tested beauty products are over 2000 years old?
One such ancient health and beauty secret is to use a pumice stone to achieve soft feet.
Discover why the pumice stone has stood the test of time, and why it’s still one of the best pedicure tools for beauty experts, several millennia on.
First, a fascinating insight into the history of the humble pumice stone.
Table of Contents
The Pumice Stone: a History
Pumice stone is actually made from lava and water.
These stones are naturally formed when a volcano (often an underwater volcano) erupts. The hot lava hits the water, reacts and forms a foam-like substance.
As this foam-like substance hardens, the pumice stone is created.
If you have a pumice stone to hand, experiment by placing it in in a bowl of water. Does it float? That unique lightweight property of pumice is down to the tiny holes in the stone.
How Our Ancestors Used The Pumice Stone
One of the earliest known uses of pumice stone was from Ancient China, over 2000 years ago. The Chinese ground the pumice stone into a powder and added it to tea. It was reputed to calm the nerves.
Since then, it has become more commonly associated as a beauty tool. For centuries, the pumice stone has been used to remove dry skin from the body or remove unwanted hair.
Three Big Benefits Of a Pumice Stone
When compared to modern advances in beauty and technological innovations, the pumice stone has three advantages that make it one of the best pedicure tools around.
- The stone is 100% natural. Unlike so many beauty products on the market today, when you use a pumice stone on the body you are using a product from nature that has no added chemicals.
- A pumice stone is widely available and low in cost and is suitable even for those on the smallest beauty budget.
- A pumice stone lasts for years. Unlike creams and gels, that may get used up in a matter of weeks, a pumice stone is a long-term investment for your feet.
How To Use a Pumice Stone Correctly
A pumice stone may be a great beauty tool for exfoliating your feet, but it’s important to have the correct technique. Here is a quick guide on the best way to use a pumice stone.
Before we begin. here is what you’ll need:
- A large tub, big enough to fit your feet
- Warm water
- A clean towel
- A pumice stone
- (Optional) 100g of dead sea salts
- (Optional) A light foot moisturizer
Step 1: Prepare a Foot Soak
Find some space in your home where you can sit comfortably. Fill the tub with warm water, and add dead sea salts to the water until dissolved (if you are using salts; this is optional).
Remember to keep a clean towel close by to where you are sitting.
Step 2: Soak Your Feet
Place both feet into the water, and soak your feet continuously for 10-15 minutes. The water should be warm, but not so hot that it causes any discomfort.
Step 3: Allow Your Feet To Dry
After the 10-15 minutes is up, remove your feet from the water, but set aside the water to use later. Dry your feet gently with the towel, and place your feet on the towel for another 5 minutes.
Those 5 minutes are important, as during that time the skin on your feet will continue to soften.
Step 4: Soak The Pumice Stone In The Water
Many people miss this step, but soaking the stone is important to get the most benefits from this foot treatment. Using the water set aside, soak the stone thoroughly, dipping it under the water until it is immersed.
Step 5: Exfoliate The Feet
Using the pumice stone, start exfoliating the feet gently. You should aim to use the flat part of the stone against your skin, and apply pressure very gentle, so as not to damage the skin.
Move the stone in a slow circular motion against your skin.
After a few minutes, you’ll start to see the effects of this exfoliation. Use the water to wash away any dead skin, and if the skin on the foot still feels hard or dry, continue exfoliating the area.
Move around to each part of the foot, and focus on areas where the skin is hard or dry, but do not use the stone on broken or bleeding skin.
Step 6: Dry And Check The Feet
Once you have finished exfoliating, allow your feet to dry before inspecting them. If there are still hard areas of the skin that you missed, repeat the process a second time, beginning at step 2 by soaking your feet.
Step 7: (Optional) Moisturize Your Feet
Once the skin feels soft and dry, apply a moisturizer to every part of your feet, including the areas you didn’t exfoliate. Sit for 5-10 minutes to allow the moisturizer to soak into your feet before standing up.
Tips For Problem Feet
If your foot skin is extremely dry and hard, you may not be able to fully exfoliate the skin in one sitting. If that is the case, repeat this practice daily for up to one week, to achieve the best results.
How Often Should You Exfoliate Your Feet?
There is no limit to how frequently this exfoliating process can be repeated. Moisturize your feet daily, and as soon as you start to experience signs of hard or dry skin, try this exfoliation process again.
Never Forget Your Feet Again
With a little knowledge of how to use a pumice stone and water together, you can learn to love your feet. Gone are the days of keeping your socks on to avoid the sign of hard, dry skin.
With this simple method, you can return to flaunting the same soft feet you were born with. And the perfect opportunity to splurge on those summertime sandals you’ve had your eye on.
We’d love to hear about your own home pedicure tips and tricks. Do you have any best-kept-secrets when it comes to taking care of your feet? Leave a comment below and share them with us.
