And also treat with pumice or. Pumice for the beauty of the heels of the feet: tips for selection and use

The beauty of a woman lies not only in attractive features given by nature, spectacular makeup and stylish clothes. It is impossible to even imagine a luxurious woman unwashed, unkempt, with greasy hair, without manicure, pedicure and hair removal. Under such conditions, any beauty, even the most perfect, will inevitably fade away. In order to maintain her attractiveness, a woman has to put in a lot of effort. But numerous assistants come to her aid, allowing her to monitor her beauty and take care of her face, hair and body.

You need to be beautiful from head to toe. In order for your feet to always look attractive, you must carefully monitor the formation of rough skin on them - callus. You can remove it in different ways, but at home the easiest way is to clean your heels with pumice.

What is pumice and why is it needed?

To understand how to perform home pedicures, you need to know what pumice stones are made of. Pumice is a lightweight, porous material of volcanic origin. It can have large and small pores, different colors, which are due to different combinations of minerals at the time of the volcanic eruption. When the hot magma poured onto the ground, gas bubbles remained inside the boiling mass. When they solidified, they remained in the mass, forming cavities. Thanks to them, pumice is so light, floats on the surface of the water and effectively removes rough, dead skin.

Now it’s worth finding out why pumice stone is needed for feet. Despite the fact that pumice is widely used in various fields of activity as an abrasive for cleaning and polishing various products, most often we associate this material with pedicures.

Using pumice, you can very successfully do home pedicures and heel cleansing, or use it to maintain good foot condition between visits to the beauty salon.

This product is much gentler and safer than the old-fashioned method of scraping off dead skin with a razor blade. This method stimulates the active growth of callus, the formation of cracks and corns, and a razor can seriously cut you. Cleaning with pumice is safe if you strictly follow simple rules. It promotes thorough cleaning of the feet, gives them a neat and attractive appearance, and prevents the active growth of dead skin and its roughening.

Important! A pumice stone is the same personal hygiene item as a washcloth and toothbrush. Each family member must have his own pumice stone and not allow anyone else to use it. This is due to hygiene and safety issues, since with this tool, difficult-to-remove fungus can get on the skin of the feet and nails.

How to use pumice correctly

To ensure that your heels are always pink and smooth, you need to know how to properly clean your heels with a pumice stone. It's very simple, you just need to learn the basic rules:

Before starting the procedure, your feet need to be thoroughly steamed in a bath of warm water.

You can add soap, shower gel, baking soda, sea salt, decoctions of medicinal herbs or special maceration products to the water. All these substances improve the loosening of dead skin, simplify cleaning, improve its quality, and turn a purely hygienic process into a real spa procedure.

If you do a pedicure yourself, at home, take advantage of the moment when the cuticle is softened, apply a suitable remover to it and gently remove it with an orange stick, push it away with a pusher, and clean your nails from remnants of pterygium.

After wiping your feet with a soft terry towel, proceed to clean the skin with a pumice stone. To gently clean your heels with pumice, do not make sudden movements and do not try to remove as much skin as possible, this can lead to injury. Act smoothly and gradually.

Rinse cleansed feet, dry them and apply your favorite foot cream. Once your feet are dry and the cream is absorbed, you can proceed to applying nail polish.

To perform this procedure, you don’t need many tools, all that is important is a good pumice stone for your feet. If pumice doesn't glide well on your heels, you can use soap or shower gel. Using a scrub specifically designed for feet will help bring the remaining tiny particles of skin to an ideal state - it has larger and coarser particles. Special peelings also work well, gently exfoliating various particles from the heels.

After using all foot products, be sure to soften the skin with cream or lotion. Otherwise, the thin skin on the heels will dry out, become stretched and may crack, and this will create severe discomfort and spoil the appearance of the feet, especially in the summer, when everyone wears open shoes.

Important! Never treat dry heels with pumice - there is a very high risk of peeling off too much skin to “live meat”, and acting on dry skin can lead to the formation of cracks and peculiar burrs, which will give the heels an unkempt appearance and cling to stockings.

Existing types of pumice

By origin, all pumice is divided into the following types:

Natural.
Artificial.

The most convenient option is natural pumice on the handle. It is easy to use in hard-to-reach places, treating not only the heels, but also the toes. It is best if such pumice has the shape of an elongated oval or rectangle with rounded corners - it is more convenient to use.

For the heels, it is also worth purchasing a larger pumice stone to make it easier to clean off the particularly rough layer on the heels and remove calluses. The best option for home use is natural, unpainted, medium-grain volcanic pumice for feet.

Nowadays, an electric pumice stone for feet is very popular - a special device that simplifies and speeds up cleaning your heels. Unlike regular pumice, most devices of this type work better on dry heels.

Another remedy is liquid pumice for feet. In fact, this is a scrub containing pumice particles, with which you can quickly tidy up heels that are not too neglected.

Important! Try to buy pumice with medium-sized cavities; they are the easiest to work with. Large cavities can remove a very large layer of skin, which can lead to severe thinning of the skin on the heels and the appearance of dangerous, unsightly and painful cracks. If you have already purchased such a product, purchase additional fine-grained pumice for grinding, and when working first, with large pores, try not to get too carried away with the process.

Which pumice is better, how to choose it and where to buy it

Natural pumice is the best choice for home use. It is non-toxic, it is difficult to hurt yourself with it and, with good care, it lasts for a very long time. Artificial pumice can be made from low-quality materials that can release harmful substances. In addition, such pumice has sharp edges of cavities, which is why it can cause various injuries to yourself. These too sharp edges do not allow smooth sanding of the heels; rough areas appear, and this is a direct path to very painful and poorly healing cracks.

How much pumice stone costs for feet directly depends on its origin, design and brand. The most inexpensive natural pumice looks like a simple block or resembles a piece of toilet soap. Sometimes a hole is made in it for threading a rope - this is how the pumice is dried after use.

More expensive models have a comfortable handle; some types are equipped with a brush or a special emery insert on the reverse side for “fine finishing”. The choice of product is entirely related to the personal preferences of the owner, who decides which one to purchase and how to use pumice stone for the feet.

Pumice is an inexpensive product and is sold in all supermarkets and pharmacies. You should not save money and buy a very cheap product - it will quickly fail and you will have to spend money again on buying new pumice.

What can replace pumice stone for heels?

The best option for foot care at home is a foot bath with pumice. But if it is not there, this is not yet a reason to walk with rough, unkempt heels. A modern roller pumice stone for feet can replace a conventional device. It is used to treat dry heels. You can also work on wet skin, but then the risk of removing too thick a layer of skin and damaging your feet increases. The advantages of such a device include simplifying and speeding up the heel cleaning procedure. If you use the device constantly, rough skin simply will not have time to form and the skin on your heels will always be perfectly smooth.

Another great way to replace pumice stones for your feet is to use laser files specifically designed for at-home pedicures. They also work on dry skin, clean very carefully and carefully, literally polishing the heels. These files are produced by many companies, they come in different shapes and sizes, often with a long handle, which hides another small file, designed for treating toes and hard-to-reach areas. With such a file, as with pumice, it is very easy to maintain excellent shape and condition of the skin of the feet.

An ordinary sandpaper for feet will also work as a temporary replacement, but it is more suitable as a tool for maintaining good condition of the heels.

High-quality natural pumice is an excellent home remedy for pedicure, which will give your feet the necessary shine and make them beautiful and attractive at any time of the year, regardless of a visit to the salon.

There is a lot around us that is so ordinary and simple that we do not think about the origin of these things. For example, let's talk about pumice. When we say “pumice,” we most often mean pieces of lightly hewn blast furnace slag, or neatly turned blocks of foamed concrete.

Artificial materials have nothing to do with real pumice - although minimal similarities in characteristics and origin are observed. By the way, we have already become acquainted with the history.

Natural pumice is a light glassy mass erupted by a volcano, foamed with bubbles of dissolved gases. Without these gases, the frozen mass would quite possibly have turned into obsidian - a brilliant mineral of austere beauty. volcanic glass.

The process of pumice formation is similar to the process of “eruption” of carbonated water from a bottle. A sharp decrease in pressure in both cases leads to the release of gases from the liquid. Only when it comes to water do we get harmless foam. And if we are talking about volcanic lava, the result is pumice - a useful material, but unsafe in natural conditions.

Pumice (came in the 18th century from the Dutch pums, from the Latin pumex, cognate with the Latin spuma, “foam” (also pumicite) - porous volcanic glass formed as a result of the release of gases during the rapid solidification of acidic and medium lavas.

Physical properties of pumice

The texture of pumice from different deposits is different. For practical use, the pore size and nature of the glassy substance composing pumice are important. There are fine- and coarse-porous stones. Moreover, its rock may have a fibrous, or bubbly, cellular, or foamy structure.

Most often, pumice is extracted from deposits by excavators as a multi-fraction bulk material. Artisanal mines are quarries with mineral extraction techniques developed many millennia ago.

The color of natural pumice can range from white (silicon dioxide SiO2, the rock-forming substance, is colorless) to black. Black pumice is a product of abundant saturation of the substance with different valent iron oxides (FeO, Fe2O3, Fe3O4). Blue and yellow pumice are formed as a result of mixing silicon melt with oxides of non-ferrous metals, mainly nickel, titanium, and calcium.

The color of pumice, depending on the content and valence of iron, varies from white and bluish to yellow, brown and black. Porosity reaches 80%.

Hardness on the Mohs scale is about 6, density 2-2.5 g/cm?, volumetric mass 0.3-0.9 g/cm? (pumice floats in water and does not sink until it gets wet).

The high porosity of pumice provides good thermal insulation properties, and the closedness of most pores provides good frost resistance. Fire resistant. Chemically inert.

It is used as a filler in lightweight concrete (pumice concrete), as a hydraulic additive to cement and lime. It is used as an abrasive material for grinding metal and wood, polishing stone products. It is also used for the hygienic removal of rough skin on the feet.

Often contains various crystalline inclusions - phenocrysts of plagioclase, quartz, monoclinic and orthorhombic pyroxenes, and mica.

There are varieties with fibrous, cellular, bubbly and foamy textures; The structure of pumice can be large- or fine-porous (Fig.).

The color of pumice, depending on the content of FeO and Fe2O3, varies from white and bluish to yellow, brown and black.

Density 2000-2300 kg/m3. Hardness 5-6.5. Chemically inert. Fire resistant.

Temperature range of softening is 1300-1400°C. Chemical composition according to R. Daly (%): SiO2 68-75; TiO2 tenths; Al2O3 11-14; Fe2O3 0.8-2; FeO 0.5-1.5; CaO 0.2-2.5; Na2O 2.5-5; K2O 1.5-5; N2O+ 1.5-3.

Pumice occurs in the form of sheets and flows, and also composes the upper zones of extrusive domes and lava flows; formed as a result of swelling of viscous acidic lava under surface conditions.

Pumice deposits are most common in areas of late Tertiary - modern volcanism. Here they are known in Transcaucasia, Kamchatka (the largest are Zhupanovskoye and Ilyinskoye) and on the Kuril Islands.

In the chemical industry, filters are made from pumice and used as an inert base for various catalysts.

The largest area of industrial consumption of pumice is the construction industry (large aggregate fraction 5-20 mm), it is also used as an abrasive in the wood and metalworking industries (for grinding and polishing metal, marble, bone, lithographic stone, etc.), in the chemical industry (for the manufacture of filters and drying preparations, as well as as an inert base for various catalysts); in the oil industry (for oil purification).

The addition of pumice to nitroglycerin explosives increases their sensitivity to detonation. In addition, pumice is used in glass making and in the production of glazes.

Pumice deposits

Natural pumice is mined where volcanic activity is active or has recently (by geological standards) died out. Old pumice deposits undergo dramatic changes over time: pumice, due to the peculiarities of its structure, is not a very strong material and does not tolerate high pressures coupled with prolonged heating.

The Kamchatka deposits of Russian pumice provide first-class material, but the high cost of transportation reduces the profitability of exploitation of the developments. Pumice mined in the Caucasus is also in demand.

Considerable volumes of natural abrasive are mined outside the Russian Federation. The Armenian pumice, once erupted by Ararat, is famous. High demand is ensured by Italian pumice, from which entire islands in the Tyrrhenian Sea are made. Pumice is supplied to the world market by both Germany, which produces minerals in the Rhine Valley, and New Zealand.

Using pumice

Before the invention of soap, pumice stone served as the main means of removing dirt from the human body. Pumice abrasives are still used in cosmetics today, being part of the group of elite natural products.

In industry, pumice is in demand in construction as a bulk filler of the middle fraction. Buildings insulated with natural pumice are warm and durable. Natural material does not cake, does not rot, and is not infested with rodents.

Wall blocks are made from pressed pumice. However, a structure built from pumice requires mandatory external cladding: the material is hygroscopic. And although pumice tolerates wet freezing satisfactorily, uncoated stone is quickly colonized by moisture-loving microflora and subsequently destroyed.

In mechanical engineering, crushed pumice is used for grinding work. In chemical production, pumice is a substrate for the preparation of filter, catalytic, and ion exchange mixtures.

Interestingly, explosives manufacturers cannot do without pumice. Adding pumice powder to dynamite makes it easier to initiate the explosive device. Grinded sand, identical in composition to pumice, does not give such an effect.

The glass industry uses natural pumice to melt technical glass, mainly glazes for pipes and tanks.

Pumice in the house

Oddly enough, but an inconspicuous porous stone can serve as an interior decoration. More precisely, the basis for floral decoration. To create a beautiful corner of nature, it is enough to hollow out a hole in the stone for planting Tradescantia, soak the monolith with a nutrient solution, and cover it with moss.

Medical cosmetology strongly recommends using natural pumice to cleanse the skin of the stratum corneum. However, doctors warn against using homemade soap (brewed with a purchased Chinese base with the addition of dyes) mixed with pumice chips: single stone inclusions in the soap can damage the skin.

Not too numerous, but decorative products made from pumice are still present on the market. Beads, brooches, as well as pyramids and simply wild pumice stone are usually tinted, varnished and... successfully compete with products made from much more expensive materials.

Pumice can be dangerous

Volcanic eruptions often produce truly enormous quantities of pumice. It’s not so bad when red-hot foamy lava slowly pours out of the crater. It is much worse if the stream of gases escaping from the depths carries magma into the sky. Transforming into pumice under low pressure conditions, the lightweight, porous stone falls like snow, covering the earth's surface.

The worst thing is when the pumice “sediments” concentrate on the water. A pond covered with pumice turns out to be isolated from light and atmospheric oxygen. All life in it dies.

Rivers carrying multi-meter “rafts” of pumice become dangerous for dams and other hydraulic structures. Boats and boats cannot sail in a “sea” of abrasive crumbs: a pumice crust can rub through the aluminum sides of freshwater vessels in a matter of miles.

The saddest thing is that the forces of nature cope with such disasters very slowly. Pumice, floating in the surface layer of water, is destroyed by friction and collisions, and ultimately settles to the bottom. But this process is long.

How to use pumice correctly?

Let's talk about this separately and in more detail. It may be a trifle, but it may be very useful to someone.

What exfoliating product is simple, affordable, and popular at the same time? That's right, it's a cosmetic pumice stone.

With its help, you can remove dead skin particles, calluses and so-called corns. In a word, a very necessary thing in everyday life. And if you think that pumice came into use only with the development of the cosmetics industry, then you are mistaken. Our great-grandmothers used it, and not without success.

Back when there was no soap yet...

After volcanic eruptions, lava, as it cooled, turned into porous rock, the structure of which resembles the sandpaper we know. This frozen rock is pumice. It is not known exactly when, but our ancestors noticed that it is an excellent skin cleanser. Then there was no soap yet, and they used pumice for these purposes.

As you can see, the use of pumice not only as a cosmetic, but also a hygienic product dates back to ancient times. The ancestors used this natural substance, which has a characteristic rough surface, so masterfully that there were no scratches left on the body, not to mention more serious damage or bleeding.

There is evidence that ancient representatives of the fair sex used pumice as a depilator - after all, there were no other possibilities for this then.

Interestingly, this seemingly outdated method is still in demand today: many people prefer to remove leg hair with pumice.

How it's done? The method is as old as time. First you need to steam your feet, soap them thoroughly and then move them in a circular motion, which should be light, without much pressure. After this, the foam, of course, is washed off and the removed hairs go along with it.

It is not known for sure whether our great-grandmothers lubricated their feet with something after completing the procedure. But modern followers of this method of depilation always apply a rich cream. And they do the right thing, because by doing so they prevent skin irritation.

Secrets of home use

At the same time, there are many people who consider pumice to be an almost obsolete relic and therefore not worthy of attention.

Others are not so categorical, but believe that it is too aggressive and can cause a lot of unpleasant moments for the skin. Both are wrong. Although, let’s face it, in the wrong hands it can really do harm...

In order for cosmetic pumice not to become your enemy, but to gain a reputation as a reliable friend and assistant, you need to follow simple rules for using it at home.

So, this product is never used dry. You must first wash your feet, be sure to steam them, and then lightly dry them with a towel. For the bath, you can take plain water, or you can use additives that will not be superfluous at all - sea salt or starch. Some people prefer to add decoctions of medicinal plants. The same chamomile, for example. This decoction has an excellent effect on the condition of the skin on the legs, relieving them of the fatigue accumulated during the day.

It is strictly not recommended to use pumice stone on soft and delicate areas of the skin. By nature itself it is created to act on hard and rough areas. It removes dead epidermal cells very easily, with a few simple movements. However, try not to overdo it: as soon as pumice treatment causes a burning sensation, the procedure should be completed immediately. This means that the dead cells are “over” and have reached the sensitive layers of the skin.

There are many cases known (especially in rural areas, where they work in the fields for a long time and walk barefoot) when pumice is used daily. This is more of a habit than a necessity, since this remedy is not recommended for such frequent use. The only exception is the first two weeks, when there is a large “work front” in front of the pumice stone in the form of accumulated unnecessary skin. Then, when it is removed, the pumice stone should be used no more than two (sometimes three) times a week. For prevention.

The removal of calluses needs to be discussed separately. You should not “deal” with them in one fell swoop, but gradually, removing one small layer every day. Strong pressure is not recommended, as it can catch healthy skin and cause an ulcer. Or cause infection and inflammation.

It is important not only to use pumice skillfully and carefully, but also to correctly complete the skin cleansing procedure. To do this, you need to rinse your feet with cool water and be sure to apply skin-nourishing cream to them. By following these simple tips and recommendations, you will avoid additional drying of the skin and it will not become rough.

How to choose pumice stone for feet?

Pumice for cosmetic purposes can be natural or artificial. Manufacturers of the latter usually report what synthetic materials it is made from, so if you choose this option, then at least you will do it consciously. But I would still like to warn you against artificial analogues, since in their assortment there are many low-quality fakes. Such pumice stones, if I may say so, are less solid in structure; they do not contain all the properties of a natural product. They also break very quickly, not to mention the fact that they can harm the skin when used. Especially if you are allergic to the artificial material from which they are made.

Hence the conclusion: if possible, choose only natural pumice!

And here’s something else I’d like to draw the attention of our readers to. The ease of use of this product and the effect of it depend not only on the material and your skills, but also on its shape. Therefore, when choosing pumice, “try it on” with your palm. If it’s comfortable to hold in your hand, then buy it! And, of course, take a closer look at the pores: the smaller they are on the pumice stone, the more gentle it will be on your skin, giving it health and beauty.

Pumice is formed as a result of the release of gases during the rapid solidification of lava. It hardens into a porous abrasive stone that is great for exfoliating dry skin. Before using pumice, rough skin should be softened in warm water, the stone should be moistened and the corresponding areas of the skin should be gently treated in a circular motion until dead cells are completely removed. In addition to its main exfoliating function, pumice stone also allows you to remove hair, pellets from fabrics, and even clean the toilet.

Steps

Part 1

Exfoliating the skin

Soak rough skin in warm water. Most often, pumice is used to exfoliate the skin on the soles of the feet. Over time, the skin on your heels hardens, becomes rough, and may even crack or peel. Another potential area of the body for pumice treatment is the elbows. Soak rough parts of the body in warm water for about 5 minutes to soften the skin.

Fill a bowl with warm water and submerge your feet in the water.
Other parts of the case can be treated with a pumice stone while showering.

Wait until dry skin becomes soft. Soft and pliable skin is easier to remove. Feel your feet after a few minutes. If the skin is still hard, wait a little longer (and add warm water if necessary). If the skin is soft, then you can begin the exfoliation process.

Moisten the pumice. Thanks to this, the stone will glide better over the surface of the skin. You can soak the pumice stone under warm running water or place it in the same bowl of water as your feet.

EXPERT ADVICE

Diana Yerkis is the head esthetician at Rescue Spa NYC. She received her education in cosmetology at the Aveda Institute and the International Institute of Dermatology. She is a member of the ASCP community and is certified in Wellness for Cancer and Look Good Feel Better.

Chief Cosmetologist at Rescue Spa NYC

Expert advice:“It is especially important to remove dead skin cells from your heels in the summer when you wear sandals and similar footwear.”

Gently treat rough areas. Work in a circular motion to remove dead skin with the pumice stone. The softened skin will come off effortlessly. Continue until you remove all the dead layer and reach soft skin.
- Don't press the pumice too hard. A little effort is enough, and the surface of the stone will do the rest.
- Focus on your heels, sides of your toes, and other areas with dead skin.
Rinse the skin and repeat the procedure. Wash off the dead skin cells and decide whether to continue. Treat any remaining rough skin areas. Exfoliate your skin with a pumice stone until you are satisfied with the results.
- Pumice gradually wears down with use, so it needs to be turned over from time to time for maximum effectiveness.
- Rinse the pumice stone frequently to prevent the surface from becoming clogged.
Dry and moisturize your skin. When finished, dry your skin with a towel. Treat the areas with lotion or cream to prevent the skin from drying out too quickly. Areas of previously dead skin should become soft and shiny.
- Treat your skin with coconut oil, almond oil or body lotion.
- Repeat the procedure as needed to keep your skin healthy and beautiful.
Part 2
Pumice care
1. Clean the pumice stone after use. Dead skin accumulates in the pores of the stone, so the pumice stone needs to be cleaned after use. Use a stiff brush to scrub the stone under running water. Add a small amount of soap. This will keep the pumice clean and ready to use.
  
  Dry the stone completely. Place the pumice stone in a dry area to prevent it from remaining damp between uses. Some stones can be hung with a special rope. If you leave pumice wet, bacteria can form in the pores, making it dangerous to use pumice.
  
  Boil the stone if necessary. From time to time, you can carry out a deep cleaning to prevent bacteria from settling in the pumice. Boil water in a small saucepan, place the pumice stone in the water and boil for five minutes. Use tongs to remove the stone from the water. Pumice must be completely dry before storing.
  - If used frequently, boil the pumice stone every two weeks.
  - If you cleaned a dirty surface with a pumice stone, you can add a capful of bleach to the water to ensure that all bacteria are killed.
2. Replace the stone as it wears out. Pumice is a soft stone that gradually wears out. When it becomes too small to handle comfortably or too smooth, go to the store for a new pumice stone. Pumice is inexpensive and is sold at any cosmetics or household goods store.
Part 3
Other uses
1. Remove stains from the toilet. Pumice stone allows you to remove dirt from inside the toilet. First of all, wear thick cleaning gloves. Then simply work the pumice stone over the stains. Scrub the stain until it disappears.
  - For stubborn stains, you can use pumice stones in combination with toilet cleaners.
  - Always use different stones for the toilet and body as they will contain germs.
- After exfoliating the skin on your feet, apply lotion and wear socks to keep the skin moist. This will make your feet softer and smoother.
- Use a pumice stone at least once a month to remove rough skin, or more often if you spend a lot of time on your feet or wear uncomfortable shoes.
- You can also remove pellets from fabric with a pumice stone by gentle rubbing.

Pumice consists of volcanic lava and water; as a result of this combination, bubbles are formed, which subsequently harden. A similar device has long been used to remove keratinized particles. Girls and women use pumice to cleanse their feet, in particular to make the skin smooth by cutting off calluses. In addition to cosmetology, pumice is often used in industry. Sandpaper and other abrasive materials are prepared on its basis. However, we are interested in the first option - cosmetology. Let's look at the important aspects in order.

Pumice for feet: features

As mentioned earlier, pumice is a natural stone. Some ladies mistakenly believe that they can replace it with a spatula with sandpaper attached, but this is far from the case. Because pumice has more holes, it absorbs the skin that is removed. After thorough rinsing, the device becomes suitable for use again.
The main purpose of pumice is to make the skin of the feet matte and smooth. The product is widely used at home; it perfectly cleanses rough calluses. In some cases, the device removes calluses and cracks, but it must be used in combination with a cream (simultaneous exfoliation and moisturizing).
The disadvantage of performing a pedicure using pumice is the fact that it will not be possible to achieve immediate results. The effect is achieved after 3-5 procedures. This feature is characterized by the relative softness of the porous compound, as a result of which pumice can be used to clean not only rough calluses, but also to perform a light massage.
The maximum effect of using pumice is achieved after daily use. When you achieve the desired result, you need to maintain it by peeling 1-2 times a week. Of course, it all depends on the individual characteristics of the feet. For some women, three procedures are enough and subsequent maintenance of the effect once every 2 weeks.
Pumice has the unpleasant property of quickly wearing out, especially for artificial specimens. Change the tool the moment it stops performing its main function - complete exfoliation. Typically the product requires replacement after 2-3 months of use.

How to choose pumice for feet

Today it is difficult to find pumice stone for feet of natural origin; in most cases, manufacturers supply synthetic stone to store shelves. Its disadvantages are considered to be low efficiency, the presence of sharp elements, and fragility. Devices of this kind are quite light in weight; as a rule, there is a brush on the reverse side.
If possible, make purchases at markets. In such places, pumice is sold without packaging, has no markings, but is heavy and dense to the touch (natural composition). Pay attention to the size of the product; the pumice stone should fit snugly in your hand. A well-made pumice should have small pores; they ensure proper cleansing.
Inspect the product for defects. It is important that the cavity is free of damage (sharp corners, large holes, loose composition, etc.). The advantage will be the presence of a cavity with a handle to which the stone is attached. Some manufacturers insert a cord into the pumice, this move greatly simplifies use.
As we mentioned earlier, natural pumice is preferable for feet. Thanks to its unique composition, the device can be used by allergy sufferers. Pumice, made from volcanic rocks, does not leave any irritation on the skin. It also does not cut the epidermis, causing wounds.
The disadvantages of natural pumice include the difficulty of maintenance. If you are used to cleaning your heels in the bathroom, after use the stone should lie for a long time to dry. Due to its composition, pumice quickly absorbs water, creating a breeding ground for bacteria. For this reason, people with foot fungus should carry out the procedure with caution, observing hygiene standards.
If we talk about artificial pumice, it is not prohibited to use it. Today, store shelves are overflowing with such devices. The downside is considered to be insufficient strength; the stone crumbles a lot, breaks and often causes irritation. However, bacteria do not multiply in the structure; artificial pumice dries quickly.

To make your pedicure as effective as possible, remember the basic rules for using the device.

It is not recommended to rub overly sensitive, thin and dry skin of the feet with a pumice stone. In this case, the procedure is carried out only on wet heels, previously steamed in a bath. To properly prepare the solution, use medicinal plants (chamomile, sage, birch or oak bark, geranium, etc.). Many housewives prepare baths based on regular shower gel and sea salt. To remove yellow skin color, hydrogen peroxide is added to the water (about 30 ml per 1 liter of liquid).
The main purpose of pumice is to remove roughened (problem) areas. For this reason, you should not treat the entire foot unless you want to massage yourself (light movements). When the skin is pre-steamed, walk over it in gentle circular rather than linear movements. Otherwise, deep stripes will remain in the skin cavity.
The pumice stone should be used until the skin begins to tingle. Under no circumstances do the procedure lead to abrasion of the epidermis (thin, red, translucent dermis on the feet). If you have neglected the peeling procedure for a long time, use pumice daily. When the desired result is achieved, maintain it as needed.
To reduce skin sensitivity to socks, hosiery, and shoes, rinse your skin with melt water immediately after the procedure. Then apply a special foot gel that will moisturize your feet for a long time. After the pedicure, wear your socks for a while until the cream is completely absorbed.
If we talk about electric modern pumice (such as Scholl), it is used on dry skin. However, such devices are 12 times more expensive than mechanical ones (stone); they come with instructions. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for maximum results.
Many new mothers are faced with the problem of caring for the skin of their feet after childbirth. During pregnancy, it is difficult to treat heels, especially in the third trimester. Also, with the birth of the baby, the woman notices that the skin begins to crack and dry out greatly. To bring the legs into proper condition, you need to soak the skin, lubricate it with cream, and then begin to remove the rough cells.

There are basic steps to follow when using pumice stones for your feet. This includes steaming the skin, treating rough cells, trimming and shaping nails, and applying cream. Let's look at the steps step by step and highlight the main aspects.

The first step is to steam your feet so that dead particles are easier to exfoliate. To do this, draw warm (almost hot) water that your feet can handle. Add essential oils, liquid soap or hydrogen peroxide. You can prepare a decoction of medicinal plants, and then use it for its intended purpose. Some housewives add corn or potato starch and sea salt. It all depends on personal preference. Keep your feet in the bath for at least half an hour, periodically adding hot water.
After steaming, remove one foot from the bath and dry it with a terry towel. Start rubbing the problem areas with pumice one at a time. To clean the tool, place it in water and rinse. Treat the rough areas again and proceed to the other leg. Wash off any residue from your skin to prevent it from clogging the pores of the pumice stone. After this, trim your nails, polish them, and shape them. When the procedure comes to an end, wash your feet with clean water, apply cream and put on socks.
If we are talking about electric pumice, it must be used exclusively on dry feet. The technology is quite simple: turn on the device, walk over problem areas with linear movements, and use a brush to clean off the already exfoliated cells. Repeat the manipulations until the desired effect is achieved.
It is important to understand that the legs are not the cleanest part of the body. For this reason, the care of the instrument must be appropriate. After each use, rinse the pumice with cold water, then scald with boiling water. Some housewives additionally water the device with hydrogen peroxide, preventing the development of bacteria. After washing, leave the pumice stone to dry completely on radiators or a sunny windowsill.

Using pumice for feet is not particularly difficult if you follow step-by-step processing. Be sure to steam the skin before rubbing, prepare baths based on medicinal decoctions. After the procedure, apply cream, put on socks, and do not neglect caring for the pumice stone. Follow the rules regarding the choice of tools, give preference to natural wood.

Video: how to care for your heels

The problem of rough skin on the legs will not leave any woman indifferent. Of course, for the time being it is quite possible to “turn a blind eye” to this shortcoming, allowing events to develop their way.

But there comes a time when the rough, unattractive appearance of the skin on the heels loudly declares itself. And also the appearance of calluses and corns. And we are immediately feverishly trying to take measures that can correct the situation...

Creams and ointments that are at hand in this case most often turn out to be ineffective, and ordinary pumice, known for centuries, but not forgotten by wise women, comes to the rescue.

In today's article, the Beauty Pantry decided to tell you how to use pumice for cosmetic purposes, and what results it brings.

Why do you need pumice stone for your feet?

Pumice is a porous substance of natural origin, seemingly outlived its age long ago.

But this is not at all true: to this day, this product perfectly cleanses the stratum corneum and softens the skin, which allows it to successfully compete.

It is pumice that will help get rid of calluses, eliminate corns, and make the skin again soft and pleasant to the touch, like a baby’s.

Of course, you can’t expect instant results. To achieve a visible result, you will have to devote time to your heels every day for several weeks, and only then reduce the procedures to the required minimum - 1-2 times a week.

How to use pumice at home?

It is no secret that pumice is so unsightly in appearance that it would seem not to deserve attention at all. Moreover, there is an opinion among people that it is “aggressive” and can injure the skin or cause even greater harm.

The rumors are not without foundation, because in inept hands, what is beneficial to others can turn out to be harmful. Therefore, the Beauty Pantry draws attention to the rules for using pumice, which will help achieve the desired result:

1. Pumice stone should never be used on dry skin. Moreover, the skin must be cleaned, and always steamed, and then lightly dried with a towel. For a steam foot bath, you can use sea salt or decoctions of plants, for example, chamomile, which will carefully take care not only of skin health, but also the general condition of your feet, relieving fatigue.

2. Pumice is used only for problematic, rough, hard areas of the skin. A few movements on a steamed leg will be enough to notice an obvious result - this product effectively erases “unnecessary” dead skin. As soon as a burning sensation occurs during treatment with pumice, the procedure is completed.

3. Pumice is not recommended for daily heel care. Do not forget: its main task is to erase unnecessary skin, therefore, as soon as this is achieved (after a week or two of daily procedures), the use of pumice is reduced to preventive care several times a week.

4. At the end of each procedure, the feet are rinsed with cool water and a nourishing cream is applied to the skin to prevent further drying of the skin and its roughening.

How to choose pumice stone for feet?

So, the only question that has escaped our attention is how to choose a pumice stone that is ideal for cosmetic procedures?

In principle, the entire range of commercially available products is suitable, with the exception of fakes (synthetic “pumice” is not so hard in structure, does not have all the properties of natural pumice and breaks quickly).

There are several nuances when choosing a real product. Thus, it is recommended to choose pumice for heels that is comfortable to hold in the palm of your hand, as well as with smaller pores, since it is most gentle on the skin.