Caring for the pores and skin in your toes is simply as essential as taking good care of the pores and skin on the remainder of your physique, which implies your exfoliation and moisturizing routine ought to prolong all the way down to your toes. Sustaining comfortable toes may also help remove cracked heels and calluses, and a pumice stone is a superb exfoliation instrument that may show you how to get there. Right here, we spoke with Emily Splichal, DPM, Casey Ann Pidich, DPM, and Marisa Garshick, MD, on every little thing you want to learn about pumice stones, the best way to use one safely, and the way usually you’ll be able to incorporate this instrument into your routine for toes which are comfortable 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 toes. “It’s manufactured 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 superb for exfoliating, says Dr. Pidich.
Does a pumice stone take away cracked heels?
In line with the specialists, a pumice stone may also 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 specialists warn that in case you have a really deep crack in your heel or bleeding, go to a podiatrist for a correct prognosis.
It is also essential to notice that when utilizing a pumice stone, keep away from any areas which 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 it’s best 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 harm. “If a pumice stone is dry, it could doubtlessly trigger small tears, particularly if used vigorously on delicate areas,” Dr. Garshick explains.
The right way to use a pumice stone
“Begin by soaking your toes 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 everywhere in the callused areas you need to exfoliate. “Gently debride the dry pores and skin till you are feeling the softer pores and skin uncovered,” says Dr. Splichal.
The specialists agree that one of the best methodology 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. Nonetheless, an excessive amount of stress may cause harm or cuts to the pores and skin. It is a delicate stability and is dependent upon how thick your foot calluses are,” says Dr. Pidich.
How usually do you have to use a pumice stone?
In line with our specialists it’s best 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 well between classes. Utilizing it too usually can result in pores and skin irritation, redness, or harm,” 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 attainable as it could simply lure micro organism. Don’t depart them within the bathe the place there might be a whole lot of humidity,” Dr. Splichal provides.
What to do after utilizing a pumice stone on toes
After utilizing a pumice stone, completely rinse your toes to take away any remaining useless pores and skin, after which apply a wealthy, hydrating moisturizer or foot cream. “The simplest lotions to assist cut back calluses comprise 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).
Last takeaway
Pumice stones are an awesome instrument for softening toes 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 toes. You should use a pumice stone a few times every week to make sure correct exfoliation with out harming your toes. End your pumice stone routine with a hydrating foot balm or moisturizing masks to provide you silky, plush toes.
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