What Is Pumice Stone?

Pumice stone is a natural product of volcanic eruptions--a lightweight, porous rock. In fact, pumice is technically a glass; it is so porous and filled with air bubbles that it floats. It has a rough surface that lends itself to several uses as an abrasive.

Smoothing Rough Feet

The most common health and beauty use of pumice stones is to remove dry and calloused skin from your feet. To do so, first soak your feet in warm soapy water to soften the skin. Wet the pumice stone in the soaking water. Rub the stone gently and slowly back and forth across the surface of your feet. Rinse off the stone and repeat two or three times, moving in different directions each time. Rinse your feet in cold water and apply a moisturizer afterward. Do this at least three times a week for best results. Remember to thoroughly rinse and dry the pumice stone between uses.

Removing Excess Hair

Pumice stones were used by ancient Romans to remove excess body hair, according to The Encyclopedia of Hair, and they can still be used today for that purpose. Wet the stone first, and use on wet skin. Rub gently and slowly in circular motions to remove hair. Rinse with cold water and pat dry. Be sure to apply a moisturizer afterward to reduce irritation, be sure not to rub too hard and be patient. If you have sensitive skin, look for another hair removal method instead.

Household Uses

You can also use a pumice stone for household chores. Scour the rust off metal, remove mineral deposits and grime rings from porcelain toilet bowls or scrub the oven and the kitchen sink. Always wet your pumice stone before use, and do not use on easily scratched surfaces such as stainless steel.

Environmentally Friendly

One of the pluses of using pumice stone is that it is a very eco-friendly material. Instead of utilizing chemical abrasives that can harm your body and contaminate the environment, you can simply use a pumice stone and water. The pumice stone is reusable, too--just rinse it after each use. Pumice stones are also highly economical, usually costing under 10 dollars and lasting indefinitely.

Contraindications

If you are diabetic, check with your doctor before using a pumice stone, especially on the feet, as minor cuts and breaks in the skin the pumice stone may cause are potentially at risk for infection and further complications.