Foot care... Your gateway to health.  If eyes are the window to the soul, feet are the gateway to the body. Indeed, feet can provide a valuable mirror to your general health and well-being. You can tell how hard our poor feet have to work by the fact that they boast more sweat glands per square inch than any other part of the body. On an average, we walk 8,000 steps per day, therefore it's essential to maintain a regular foot health routine.

"Pumice stones" are often used in beauty salons during the pedicure process to remove dry and excess skin from the bottom of the foot as well as calluses. 

PROPERTIES

Pumice is a type of volcanic rock formed when lava with extremely high levels of water and gases is violently ejected from a volcano. As explained by the Mineral Information Institute, when the gases escape, the rock become "frothy." Once the rock hardens, the result is a very light, buoyant material. The main use of pumice is for making lightweight construction materials such as concrete. Small "pumice stones" are commonly used at home or in beauty salons to remove dry skin and calluses from areas such as the feet.

Pumice has a chemical composition similar to that of obsidian, or volcanic glass. It has very thin, translucent bubble walls of extrusive igneous rock. Pumice stones as used in beauty salons are generally high in silica and low in iron and magnesium.

Pumice is very lightweight. This is due to the air bubbles in it, created as gasses departed during the formation process. Pumice stones vary in density, according to the thickness of the solid material between the bubbles. Average porosity is 90 percent, which is extremely high for a rock material.

Pumice is commonly pale in color, ranging from white, cream, blue or grey, to green-brown or black. Pumice stones found at beauty salons or in pharmacies are generally light gray or tan in color.

HOW TO USE

Soak your feet in warm water for about 5 to 10 minutes to soften the skin. Wet the pumice stone and rub areas of rough skin gently for two to three minutes. Use light pressure and circular motions to remove the outermost layer of dead skin cells. Stop immediately if your skin feels sensitive or sore.

- Rinse the area thoroughly, then pat your skin dry with a soft towel. Don't rub because the freshly pumiced skin may be sensitive.

- Always finish off with massaging foot with moisturising lotion.

- Rinse the pumice stone in clear water, then hang it up to dry until the next time you use it.