What is the Difference Between Pumice Stone and Foot File

The main difference between pumice stone and foot file is that pumice stones are gentle on your skin than foot files. Therefore, pumice stones are good for sensitive and soft while foot files are good for tough calluses and hard skin.

Pumice stone and foot file are two exfoliation products that help to soften the calluses and corns in your body. A pumice stone is a natural stone that results from volcanic eruptions. A foot file is a man-made product that helps to remove dry and rough skin and soften calluses.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is a Pumice Stone 
     – Definition, Use
2. What is a Foot File
     – Definition, Features
3. What are the Similarities Between Pumice Stone and Foot File
     – Outline of Common Features
4. What is the Difference Between Pumice Stone and Foot File
     – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Exfoliation, Foot Filer, Pumice Stone

What is a Pumice Stone

A pumice stone is a type of stone that forms when lava and water mix together. It’s an abrasive but light and soft stone that can be used to remove dry and rough skin in your feet. Pumice stones can also soften the calluses and corns in your body to reduce pain from friction. Since these stones are natural, there are no chemicals or toxins involved in this softening process.

However, you must use pumice stones carefully. Careless use might result in removing too much skin, bleeding and even infections.

How to Use a Pumice Stone

• First, soak your feet in water for at least 10 minutes.
• Then rub your skin with a wet pumice stone gently.
• Finally, rinse off your pumice and carefully dry and moisturize your feet.

You should also remember to rinse the pumice stone after each use and dry it carefully to keep it in good condition.

What is a Foot File

A foot file is a handheld exfoliating product made from an abrasive material like emery or metal. It can be used to remove the tough dead skin from the feet and keep your feet and heels smooth and clean. It’s perfect when you have tougher calluses or harder skin that a pumice stone cannot get rid of.

There are many different types of foot files as foot scraper, foot buffers or callus removers. Moreover, foot files have various styles and variations. There are even electric foot files. Some foot files are very abrasive and can remove tough calluses and harder skin while some are softer and gentle on the skin. Basically, foot files are used mostly in the same way as pumice stones. First soak your feet to soften them, scrub for several minutes and then moisturize.

Similarities Between Pumice Stone and Foot File

• Both products help you to get rid of the dry and rough skin on your skin.
• They help to soften the calluses and corns in the skin and avoid pain caused by friction.
• People with diabetes should avoid using pumice stones and foot files since they are more prone to infections from cutting their feet.

Difference Between Pumice Stone and Foot File

Definition

A pumice stone is a very light and porous volcanic rock used as an abrasive for removing hard skin, while a foot file is a handheld exfoliating product made from an abrasive material like emery or metal.

Material

While pumice stones are natural, foot files are made with materials like emery or metal.

Softness

Pumice stones are gentle on your skin than foot files.

Hard Calluses and Skin

Softening hard calluses and skin with a pumice stone may take a long time while a foot file is ideal for softening hard calluses.

Abrasiveness

Pumice stones are not very abrasive and won’t harm the skin if used carefully; however, some foot files are too abrasive and can injure your skin.

Conclusion

A pumice stone is a very light and porous volcanic rock used as an abrasive for removing hard skin, while a foot file is a handheld exfoliating product made from an abrasive material like emery or metal. The main difference between pumice stone and foot file is that pumice stones are gentle on your skin than foot files.

Reference:

1. “Is Pumice Stone Good for Skin?” Clear Confidence Company, 3 Apr. 2020, Available here.
2. “How To Use A Foot File.” Gubbworld.com, 22 May 2018, Available here.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Pumice Stone” By Ambuj Saxena (CC BY 2.0) via Flickr
2. “Set of three foot files on white background (Flip 2019)” By Marco Verch (CC BY 2.0) via Flickr