Have you ever noticed a strange red stone in your bathroom and wondered what it could be? You’re not alone! Many homeowners discover these mysterious red stones in their bathrooms and have no idea where they came from or what purpose they serve. This guide will uncover the secrets behind these peculiar bathroom stones and provide insight into their origins and uses.
What Are These Red Stones in Bathrooms?
The red stones often found in bathrooms are likely red lava stones or pumice stones. These are igneous rocks made of hardened volcanic lava that forms when magma from deep within the earth erupts and rapidly cools. The air bubbles frozen inside as the lava hardens give the stone its porous, sponge-like texture.
Red lava stones and pumice come in shades of deep red, brown, and black. Their craggy, abrasive surface helps remove dead skin cells, soften skin, and improve circulation. Due to these exfoliating properties, red lava stones and pumice are popularly used in skincare treatments and bathing rituals.
Where Do These Stones Come From?
Red lava stones originate from volcanic eruptions around the world. Some key sources include:
- Italy – Mt. Etna volcano produces red-colored lava stones.
- Greece – Santorini island’s lava fields contain pumice stones.
- Turkey – Cappadocia region’s volcanic terrain holds reddish cavels.
- Chile – The Puyehue volcano eruption created porous lava rock.
- Iceland – Lava fields from volcanic eruptions spew up red stones.
Companies harvest these stones from volcanic sites and distribute them worldwide for commercial use. So a red lava rock in your bathroom may have journeyed far to reach you!
Why Are They Commonly Found in Bathrooms?
You’ll often find red lava stones in bathrooms because of their beneficial uses for personal grooming and skincare routines:
- Pedicure Scrubs – Foot soaks with lava stones exfoliate dead skin from soles and heels.
- Manicure Scrubs – Hand soaks with stones gently buff away dry skin and calluses.
- Body Exfoliators – Pumice stones rub off dead cells when used on knees, elbows, and other rough spots.
- Facial Scrubs – Crushed red stones mixed into scrubs provide mild exfoliation to reveal brighter skin.
- Foot Files – Lava stone foot files smooth cracks and corns on the feet.
- Pumice Stones – Rubbing pumice on skin sloughs off dead cells from hands, heels, knees, etc.
- Bath Mat Textures – Lava stone mats provide a rough surface to rub and exfoliate feet while bathing.
In summary, red lava stones offer an abrasive texture ideal for rubbing off dead skin cells, softening skin, and improving circulation. This makes them a staple in bathrooms where personal grooming and pampering take place.
Lava Stone Skin Benefits
Using red lava stones provides several benefits for your largest organ – your skin:
- Removes Dead Cells – The coarse, porous texture mechanically exfoliates the top layer of dead cells.
- Unclogs Pores – Deep cleansing of pores helps prevent blackheads and acne.
- Increases Circulation – Rubbing with the stones improves blood flow to skin cells.
- Softens Skin – Getting rid of dead cells reveals the smooth, soft skin underneath.
- Brightens Complexion – Exfoliation lets new skin cells full of collagen rise to the surface.
- Reduces Ingrown Hairs – Buffing away dead cells allows hairs to emerge normally.
- Eases Razor Bumps – The mild scrubbing action clears trapped hairs that cause bumps.
- Hydrates Skin – Removing the dead cell layer allows better moisture absorption.
- Detoxifies Skin – Lava stones can draw out impurities from deep within pores.
Caring for Your Lava Stones
To keep lava stones in top shape for effective exfoliating, follow these care tips:
- Rinse after each use to wash away dead skin cells. Use mild soap if needed.
- Disinfect regularly by soaking in alcohol or a dilute bleach solution (1 tsp bleach per quart of water).
- Avoid leaving stones wet as moisture can breed bacteria. Always dry thoroughly.
- Store in a clean, dry container to prevent contamination between uses.
- Replace stones every 3-4 months as surfaces wear down with scrubbing.
- Don’t use if you have any open cuts or sores which could become infected.
- Check for rough edges and file down any sharp points which could scratch skin.
- Opt for plastic-free pumice stones to be eco-friendly. Discard old stones in the trash.
Proper maintenance keeps lava stones sanitary and ready for use whenever you need some exfoliating action!
How to Use Lava Stones for the Body
Ready to add lava stones to your bathing routine? Follow these tips for full-body pampering:
Foot Exfoliating
- Soak feet in warm water to soften skin.
- Wet the lava stone, then gently rub it over your feet using circular motions. Focus on heels, soles, sides and between toes.
- Rinse feet and apply a moisturizer like coconut or aloe vera oil.
Hand Exfoliating
- Soak hands in warm water for 5-10 minutes to hydrate skin.
- Wet the lava stone and rub it over each finger, palm and back of hands using light, quick strokes.
- Rinse then massage in a rich hand cream to restore moisture.
Body Exfoliating
- Apply a body oil or natural gel to lubricate skin.
- Use light, circular motions to scrub lava stone over elbows, knees, ankles and any other rough spots.
- Rinse off then hydrate with a moisturizing body lotion.
Facial Exfoliating
- Steam face first by leaning over a basin of hot water with a towel draped over your head.
- Wet the stone then gently glide it across your face using outward strokes. Avoid rubbing around eyes.
- Splash face with cool water to close pores then apply a nourishing face cream.
Let the lava stone work its exfoliating magic to reveal smooth, glowing skin from head to toe!
Types of Lava Stones for Bathing
There are a few varieties of lava stone bathing products available:
Pumice Stones
Pumice stones are irregularly shaped chunks of lightweight, frothy volcanic rock. Their air-filled holes make pumice float in water. Pumice is mildly abrasive for gentle exfoliation.
Lava Stone Bars
Molded solid lava rock into bar shapes. Convenient to hold with textured surfaces for scrubbing. Natural soap ingredients are often added.
Loose Lava Grains
Small pieces of crushed or powdered lava rock. Mix with oils or gels and massage onto skin for smooth exfoliation.
Lava Stone Files
Lava stone attached to plastic handles to create files for removing thick calluses, especially on the feet.
Lava Stone Body Brushes
Brushes with lava stone grains embedded in natural fiber bristles to combine brushing and buffing.
Lava Stone Foot Mat
Mat textured with lava stone shards that you stand on while bathing to exfoliate feet.
Composite Lava Stones
Lava powder combined with ingredients like essential oils and clay, then molded into stones.
Try out the different lava stones to find your favorites for bathing and exfoliating from head to toe!
Lava Stone Vs. Pumice Stone
Lava stones and pumice stones are often used interchangeably for exfoliating skin. But what’s the difference between these two volcanic rock types?
Appearance
- Lava stones are dark red, brown or black with a rough, craggy texture.
- Pumice is light grey or white in color with lots of air pockets making it lightweight.
Origins
- Lava stones come directly from lava flows and have a higher density.
- Pumice forms as thick lava foam rapidly cools, creating a low-density, porous rock.
Exfoliating Power
- Lava stones have coarser, sharper grains for heavy-duty exfoliating.
- Pumice offers more delicate scrubbing for sensitive skin areas.
Use Cases
- Lava stones work well on knees, elbows, heels and hands.
- Pumice gently exfoliates the face, lips, and delicate skin.
Price
- Lava stones typically cost more due to higher production costs.
- Pumice is more affordable and available in larger pieces.
Sustainability
- Lava stone is often harvested more sustainably from lava fields.
- Pumice quarrying can have larger environmental impacts.
The bottom line: Lava stone provides more intense exfoliation for rougher skin areas, while pumice offers gentle smoothing of delicate skin. Choose the stone that suits your needs!
Buying Guide for Lava Stones
Looking to buy lava stones for home pampering? Keep these tips in mind:
- Stone Shape – Choose solid stones, loose grains, or composite bars based on your preferences.
- Size – Opt for larger stones to grip easily or small grains for mixing into scrubs.
- Exfoliating Power – Check product descriptions for “coarse” vs “sensitive” to find the right intensity.
- Color – Red, brown or black stones offer similar exfoliating effects. Pick your preferred hue.
- Source – Look for sustainably harvested stones from reputable suppliers.
- Value Sets – Kits with multiple stones offer flexibility at a lower cost per piece.
- ** eased Stones** – Avoid stones with polish or treatment that reduces their roughness.
- Reviews – Read reviews to learn how others liked the product for exfoliating.
- Return Policy – Check if you can return stones that don’t suit your exfoliating needs.
With so many lava stone types and brands available, do some research to discover the best options to elevate your bathing routine. Taking the time to find the right lava stones pays off with smooth, glowing skin.
How to Make a Lava Stone Soap
Want to whip up your own spa-worthy lava stone soap? Follow this easy DIY recipe and method:
Ingredients
- 4 oz coconut oil
- 4 oz olive oil
- 2.1 oz lye (sodium hydroxide)
- 8 oz water
- 2 tsp essential oils like lavender or eucalyptus
- 1 cup lava stone grains
Method
- Add lye to water in a glass or stainless steel bowl. Stir and set aside until clear.
- In a separate bowl, melt coconut and olive oils either in the microwave or on the stove at low heat.
- When both mixtures are ready, carefully pour the lye solution into the oils. Use a stick blender to mix thoroughly until trace occurs.
- Add essential oils for fragrance and mix again briefly.
- Gently fold in the lava stone grains until evenly distributed.
- Pour batter into silicone molds and let harden 24-48 hours.
- Unmold soap then cut into bars and allow to cure for 2-3 weeks before use.
Customize your lava stone soap with skin-nourishing oils and fun colors or botanicals. Enjoy smoother, softer skin from your handmade exfoliating bars!
Tips for Using Lava Stones in the Shower
Want to enjoy smoothing lava stones while you shower? Follow these tips:
- Place stones on a shower shelf or in a mesh bag that allows water flow.
- Wet stones before use to prevent dragging on dry skin.
- Rub gently using circular motions to exfoliate rough spots like knees, heels, elbows.
- Adjust pressure based on your skin’s sensitivity. Hard rubbing can cause irritation.
- Focus on problem skin areas to unclog pores and remove dead cells.
- Rinse thoroughly after scrubbing each area to wash away dead skin.
- Avoid using on the face or delicate regions. Stick to tougher skin that needs exfoliating.
- Alternate cold and hot water temperatures to improve circulation.
- End with a cool rinse to close pores before toweling off.
- Apply a rich moisturizer post-shower while skin is still damp.
Let revitalizing lava stones bring the spa experience right to your shower!
DIY Lava Stone Foot Scrub
Pamper cracked, rough feet with this refreshing homemade foot scrub using cleansing lava stones:
Ingredients
- 1 cup coarse lava rock grains
- 1/2 cup epsom salts
- 1/4 cup olive, coconut or almond oil
- 5 drops peppermint, rosemary or tea tree essential oil
Method
- Combine the lava grains and epsom salts in a small bowl.
- Add in the carrier oil and essential oil.
- Mix well until fully blended.
- Scoop some scrub into your palm.
- With feet in a basin of warm water, massage the mixture all over your feet.
- Focus on rubbing the lava stones over cracked heels and calluses.
- Rinse feet then gently pat dry with a towel.
- Slather feet in a moisturizing cream and put on cozy socks to lock in softness.
Repeat this aromatic foot scrub weekly or as needed to get sandal-ready feet!
Troubleshooting Lava Stones
Having issues using your lava stones? Try these troubleshooting tips:
Skin getting scratched? The stones may have sharp edges. File down any rough points. Also, use lighter pressure.
Skin feels irritated or sore? You may be scrubbing too hard. Try a more gentle touch or switch to smooth pumice stones instead.
Stones aren’t exfoliating well? Old stones lose their roughness. Replace them with fresh lava rock every few months.
Stones feel slimy or smell bad? Bacteria may be growing. Disinfect stones by boiling, bleach soaking or hydrogen peroxide.
Can’t grip stone with fingers? Opt for plastic-handled lava files or smaller stone grains to handle easier. Use gloves too.
Stone leaves residue on skin? Ensure you rinse well after each use. Stones should be cleaned before storing.
Skin too dry after exfoliating? Nourish with rich moisturizers immediately after using stones to combat dryness.
With proper use and care, lava stones can safely slough away dead skin without irritation. Follow these tips to keep your stones working optimally.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are lava stones safe to use?
Yes, lava stones are generally safe for healthy skin when used properly. Take care to rub gently, avoid open wounds, rinse after use and sanitize regularly to prevent bacterial growth. Discontinue use if skin becomes painful or irritated.
2. How often can I use lava stones?
Limit full-body scrubbing with lava stones to 2-3 times per week max. You can use them daily on small areas like feet, hands or elbows that need frequent exfoliation. Always moisturize after use and let skin recover between treatments.
3. Can I use lava stones on my face?
Lava stones may be too harsh for the delicate facial skin. Instead, opt for a fine pumice powder added to a gentle face scrub 1-2 times per week or use chemical exfoliants with AHAs or BHAs. Always moisturize post-treatment.
4. How do I sanitize lava stones?
Disinfect stones between uses by boiling for 5-10 minutes, soaking in a bleach solution (1 tsp per quart of water) or hydrogen peroxide for 15 minutes. Rinse and dry thoroughly after sanitizing. Replace stones every few months.
5. What’s the best way to use a lava stone foot file?
Soak feet in warm water, then wet the lava stone file. Gently glide the file over rough areas like the heels and balls of feet using light, broad strokes towards you. Don’t scrub back and forth. Rinse feet then apply moisturizer.
6. Can I use lava stones if I have sensitive skin?
Yes, but be extra gentle. Opt for soft pumice stones rather than coarse lava rocks. Do a patch test first and stop if skin feels irritated. Avoid using on inflamed or broken skin. Always moisturize after use. Limit treatments to once a week.
Conclusion
Mysterious red lava stones found in bathrooms are surprising volcanic rock gifts from nature for smooth, glowing skin. Their abrasive textures revive dull complexions by whisking away dead cells and unclogging pores when used properly and with care. Keep lava stones sanitary and gently glide over body areas needing exfoliation 2-3 times per week, adjusting pressure for comfort.
Follow the guidance in this article to discover the benefits of incorporating cleansing lava stones into your bathing routine. Let these fiery gems work their magic to uncover refreshed, healthy skin from head to toe!
