Loofah sponges have become a very popular shower accessory and can be used for cleaning and exfoliating the skin. Many people believe they are a sea sponge, but they actually come from a gourd in the cucumber family.
Yes, they are known to be used as a shower accessory, but many people find them useful for other things around the home.
Loofahs require a bit of maintenance to keep bacteria at bay and reducing the spread of harmful germs to your skin. They need to be cleaned and replaced on a regular basis because of this.
While these sponges can be used for exfoliating, they aren’t for everyone or for every skin type and I will explain why in this article.
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What are Loofah Sponges
Loofahs come from a tropical gourd that is from the cucumber family. They are best known for their use as an exfoliating tool. They come in different sizes and shapes and can be used on the face and body to help clear away dead skin cells and promote healthy skin.
Due to exfoliating properties of the loofah, they can increase circulation, unclog pores and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. You can read more about the benefits of exfoliation here.
What Else Can Loofah Sponges Be Used For
Other than being used for shower accessories, many people have found that they make for a great cleaning product. They can be used to clean showers, sinks, and tiles. Can you think of any other way you can use your loofah?
What’s So Bad About Loofahs
After using loofa sponges, dead skin cells and moisture can settle into the loofah. Over time, the continued exposure to debris and moisture can promote bacteria growth, some harmful ones too like e coli.
Due to the ease of spreading bacteria, it’s best not to use them on freshly shaved skin. After shaving, skin can become compromised. Sometimes you knick yourself and don’t even realize it. Open wounds + bacteria = not a good outcome.
Some people, like myself, find loofahs to be too abrasive. They can cause redness and irritation. Over time, due to the coarse fibers, they can cause skin damage.
How Can I Clean My Loofah
Although loofahs are relatively easy to clean, many people either don’t know that they need to be cleaned, or don’t care to clean them. The process is simple really.
After you use it, don’t hang it in the shower or on the hook. Surprised? By keeping the loofah in the shower, it is prolonged to moisture. Instead, use a dry towel to get it as dry as possible. Thoroughly wring it out and put it in a cool, dry place outside of the bathroom.
Loofahs should be cleaned at least once a week in a diluted mixture of 10% bleach to reduce bacterial growth and contamination. Dip the loofah in the mixture for at least 5 minutes, then rinse it thoroughly in cool water. Dry it out completely and allow it to dry in a cool, dry place.
Keep in mind that loofahs should be replaced every 3-4 weeks. Before then, if you notice a musty smell lingering or notice any mold on the thing, throw it our and replace it.
To avoid the spread of bacteria like e coli, don’t use your loofah near your genitals.
Loofah Sponge Alternatives
If you’re not crazy about using loofah sponges, then there are alternative products you can use instead. Some of these can be used just to help spread your soap and body wash, while there are others that can help exfoliate your skin.
Synthetic Poufs
Synthetic bath poufs are made from circular layers of dense nylon. They are great at helping spread your soap and shower gel, but not so great at exfoliating. Bacteria can still grow on them and in some cases, can even be worse than loofahs.
Washcloths
Washcloths otter a gentle exfoliating effect and can help spread soap and shower gel easily. They can be thrown in the washing machine and can be used for years at a time.
Sea Sponges
Silicone Bath Scrubbers
Made from silicone, bath scrubbers are great for exfoliation and cleansing. They have antimicrobial benefits but still should be cleaned regularly.
Read more on Exfoliating Tools
Summing It Up
Loofah sponges can be great at exfoliating but can be a bit abrasive and require some maintenance and upkeep. Not only can they be used as a shower accessory, but they can also be used as cleaning sponges around the house.
What is your experience with shower loofahs? Do you use them other than showering? Let us know in the comments below.
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Disclaimer: This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of such advice or treatment from a personal physician. Neither Self Verve nor the publisher of this content takes responsibility for possible health consequences of any person or persons reading or following the information in this educational content. Be sure to contact your physician before trying any of the items stated in the above article.
