We are very happy with using the loofah as our essential bathroom accessory. But do you know how loofahs originated or how you should use them to reap maximum benefits? Needless to say, the bath experiences would not have been the same with the loofah sponges. You would be very surprised to know that sponges from the Demosponge class have been used to add to soldiers’ helmets, as a cleaning aid, and also for decorating and painting.

Natural sponges may look exactly like the ones in the bathroom, but they are not the same. The vegetable sponge that we use to rub our bodies is actually a subtropical gourd that belongs to the genus Luffa. The plants resemble giant cucumbers and are harvested throughout the year in tropical countries.

Know the techniques of using a vegetable sponge

Face

• It goes without saying that regular loofah exfoliation helps keep dirt and bacteria away, giving you a fresh, supple appearance. Loofahs are mostly stiff and quite stringy for use. Therefore, choose the loofah that is a bit soft (not rough) on your face. If the loofah is still rough, soak it in warm water until it softens.
• Squeeze excess water out of the loofah after submerging it in warm water. Apply your favorite soap or face wash to the loofah and rub it in well with your hand.
• Gently scrub the neck, face and nape of the neck with the loofah, applying light pressure where needed to remove dead skin cells. Avoid using loofah around the eyes or nose.
• Rinse with cool fresh water and pat dry for fresh, glowing facial skin.

Body

• Apply shower gel or body wash to your loofah and rub your body in circular motions. Gently press to remove dead skin cells.
• Pay special attention to places that have patches of rough skin. Regular and repeated use of loofah on rough and thicker skin areas would only help it to become soft and smooth.
• Rinse your body with cool water and pat dry with a clean towel.
• Try the Bamboo Loofah Full Body Scrubber. It is quite gentle on sensitive skin.

How is loofah good for your skin?

• Loofah helps with deep cleaning and helps you get rid of sticky and uninvited guests like germs, bacteria and dirt particles on a regular basis. Thanks to the loofah’s web-like structures, dirt and grime are removed, leaving your skin glowing.
• Loofah helps you get an effective exfoliation by removing all the dead skin cells successfully. The vegetable sponge, unlike the myths, is quite soft and gentle on the skin and helps give it that youthful feeling.
• A gently rubbed loofah would help you clean all the sweat pores, making your skin soft and smooth like the one shown in the commercials.
• A good loofah massage is also known to drain away all stored anxiety and stress. Additionally, using the loofah and rubbing your skin is believed to speed up blood flow and circulation, giving you amazing and enviable skin.

How do I care for my loofah or flannel?

• Hang up the loofah and flannel after you have thoroughly washed it under running water and make sure it dries well.
• In case you have shaved your legs and hands, try to avoid using a loofah or flannel, as bacteria can easily enter your skin through cuts and bruises.
• Avoid using loofah or flannel on the genitals or face.
• It doesn’t matter what loofah or flannel you’re using, but clean it every week and keep it soaked in a diluted bleach solution for about 5 minutes.
• If you’re using a natural loofah, replace it every month, but if you’re using the plastic ones, you can keep it for two months. If you notice mold growing on the loofah, replace it right away.

With the right tips and guidelines, loofahs and flannel wipes can be really effective for skin care.