Priyanka Ganwani
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Written By: Priyanka Ganwani | Published : December 26, 2014 6:53 PM IST
Loofahs are basically body scrubbers available aplenty in the market and may either be natural (made of natural fibers from the 'luffa cylindrica' plant) or synthetic (plastic). A softer sponge is usually used for scrubbing the face. However, here is how you can make most of it for your skin and beauty care.
Uses and benefits
Better foaming lather: This is the most basic use of a loofah lathering for bath washes. This tool definitely helps save up on the soap or bath wash used and spreads better over your body.
Scrubs off dead skin cells: Be it the natural or synthetic scrubber, both help deep cleanse and exfoliate your body and your face. The natural type may be harsher on the skin's surface. Loofahs dig out the dead skin cells and could be part of the tan-removal face packs as well.
Back loofah: For the areas that you are unable to reach with your hand, right at the back, a type of loofah with a long handle could come in handy. You should prime your skin well enough first with warm water, so it isn't harsh on your skin. Then, scrub the back carefully. You could also find your skin relieved of 'backne' with its use. Use a moisturiser once you are done as your skin could feel dry.
Maintenance
Do not use a common loofah: This is the most basic rule for any personal care product. Not everybody from your family should be using that one loofah everyday. This could cause bacteria and spread infections.
Wash thoroughly: As you use your loofah during your bath everyday, it's needed to be washed off well before the next use. After having scrubbed off your dead skin cells, all of it is usually caught in the fibres and this attracts bacteria to thrive on it. Which means, if you don't wash off the loofah after you use it, you are scrubbing yourself with the bacteria again. Wash the loofah with an anti-bacterial liquid or some white vinegar and ensure all the body wash gel is off the loofah.
Dry completely: After you are done with your bath, let your loofah dry up completely outside the moist bathroom. The moisture would only call for bacterial growth and hence should be left hanging to dry up for your next use.
Replace it: For the sake of hygiene, don't overuse it. If you find your loofah losing its colour or smelling over time, it's best to discard it and use a new one. Ideally, you should replace your loofah or sponge every two months.
Bleach it: To kill the bacteria, you could soak the loofah in a solution with water and only 5% bleach. This may however be a little time consuming.
How often to use the loofah
You could use it thrice a week at the most, as over-scrubbing the skin's surface may also result in removing healthy skin cells. If you have sensitive skin or suffer from a skin condition, you should consult your dermatologist before you consider using the loofah.
What to watch out for
Your skin should not be subjected to a harsh surface ideally. If you use it regularly, do so in circular motions with moderate pressure to prevent any bruises or damage to your skin's surface. Harsh scrubbing also has chances of stripping out your natural oils, which may leave your skin itchy or flaky. Here are some natural, home-made scrubs to get rid of dead skin cells.
Loofah vs. exfoliating creams
Here is a video that spells out the difference between a loofah (natural or synthetic) and home-made exfoliating creams. It is also well explained as to how to clean and maintain your loofah so it lasts you long.
[videoinfinite id="oWvLgFrI9Ng" height="400" width="600"]
Video source: eHow/YouTube
Image source:Getty Images
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