The loofah, loofa and luffa sponge are the same thing: The fibrous remains of a gourd from the Luffa aegyptiaca plant. Mature gourds are peeled, soaked and squeezed to remove the flesh and seeds, leaving only the fibrous sponge behind. Loofah gourds are cylindrical in shape, but the fibers inside may be cut or stitched into various shapes, including bath gloves or short, hollow cylindrical blocks. Using a loofah in the bath or shower as part of your regular skin care routine exfoliates your skin, scouring away dead cells to help keep your pores open, and stimulates circulation.
Step 1
Wet the loofah sponge thoroughly. Squeeze the loofah in both hands to soften it. A few seeds that escaped removal during the manufacturing process might come out the first time you use the loofah.
Step 2
Apply a dab of your favorite body wash to the loofah. You can also use bar soap. Rub the bar across the loofah to transfer soap onto the sponge.
Step 3
Work the loofah between your hands to create a lather, evenly distributing the soap or body wash throughout the sponge.
Step 4
Scrub your skin with the loofah. How much pressure you use depends on your personal preference. Don't use the loofah over wounds or on broken or irritated skin.
Step 5
Rinse the loofah beneath running water, squeezing periodically until the water runs clear. This helps remove not just the soap but the skin cells the loofah scoured away.
Step 6
Hang the loofah from a shower hook to dry. If the loofah doesn't have a hanging hook, place it in a wire or plastic rack that allows air to circulate on all sides of the loofah sponge. If the sponge isn't thoroughly rinsed and allowed to dry between uses, it quickly becomes a breeding ground for bacteria. Bacteria will build up in the loofah crevices anyway, so exchange your old sponge for a new one every three or four weeks.
Member Comments