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 get the maximum benefits? Needless to say, bath experiences would not have been the same with loofah sponges. You would be very surprised to know that sponges from the Demosponge class have been used to add the helmets of the soldiers, as a cleaning aid and also for decoration and painting.

Natural loofahs may look exactly like their bath counterparts, but they are not the same. The loofah we use to scrub our bodies is actually a subtropical gourd belonging to the Luffa genus. The plants resemble giant cucumbers and are harvested throughout the year in tropical countries.

Learn the techniques of using a loofah

Face

• It goes without saying that regular exfoliation of your skin with a loofah helps keep dirt and bacteria away, giving you a fresh and supple appearance. Loofahs are mostly stiff and quite fibrous for use. So, choose the loofah that is a little soft (not rough) for your face. In case the loofah is still rough, soak it in warm water until it softens.

• Squeeze excess water out of the loofah after soaking it in warm water. Apply your favorite soap or facial wash to the loofah and rub it in well with your hand.

• Scrub neck, face, and nape gently with the loofah, applying light pressure where needed to remove dead skin cells. Avoid using loofah around eyes or nose.

• Rinse with cool fresh water and pat dry for fresh, glowing facial skin.

Body

• Apply shower gel or bath gel to your loofah and scrub the 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 rougher and rougher 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 mesh-like structures of the loofah, dirt and grime are lifted away, leaving your skin glowing.

• Loofah helps you get an effective exfoliation by removing all the dead skin cells successfully. The loofah, unlike the myths, is quite soft and gentle on your skin and helps give you 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 your stored anxiety and stress. Additionally, using the loofah and skin rubbing is believed to speed up blood flow and circulation, giving you amazing, enviable skin.

How do I care for my loofah or flannel?

• Hang up the loofah and flannel after you’ve washed it well under running water and make sure it dries well.

• If you’ve 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 which loofah or flannel you’re using, but clean it every week and keep it soaking in a dilute bleach solution for about 5 minutes.

• In case you are using a natural loofah, replace it every month, but if you use the plastic ones, you can keep it for two months. If you notice mold growing on the loofah, replace it immediately.

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