A loofah is an unusual type of fruit that grows on vines in tropical regions, and comes from the genus species; Luffa aegyptiaca and Luffa acutangula. The sponge that is also known as a luffa is a member of the cucumber family. The exact origin is unknown but this sponge could have originated in India, Africa, or North America due to carbon dating.
The loofah sponge is a popular eco-friendly choice when it comes to exfoliating because it is better for the environment when compared to plastic alternatives, it is a natural abrasive that can help remove dead skin cells, and it is long-lasting. A loofah is a nice tool to have and can feel great when having a scrub but they are not essential. Many people think that a loofah is the same as a sea sponge but it is actually a type of gourd that grows in a similar way to cucumber.
How to use a loofah?
After you have purchased your loofah sponge it will be very dry and rough to the touch. For each use soak the loofah sponge in warm water for a few minutes to allow it to soften slightly. It will now be ready to use as a scrubber with water, soap, or your choice of shower gel. Gently rub the loofah all over your body and rinse as usual.
After using the loofah you will want to rinse it, squeeze out the excess water and leave it in a dry place. For hygiene reasons, you should not share the sponge with anyone else in your household unless it is cleaned thoroughly. To disinfect the sponge you can use a diluted bleach solution or use an antibacterial essential oil if you would prefer. As the loofah can be quite harsh on the skin and it is not necessary to exfoliate every day, it is recommended to use it only once per week.
The benefits of using a loofah
- Great for exfoliating dead skin cells
- Biodegradable natural sponge
- It can be cleaned after each use by placing it in boiling water
The downsides of using a loofah
- Bacteria can easily build up causing the sponge to become unhygienic and for this reason; loofahs should be replaced every 3-4 weeks.
- As well as mold building up in the loofah so can old dead skin cells, dirt, and oil meaning that if you scrub over an open wound, it leaves you at risk of infection.
- it's just as easy to give yourself a scrub with your hands and doing so will save you money.
How much does a loofah cost?
A loofah is valued at around £4 per unit and as it needs replacing once per month due to hygiene, using one will cost you a total of £48 per year.
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