Did you know that the loofah (also known as luffa or loofah) actually starts out as a vegetable most commonly eaten in Asia and Africa? Just before Luffa acutangula and Luffa aegyptiaca, a gourd, reach maturity, they are harvested for consumption. Loofah sponges are made from the same gourds after they are past maturity. They are dried and everything (skin and seeds) is removed except the main web. Initially, loofahs were used primarily as a kitchen scouring accessory. Since then its attributes of being a great exfoliant for the skin have brought loofah sponges to the showers of millions.

Loofahs come in both a coarse texture and a softer texture on the sides of the sponge. The coarser textured side of the sponge is at the ends and is ideal for exfoliating feet, knees and elbows, while the softer texture (long side) is ideal for exfoliating and washing full body skin care. It’s like having a double duty scrub in one. Loofahs are also great for men who do a lot of work with vehicles or engines that collect dirt and oil in the crevices of the skin. Generally, when this buildup of oil and dirt accumulates deep on the hands, it is due to a buildup of dead skin cells. By exfoliating your hands daily with a loofah sponge and commercial soap, you will not only remove embedded grease and grime, but also soften your hands, which the ladies love. Having a special one just for your man in the shower makes quick work of that dirt and grime.

Loofah sponges work great with sea salts to remove dead skin cells and detoxify the skin. They can also help reduce the appearance of cellulite, improve blood circulation, and regenerate skin cell production. Being completely natural, they do not leave chemical residues.

To maintain your loofahs, after use, be sure to rinse off any soap or salt residue and allow them to air dry. This will prevent mold from growing on them and will prolong their life. If your shower remains in active use, remove the loofah after rinsing it and let it dry where it won’t be in constant contact with moisture.

Loofahs provide the perfect surfaces for your deep to medium exfoliation needs, however too much pressure can cause skin irritation. Only apply as much pressure to the loofah on your skin that is comfortable. It does not require a lot of pressure to get a healthy exfoliation.