Did you know the loofah sponge (also known as luffa or lufa) actually starts as a vegetable that is eaten more commonly in Asia and Africa? Right before the Luffa acutangula and Luffa aegyptiaca, a gourd) reaches maturity they are harvested for consumption. Loofah sponges are made from the same gourds after they pass maturity. They are dried and everything is removed (skin and seeds) from them except for the main network. Initially the loofah sponges were used primarily as a kitchen scrub accessory. Since then their attributes for being a great exfoliator for the skin brought the loofah sponges into the showers of millions.
Loofah sponges come in both a coarse texture and a softer texture sides of the sponge. The coarser texture side of the sponge are at the ends and are great for exfoliating feet, knees, and elbows while the softer texture (long side) is great for full body skin care exfoliating and washing. It is like having a doubled duty exfoliator in one. Loofah sponges are also great for men who work a lot with vehicles or motors that get that ground in dirt and oil into the crevices of the skin. Generally, when this oil and dirt build up gets deep into the pours of ones hands is due to a build up of dead skin cells. By exfoliating the hands on a daily bases with a loofah sponge and a shop soap not only will they remove the embedded grease and dirt but soften their hands which the ladies love. Having one special just for your man in the shower makes quick work of that dirt and grime.
Loofah sponges are great used with sea salts to remove dead skin cells and detoxify your skin. They can also help reduce the appearance of cellulite, improve blood circulation, and regenerate skin cell production. Since they are totally natural they leave behind no chemical residues.
To maintain your loofah sponges, after use make sure you rinse out all soaps or salt residues and allow to air dry. This will prevent them from growing any mold and prolong their life. If your shower stays in active use, remove your loofah after rinsing out from the shower and allow to dry where it will not be in constant contact with moisture.
Loofah sponges provide the perfect surfaces for your deep to medium exfoliating needs, however too much pressure can cause irritation to the skin. Only apply as much pressure to the loofah sponge onto your skin that is comfortable. It does not require a lot of pressure to get a healthy exfoliation.
