Loofah (a type of body scrubbing tool) is made from the fibrous material found in tropical fruits such as pumpkins. Its supple texture is excellent for exfoliating dry skin to keep skin smooth and soft. Loofah will be soft when wet and will harden again when dry. But remember to change your loofah regularly, because loofahs are generally a breeding ground for bacteria after a few weeks of use.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Using Loofah
Step 1. Buy your loofah
Loofahs are usually pale straw in color, with a slightly herbaceous aroma. These tools are available in a variety of shapes and sizes, and are usually sold in cylinders or in the shape of a disc wedge. The texture of the loofah feels rough when dry, but once you soak it in hot water, it becomes soft and supple.
- Loofahs are available at stores that sell body care accessories, including drugstores.
- Loofahs are different from plastic bath poufs (body scrubbing devices made of plastic mesh); both devices serve the same function, but the loofah is made from plant-based materials and is considered a better choice for the skin.
Step 2. Wet the loofah in the shower or tub
Warm water softens the loofah faster. If you want to maintain the texture of the loofah and increase its rubbing ability, simply dampen the loofah with a little water.
Step 3. Pour the soap on the loofah
Many people use liquid soap so that the soap can absorb into the surface of the loofah easily. However, rubbing a bar of soap on the surface also gives the same result. Just a little soap is enough to scrub your body; You just need to pour a coin-sized amount of liquid soap or so on the loofah.
Step 4. Rub your body with the loofah
Starting at your collar area (the area of skin between your neck and chest), rub the loofah against your skin in a gentle but firm circular motion. Rub it up to the ankles. Don't forget to rub your arms and hands.
- In addition, you can use a loofah on the heels and soles of your feet. Be careful when standing on slippery bathroom floors.
- The circular motion will help remove dead skin cells and this motion feels gentler on your skin than an up and down scrubbing motion.
Step 5. Rinse your body with cold water
Cold water will close the skin pores and make you feel awake and refreshed. On the other hand, if you're trying to calm yourself down before going to bed by taking a shower or bath, use warm water.
Part 2 of 2: Caring for Loofah
Step 1. Rinse your loofah after each use
Use hot, clean water and make sure all the soap is rinsed off. Soap left in the loofah can make it stink.
Step 2. Dry the loofah well when not in use
Place it in a well-ventilated area to allow the loofah to dry completely. Since the air in the bathroom will usually remain humid, you will need to dry your loofah in another room. Drying the loofah will prevent bacteria from growing out of control in it.
Step 3. Clean the loofah once a week
You can wash them in the washing machine using a hot water wash cycle along with your towels, wash them in the dishwasher, or boil them in hot water for a few minutes to kill bacteria from multiplying. Whatever method you use to wash it, do it at least once a week to keep the loofah healthy to use.
- Dermatologists have recently discovered that there are more bacteria hiding in loofahs than previously thought. That is why, it is very important that you clean your loofah regularly.
- Likewise with plastic bath poufs. Although these scrubbers are not made from natural ingredients, they can still be a hiding place for bacteria.
Step 4. Change your loofah every three weeks
After a while, the loofah will start to break down with use and from being washed in a washing machine or in boiling water. If you haven't cleaned your loofah, the scrubber is no longer safe to use after three weeks. Therefore, it is time for you to buy a new loofah.
- Recently, many people have switched to using washcloths, because they are easier to wash in the washing machine and more durable than loofahs.
- If you decide to stick with a loofah, make sure you dry it properly after use and replace it regularly to keep your body healthy.
Tips
- Make sure you apply moisturizer to your skin after scrubbing it.
- If you want to scrub your face too, it's a good idea not to use the same loofah.
Warning
- Rub the loofah gently but firmly when scrubbing the skin. Scrubbing too gently will cause you to not be able to get rid of the dead skin; while scrubbing too hard will cause a rash or cause flaking of the skin.
- Rinsing and drying the loofah is very important. DO NOT MISS THESE STEPS.
