Nothing compares to a long, warm shower after an exhausting day, with a scented body wash.
But do you use a loofah to rid the cells of dead skin? Okay, we might have some bad news for you. While a loofah makes you feel completely clean and scrubbed, after every use, it may be a breeding ground for bacteria and germs if not washed and sanitized thoroughly.
What exactly is a loofah?
Loofahs sometimes spelled luffas, are popular accessories for the shower. It is used to clean and exfoliate your skin.
Natural Loofahs exfoliate and purify the skin, but they are not everybody’s best choice for showers. They need to be properly cared for so that they don’t provide a breeding ground for bacteria that might make you sick. They can damage sensitive skin, too.
How to make loofah sponges?
Luffa gourds are cultivated in tropical and subtropical climes. It was before the Second World War many were grown and imported from Japan. Loofas became poplar at good lengths all-over in the US.
Plants can be imported from almost any warmer climate or grown these days domestically. The flower grows after the plant blooms into a thick, gourd-like plant that resembles a zucchini or giant cucumber. The harvesting of gourds then takes place. It is left for up to six months to dry out.
Dried gourds are soaked, peeled in water, and their seeds removed. When completely dry, they can be sliced, cut, or shaped in many ways before being sold as natural loofahs.
The usage and advantages of loofah sponges
The natural loofah sponges have been traditionally used as scrubbers. A loofah’s advantages and usages include:
- Using soap to lather the skin and cleanse it
- Exfoliating your skin and face
- Stimulate blood supply while you bath or shower
- Some people likewise claim loofahs as household items for cleaning. They can be used for scrubbing floors, toilets, sinks, and other surfaces that are hard to clean.
Risks involved in using loofah:
- Researchers have found that netted loofahs provide a breeding ground for bacteria
- Dead skin cells can get trapped, and bacteria, molds, and leaves can grow
- Loofahs can be too abrasive to certain forms of skin as well. Your skin could be particularly sensitive to dermabrasion and exfoliation if you have ever experienced redness or Discomfort after using a loofah.
Dermatologists recommend loofahs to be replaced at least every two months.
Takeaway
Natural loofah sponges can provide a breeding ground for bacteria. Loofah sponges are not necessarily dangerous, but they need to be appropriately maintained to prevent the growth of bacteria.
When you’re in the shower, if you like to work up a lather, you must make sure that you’re taking care of your sponges and other bath accessories.
