PlanetRx - Learn More - Product Advice - Loofahs & Sponges - guidetohealth.com

PlanetRx - Learn More - Product Advice - Loofahs & Sponges





	Make like a snake and shed Humans and snakes both shed their skin. We just do it a little at a time, whereas snakes do it all at once. The problem with our method is that dead skin cells can build up rather than slough off -- and stagnant cells not only give skin an unappealing, zombie-like tinge of gray, but they clog up your pores, contributing to blackheads (among other undesirable eruptions) and skin irritation. It's up to us to send the over-the-hill constituents of the epidermis packing. Ancient Romans used dull-edged scrapers to perform the task, running the blade against their well-oiled limbs. A sponging down in the bath or shower will likewise slough off the stuff your skin is reluctant to shed.



	The Options: Oceanic and Otherwise Natural sponges are the porous skeletons of aquatic creatures that live on the ocean floor. Their finely textured surface is delicately abrasive -- just what the skin needs. They're also great at absorbing water and outlast most manmade imitations. Loofahs aren't really sponges, but rather the fibrous skeleton of a tropical gourd. They're less absorbent than natural sponges and also coarser in texture, which means they're best on tougher skin like elbows and the soles of the feet. Synthetic sponges come in all shapes, sizes, and textures. Look for a surface that's gentle in terms of abrasion. Sandpaper and skin don't mix. Shedding As You Shower Soften your sponge first by dipping it in water. Work in small, circular motions rather than using long, up-and-down strokes. Remember that your objective is to slough gently, not to abrade thoroughly. You want to get rid of dead cells, not take off half the epidermis in the process. If you're exiting the shower with reddened skin, you're overdoing it -- next time, slack off on the pressure. To avoid having your sponge turn into a breeding ground for bacteria, rinse it well after every use, wring it out thoroughly, and leave it in the open air where it will dry out completely. If you see signs of mold, toss it -- replacing a sponge will hardly bust your budget.



	Appropriate Uses Sponge Facilitates the removal of dirt and oil from skin. Loofah Facilitates the removal of dirt and oil from skin, exfoliates the dead, outermost layer of skin cells, and increases the penetration of bath salts and oils into the skin.



	Websites, Organizations & Manufacturers Acme Sponge American Academy of Dermatologists

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