Best Loofah

Your skin needs all the nourishing it can get to stay healthy, glowing, and soft throughout the year. Proper skincare starts from the basics and it’s in the shower where you’ll set up a good foundation for flawless skin. In addition to cleaning your body with suitable products, you should also make sure that there are no dead skin cells on your body- and there’s nothing better for exfoliation in the shower than loofah.

Loofahs can be used by anyone- male or female, young or old, sensitive or problematic skin- and they come in a variety of types and materials to suit anyone’s unique preferences. From natural loofahs to hypoallergenic machine-washable loofahs, you’ll be able to find one on this list to fit your needs.

Best Loofahs

What is a Loofah?

The term loofah is widely used for a range of bath exfoliating accessories made from a variety of materials and in different designs. However, even though today loofah signifies plenty of different types of accessories, the term was inspired by a specific plant called loofah or luffa. This plant from the gourd and cucumber family has a sponge-like interior which makes it ideal for exfoliation, and as they are completely natural, they are safe for people with allergies or those that prefer using natural materials in their skincare routine. Of course, a natural loofah sponge is not without its downside: it will degrade fairly quickly so it is not very durable, and if not stored and used properly, it can become a breeding ground for bacteria.

On the other hand, there are man-made loofah sponges. These come in all kinds of materials- from high-quality durable nylon to silicone and polyester fibers. This means that you can achieve a specific level of exfoliation thanks to the variety of materials and their different properties: whether you want a gentle, mild effect or deep exfoliation. Another advantage of synthetic loofahs is that they can often be machine washed and are more durable as they can be cleaned more thoroughly – and are made from materials that won’t degrade with regular use.

So, to sum it all up- loofahs can be split into two categories- the real, natural loofah and exfoliating bath sponges from man-made materials. Each has its pros and cons, so depending on your specific needs- one might work better than the other for your preferences.

What to Look for in a Loofah

So how does one know which type of loofah will work best for their needs and their skin type? Is natural better if you have sensitive skin or will the dried, coarse inside of a gourd only exacerbates your issues? Some skin types can be deeply exfoliated, others require a gentle touch to prevent irritation and red skin. For most, though, a moderate level of exfoliation that can be achieved with most types of loofahs is the golden mean: it will get rid of dead skin cells, and leave your skin soft, radiant, and youthful-looking. In addition to the exfoliation itself, there are plenty of factors to consider when choosing any bath accessory, and the same goes for loofahs- you’ll need to find a tailored match for your skin to reap the benefits of a regular exfoliating routine.

• Materials

The “original” loofah is the one that is made from the luffa gourd: natural loofah sponges are loved for the fact that they are made out of a plant, and as such are completely natural and biodegradable. However, the coarseness of the natural loofah can be too harsh on sensitive skin and they are prone to harboring bacteria if not cleaned properly, so many opt for alternatives. The most popular loofah materials are nylon and polyester, mostly due to their ease of maintenance, durability, and sleek feel that doesn’t irritate the skin. Other alternatives for exfoliating materials are sponges (either synthetic or natural, from plants such as konjac), as well as silicone or cotton terry.

• Maintenance

Loofah sponges should be replaced every 2 to 4 weeks if you are using a natural luffa sponge, or every 2 months if you opted for a nylon loofah alternative. All loofah can be a breeding ground for bacteria if not cleaned properly, so ease of maintenance is an important aspect to take into account. For instance, a natural loofah might be a bit more complex to keep clean: it should never be damp- always fully dried after each use, and soaked in a diluted water and bleach mixture (9:1 ratio) once a week to eliminate bacteria. Loofahs from man-made materials (plastic, nylon, polyester, sponge, etc) can often be machine washed so it makes them a lot easier to clean and keep bacteria-free.

• Design

The original loofa sponge doesn’t have to come in its original form, although it is the most common one: it can be processed to become an exfoliating layer on a cotton pad, shaped into a round form, or turned into a scrubber with a handle. With synthetic loofahs, the options are almost limitless: you can pick a design that is tailored for back scrubbing, gentle exfoliation or a deep cleanse, with a handle, in a glove form, or the classic pouf. It all depends on what you need for your skin type- and what works best for your preferences.

Bottom Line

A loofah will help you keep your skin radiant, soft, and healthy. Regular exfoliation promotes blood circulation that in turn stimulates collagen production, and removes dead cell buildup, resulting in youthful complexion and porcelain quality skin. That’s why a loofah should be a must-have in your bath accessories arsenal: it is the best tool to gently exfoliate your skin while you shower.

With the ability to choose between a natural luffa sponge which is made from a special gourd variety or loofahs made from synthetic materials that are gentle and hypoallergenic, you can make sure that the exfoliation is tailored to your skin type and other preferences you might have (e.g. zero waste and biodegradable bath products, or low-maintenance machine washable loofahs).