4 Shower Loofah Benefits That Will Get You Scrubbing

After a hard day, there's nothing better than slipping into a warm bath. At this point in your life, you probably already have some bath-time fallbacks to help you relax, such as a scented body wash, a trusty candle, a fresh magazine, or your favorite shower loofah.

A shower loofah sponge upgrades the bathing experience. Not only does it give your body a more intensive clean, but it also gives your skin a quick polish. You’re not supposed to scrub down every day, but here are some reasons why you should always have a loofah handy in your bathroom.

The word loofah actually came from the “luffa” plant, known locally as patola. It’s also called a sponge gourd, which makes sense since a loofah is kind of like a sponge for the body. When the vegetable dries up, it becomes a neutral-hued body exfoliator that’s also environmentally friendly.

While the luffa plant has been around for centuries, its role in bathing happened much more recently. In the 18th century, “friction” baths, where you brush your skin with a rough towel, became all the rage. Loofahs became the ideal exfoliator. Through the years, more varieties became available, including plastic ones stitched up into balls, mitts, or brushes.

Whichever kind of shower loofah you’re using, remember to clean it properly. Moist loofahs are a breeding ground for bacteria and mold. Dip it in hot water after use then dry it before storage. You should also regularly replace it every few months.

If you’re looking for small ways to exercise self-care, a shower loofah is an affordable, convenient way to pamper yourself. It gives you extra bath time and it just feels good to feel like you’re taking care of yourself. Here are other reasons to start scrubbing.

A natural loofah's grainy surface acts as an exfoliant. When you gently scrape it on your skin, the friction encourages dead skin cells to shed. As a consequence, your skin appears clean, fresh, and youthful. It’s one of the best ways to renew your skin.

You can also “spot-scrub.” A loofah may be too abrasive to use every day, but you can use it more often on parts of your body you feel need extra buffing. If you’re on your feet a lot, then you might want to slough off some of the crustier bits of the soles of your feet. Do you lift weights? Gym hands could also benefit from some light exfoliation.

Depending on the kind of loofah you have, the ones with handles or are shaped like thick ropes can help you access the more hard-to-reach parts of your body, especially your back. It can also help turn your body wash into a lather.

For a more enriching bath time experience, use Dove Go Fresh Sakura Blossom Body Wash. Inspired by Japanese beauty rituals, it has sakura and Himalayan sea salt extracts that spoil the skin with a refreshing light fragrance and leave it hydrated and soft.

The motion that comes with using a loofah also gives your body a light massage that could help improve blood circulation. It can make your body feel less tense, helping you relax better.

After exfoliating your body, follow it up with a lotion. A loofah can remove dull skin, but it can also leave it dry. Nourish it with Vaseline Intensive Care Aloe Soothe Body Lotion. It possesses pure aloe vera extract and Vaseline Petroleum Jelly that not only offers relief but also deeply moisturizes your skin.

Don't forget that the tools you use to clean your body need cleaning, too! To clean your loofah, soak it in warm water to rinse out any soap residue once a week. Make sure to store it in a cool, dry place to keep it from accumulating bacteria. Finally, know that it has a shelf life – toss your loofah after a month of use.

Using a shower loofah can help make your bath a little more pleasurable. Get one now to enjoy its simple rewards.