How to Use a Loofa
A loofa is an important tool for healthy, year-round skin care. It exfoliates or removes dead skin cells that accumulate, enhancing your skin's glow and helping to ensure that dead skin cells won't inhibit the absorption of your moisturizer or sunscreen. It can also help prevent ingrown hairs, particularly on shaved or waxed areas. As a part of a winter health protocol, it can help support your immune system. A real loofa sponge (which comes from the gourd family) is preferable to synthetic or plastic, but loofas in general can be found in most bath/body stores and grocery stores. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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How to use your loofa
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Hop in the shower and get your skin and the loofa wet.
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Apply body wash or soap directly to the loofa. You can also lather your body first with a moisturizing body wash.
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Use the loofa to scrub gentle circles on the chest and torso area.
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Run the loofa up and down each arm, then up and down each leg, still in gentle circles. Reach as much of your back as you can.
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The loofa can be applied to feet, but be careful as that may create a slippery standing surface.
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When your body has been exfoliated, be sure to rinse off all soapy residue.
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Rinse the loofa of all soapy residue as well. Hang or place the loofa somewhere to dry until next time.
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Tips & Warnings
Kami McBride, who has taught herbology at UCSF School of Nursing and Stanford Hospital in Northern California, has her clients use a loofa as part of their winter health protocol. "Most people become more sedentary in the winter, which slows down the movement of the lymph system," she says. "The lymph, which is right below the skin, carries white blood cells that fight cold and flu. When you exfoliate the skin, you stimulate the lymph system, which in turn supports the immune system. The loofa is perfect for that." She says that a dry loofa scrub before you even get into the shower can also be beneficial.
Keep a light touch; scrubbing too harshly may irritate the skin.
