How to Use a Loofah Sponge to Stop Sweating

Regular exfoliation with a natural loofah can help reduce sweating.

Excessive body sweating, known medically as hyperhidrosis, is a common condition that has both physiological and psychological effects. People who suffer from excessive perspiration can experience dehydration and other skin conditions. Many report feeling constantly self-conscious or embarrassed. A number of home remedies for minor cases of hyperhidrosis exist, and gentle exfoliation of the skin with a natural loofah sponge is one of them. Loofah sponges are made from the dried remnants of the luffa plant, which is purported to have additional health benefits.

Things You'll Need

• Natural soap (no added scents, coloring or antiperspirants)
• Loofah sponge
• Soft body towel
• Hand towel
• Deodorant (with no antiperspirant chemicals)

Instructions

1. Lather your body generously with a soap that is free of any chemical additives, which can irritate your body's sweat glands. Use only your hands to lather up.

2. Rinse your body completely of the soap. The loofah is used separately from the soap to clean any remaining residue from the pores and invigorate your sweat glands. Take the loofah and wet it thoroughly. Dry loofahs may be too abrasive on sensitive skin.

3. Rub the loofah lightly over your entire body, using a circular motion. Spend about 10 seconds on each part of your body. This will remove excess dead skin from pores and condition your glands. When finished, rinse under fresh water for several minutes.

4. Pat your body dry with a soft towel. Squeeze the loofah with a clean hand towel to keep it free of excess moisture and mildew.

5. Apply unscented deodorant, free of any added chemicals, to your underarms. Some antiperspirants can clog your freshly cleaned pores and inhibit normal function of your sweat glands.

Tips & Warnings

• Continue exfoliation with your loofah for several weeks. As it cleans your pores and conditions your sweat glands, you may begin to notice a reduction in your sweating.

• Purchase a soap that is amber or yellow in color. Read the ingredients listing carefully to ensure that there are no added chemical agents.

• Use of a loofah sponge is not a guaranteed cure for hyperhidrosis. Excessive sweating may be a symptom of an underlying condition. If sweating persists or increases over time, consult a trusted physician.

References

• Sweating Help: Stop Excessive Sweating
• Hyperhidrosis.org