Buying guide for Best loofahs
Want to pamper and polish your skin? A relaxing soak in the tub wouldn’t be the same without aromatherapy candles and a loofah scrub with a luxurious body wash. A brisk scrub with a loofah removes dead skin cells, leaving skin refreshed, smooth, and conditioned. Skincare specialists often recommend scrubbing the skin with a loofah two or three times a week to enhance its excretory functions. Body washing with a loofah also stimulates blood circulation.
When shopping for a loofah or loofah bath accessories, you will find a delightful array of products from which to choose. There are loofah bath mitts, back scrubbers, back straps, facial discs, and facial buffs, to name a few. There are also plain loofahs that closely resemble their harvested form. These serve as bath sponges that you can use by hand in the tub or shower.
Key considerations
What is a loofah?
A little-known member of the cucumber family, the luffa or loofah plant produces a fruit cultivated as a food staple in tropical and subtropical climates. Native to India, the loofah is harvested when young and consumed raw, steamed, or stewed. A popular fruit in Central America, Vietnam, India, Korea, Japan, and China, this rather bland gourd-like fruit adds subtle flavor and substance to stews, soups, salads, and curries.
Resembling its cousin, the cucumber, the loofah produces a sizeable elongated deep green fruit that hangs from a thick, twining vine. Each gourd-like fruit is 12 to 22 inches long and three to eight inches around. The fruit is slow-growing, requiring up to 120 days to ripen and reach maturity. If allowed to fully mature, the fruit of the plant is very fibrous. When dried, the fully developed fruit makes an excellent scrubbing sponge for use in the bathroom and kitchen.
Features
Loofah varieties
There are three types of loofahs grown commercially: the traditional dense loofah native to India; the Egyptian loofah, also known as luffa; and the Mayan loofah.
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The traditional loofah is the firmest of the loofah types and keeps its shape even when wet.
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The Egyptian loofah is the largest loofah variety, growing to more than 30 inches long and up to five inches wide. More pliable than the other two types, the Egyptian loofah is a perfect bath and shower accessory.
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The Mayan loofah presents a medium density, softer than the traditional loofah but harder than the Egyptian loofah. The smaller Mayan loofah is two to three inches wide and typically sold in five- to ten-inch cuts.
Type of product
You could buy a plain loofah product and keep it in the bath for weekly or bi-weekly exfoliation. However, there are a host of other types of loofah products you could get, as well. For example, there are disc-shaped loofahs designed for cleaning and exfoliating the face. There are loofahs mounted on sticks that, much like traditional back scrubbers, afford users the ability to access hard-to-reach spots on the body. There are loofah “sponges” of varying shapes and sizes, and there are loofah mitts that fit around the hand for easy use.
You might not know which type of loofah you want until you look at several and imagine yourself using each one. In any case, a loofah provides great cleansing and exfoliation, but it’s up to you how you want your product to look.
Accessories
To turn a soak in your home tub into a posh spa-like experience, consider adding a few luxury amenities to your loofah experience.
Aromatherapy candles: Dim the lights and light a candle in your preferred scent. Green tea, mint, apple, chamomile, or sage essential oils are relaxing scents. Frankincense and balsam oils invigorate the senses. Lavender encourages a sound night’s sleep.
Facial mask: During your bath, apply a pore-cleansing facial mask and relax as the mask performs its magic.
Body wash: With the right body wash, you can indulge all your senses and exfoliate dead skin at the same time.
Body lotion: After bathing with your loofah, replenish natural oils with a quality body lotion to help soothe and heal irritation, and if you choose one with a scent you love, the sensory indulgence will continue.
Loofah prices
The price of loofahs and loofah bath accessories varies depending on the manufacturer, brand, and merchandiser, as well as the size, color, and quality of the loofah itself.
Inexpensive
Lower-priced loofahs tend to fall apart quickly. If you purchase a loofah for between $2 and $5, be aware that durability is a concern. In this price range, loofahs also sell as cuts used for crafting and soap making. Because the price is low, these loofahs are great to use for travel or to take to the spa as a disposable item.
Mid-range
Traditional and Mayan raw loofahs in the mid-price range sell for $7 to $12, depending on size. Mid-price loofahs are firm, well-formed, and not overly abrasive.
Expensive
Raw, 100% natural Egyptian loofahs in the higher price range cost $15 and up, depending on size.
Tips
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It takes some effort to keep a loofah clean and germ-free. Bath loofahs are clean and fresh when new, but if not rinsed, dried, and stored correctly after use, loofahs can become a breeding ground for bacteria. Care for your loofah by rinsing it well with hot water after each use and hanging to air dry. At least once a week, rinse your loofah with boiling water to kill germs. Do not leave your loofah wet on the edge of the bathtub or sitting in stale water in the soap dish.
- Consider a two-sided loofah back scrubber. Look for one that is reversible with one side a coarse texture for exfoliating dry skin and the other side a softer texture for smoothing and polishing. Use your two-sided loofah back scrubber on upper back, neck, shoulders, lower back, and upper arms.
FAQ
Q. What type of loofah is best for opening pores and exfoliating dull, dry facial skin?
A. Choose a small Egyptian loofah sponge or loofah facial pad and a creamy organic facial cleanser to exfoliate dead facial skin gently. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water, and pat your face dry with a soft towel before applying a natural plant-based moisturizer.
Q. How is a bath loofah different from a bath pouf?
A. Bath poufs are made of nylon netting. As mentioned, a bath loofah is a natural plant product. Both types of products do a good job, but some people prefer the exfoliating properties of the loofah — as well as its natural quality.
Q. How often should I replace my loofah?
A. Used twice weekly, a loofah will provide months of use if cared for properly. Replace your loofah when it begins to show signs of fiber breakage and wear.
