Loofahs are puffy shower accessories used to clean and exfoliate the skin. They are a part of many people’s cleansing routines. However, they may not be washing the body as well as once thought. In fact, they may be introducing bacteria and even mold to the skin. Therefore, dermatologists explain how to properly clean loofahs — or advise getting rid of them entirely.
The Benefits of Loofahs
Let’s look at the positives first. Loofahs are used to lather and soap the skin while exfoliating it. At the same time, the scrubbing stimulates blood circulation around the body. Some people use loofahs to wash the house, especially for textured surfaces that are hard to clean such as tiles in the bathroom or kitchen.
The Downsides
Loofahs are typically made of meshed plastic while the organic ones are made of dried gourds that resemble sponges. And all of those holes can fill with bacteria left to multiply after every shower. These bacteria can include E. coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, as well as fungi that can cause skin infections.
Never on the Face
This is why some dermatologists advise against using this shower accessory, especially for the face. “I wouldn’t recommend using a buff puff or loofah,” says dermatologist Joel Schlessinger, MD, from the Dermatology Institute. “Loofah sponges are intimate with many unclean areas of the body and then sit around allowing bacteria to multiply within the nooks and crannies of the sponge.”
Breeding Grounds for Bacteria
Furthermore, the shower’s warmth and dampness can be ideal conditions for growing organisms. “Loofahs are interesting,” says dermatologist Melissa Piliang, MD, to Cleveland Clinic. “They’re used in a wet environment and you hang them up in the shower, which is also a wet environment. They don’t ever totally dry out, so the loofah is a beautiful breeding ground for bacteria.”
How to Clean Loofahs
If you choose to use a loofah, clean it every week in a diluted mixture of water and 10% bleach. Place the loofah into the bleach solution for five minutes then rinse it completely with water. You can also run loofahs through your dishwasher. Afterward, hang them up to dry in a cool environment, preferably not the warm, moist bathroom. Furthermore, after a shower, wring out the used loofah with a dry towel and store it somewhere drier.
How to Use Loofahs Safely
- Rinse them after each use
- Clean them once a week
- Don’t use then on the genital area
- Don’t use them after shaving or on open cuts. Wait a few days for the skin to heal.
- Replace natural loofahs every three to four weeks
- Replace plastic loofahs every two months
- If you notice mold or musty smells, trash it right away.
Not for Everyone
Even people who are meticulous about cleaning their loofahs should consider avoiding them. This brittle tool can be abrasive to sensitive skin. In fact, it can strip off lipids that function as a protective barrier, which can lead to skin damage over time. So look out for redness and irritation after use and avoid scrubbing too vigorously.
“You should avoid rubbing with a loofah or washcloth as these are too irritating and will damage the skin,” says dermatologist Benjamin Garden, MD. “Gently use your fingers to rub the face wash on and gently wash off.”
Loofah Alternatives
However, washcloths may work as a better alternative, according to Healthline. They don’t have the same holes for bacteria to wedge into, and they are gentler on the skin. They are also easier to clean since you can throw them into the laundry, and they can dry completely after a shower on a hook or towel rod.
You can also try silicone bath scrubbers. They also are gentler on the skin, easy to clean, and quick to dry. In fact, some types can be antibacterial and hypoallergenic. But even so, avoid over-scrubbing and over-exfoliation that can hurt the skin’s natural protective barrier.
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