Loofah vs. Exfoliating Creams

Loofahs scrub off dirt, while exfoliating creams condition the skin.

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Loofahs – along with brushes, microfiber cloths, pumice, and scrubs (micro-bead, apricot, almond, salt and sugar) – fall under the category of mechanical exfoliation. Creams, which usually contain alpha hydroxy acids, salicylic acid, glycolic acid or lactic acid, are used for chemical exfoliation. While you can get good results by using a loofah or an exfoliating cream, there are pros and cons of both and you’ll need both to achieve the best effects.

Related Searches: Advantages of Loofahs

Loofahs are cheap, clean faster and generally do not cause any kind of allergy or skin irritation if done correctly. As of October 2011, loofahs cost only around $1 or less per piece, and because they store well when kept away from moisture, you can buy them in bulk at lower prices.
The main edge that loofahs have over exfoliating creams is speed. A single, thorough loofah scrub during a shower can slough off more dead flakes than one application of exfoliating cream. Loofahs also unclog your pores and leave your skin thoroughly clean. Because they don’t have any chemicals or active ingredients, they also do not pose any allergy risks.

Advantages of Exfoliating Creams

Exfoliating creams are better than loofahs in several ways: they're more effective in acne-prone areas, they take less effort to use and they help moisturize the skin. Typical exfoliating creams have several active ingredients that moisturize the skin. These creams also help dry up existing acne, control oil, reduce whiteheads and blackheads and kill lingering bacteria. An exfoliating cream also requires less effort than a loofah, since you won’t have to give your skin a thorough scrubbing for it to work.

Disadvantages of Loofahs

Once used, you need to wash your loofah in 1 percent bleach weekly and replace it every three to four weeks. This ensures that you won’t be scrubbing yourself with a bacteria- or mold-infested loofah.
Scrubbing your skin too vigorously with a loofah, particularly one that hasn’t been broken in properly, can leave abrasions on your skin which could easily get infected. Experts recommend taking shorter showers for exfoliation, as over-hydrated skin can be easily damaged.

Disadvantages of Exfoliating Creams

Exfoliating creams may not be suitable for all skin types. Some users may experience redness, irritation and a bit of drying and peeling. Also, if not rinsed thoroughly afterward, the cream can end up clogging your pores, which can aggravate existing skin conditions.
Exfoliating creams are also more expensive when compared to loofahs. As of the date of publication, these creams can cost anywhere from $10 to over $50, depending on the target area, active ingredients and brand name.
Exfoliating daily is also not advisable save for a few rare cases (people with very oily skin, for instance). Twice a week’s exfoliation is considered sufficient for average skin. For better results, alternate between loofah exfoliation with a mild cleanser and exfoliation cream rinsed off with a washcloth or sponge.

ReferencesHealth, Beauty and Skincare Products: How to Exfoliate with a LoofahApple Me Up: The Pros and Cons Of Exfoliating ScrubsGreatest Look: ExfoliationSmart Skin Care: Basics Steps of Facial Skin Care Routine: ExfoliationPhoto Credit Hemera Technologies/PhotoObjects.net/Getty ImagesRead Next:

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Exfoliating Procedures

A spa facial every month not only rejuvenates skin, but also provides a relaxing retreat from a busy life.

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Every 30 days, cells move from the base of your skin to the surface, where they die. Dead cells built up on your skin cause scaly, dull-looking skin and clogged pores. Keep your skin looking radiant and healthy by exfoliating regularly, especially in cold weather, when dry air makes cells dry out and accumulate faster.

Related Searches: Chemical Facial Exfoliating

Chemical exfoliation, or a chemical peel, uses an acid solution to remove dead cells from the skin's surface. The strength of the chemical peel depends on the type and percentage of acid used. Glycolic acid, originating in sugar cane, is the mildest. Glycolic peels work well for treating fine lines and wrinkles. The strongest chemical peel uses phenol, which completely removes the uppermost layer of skin. Phenol peels are for treating deep wrinkles and smoothing pigmentation. Aestheticians or dermatologists administer chemical peels, applying them to the skin and removing them after 10-20 minutes. Recovery takes a few hours to a few weeks, depending on the chemicals used and the solution percentage.

Mechanical Facial Exfoliating

Mechanical exfoliation uses abrasives to loosen and remove dead cells from the skin's surface. An abrasive material, such as a micro fiber cloth or exfoliating scrub, gently massages the skin. Exfoliating scrubs can be store bought or homemade; ingredients may include salt minerals, oatmeal, cornmeal or tiny plastic pellets. Some facial cleansers contain small amounts of these abrasives and are gentle enough to use every day. Exfoliating masks are gentle on the skin and help remove deeper dead skin cells. Microdermabrasion is a mechanical exfoliating procedure offered by professionals. A diamond-tip wand shoots tiny crystals onto the skin and sucks them back in again along with the dead cells. Microdermabrasion is the strongest form of mechanical exfoliation.

Face Exfoliation at Home

In addition to using a daily exfoliating cleanser, exfoliate your skin a couple times a week using an exfoliating scrub or mask. The skin on your face is sensitive. Always clean and exfoliate your face gently, moving your fingers lightly in small circles. Use warm water, never hot. Exfoliate in the evenings, when your skin is looser. Finally, always thoroughly moisturize your skin after exfoliating.

Body Exfoliation

Exfoliate the skin on your body, excluding the face, while in the shower with an exfoliating body scrub and tools such as a body brush, loofah or micro fiber cloth. Remove the calluses on the feet, knees and elbows with a pumice stone. Exfoliating the body prevents flaky skin and a scaly appearance, especially in the winter. Always follow body exfoliation with moisturizer.

ReferencesChemical Peel: Chemical Peel TreatmentExfoliating Products: The Essentials of a Good Skin Care RegimeResourcesChemical Peel: The Patient's Guide to Chemical PeelsPhoto Credit BananaStock/BananaStock/Getty ImagesRead Next:

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How to Clean an Exfoliating Gauze Sponge

Always rinse out your sponge after you use it.

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Clean an exfoliating gauze sponge as often as every other day to prevent unwanted bacteria growth. Any type of sponge can harbor unwanted and harmful bacteria. Exfoliating gauze sponges are often used on the soles of the feet, which can be very dirty. Most manufacturers state that they use antibacterial materials, but any material that is constantly damp is a breeding ground for bacteria. The best way to prevent this is by regularly cleaning your exfoliating sponge.

Related Searches:Difficulty:EasyInstructions Things You'll Need2 cups white vinegarBucketMild detergent1/4 cup bleachSuggest Edits1

Place your exfoliating gauze sponge in a bucket or the bathroom sink. Pour 2 cups of white vinegar into the bucket and add approximately 4 cups of cool water to submerge the sponge. White vinegar is a natural antibacterial agent and you can use it to clean your sponge every other day.

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Wash your sponge with a drop of mild detergent and rinse out with cool water as an alternative to the white vinegar. Hang outside or in a well-ventilated room to dry completely. Damp sponges are more likely to grow unwanted mold and bacteria.

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