Loofah is a climbing vine related to gourds and cucumbers vegetables, they are widely cultivated for food and when allowed to mature and dry on the vine, loofah can be harvested as a sponge. The loofah sponge is popular because they are organic, and inexpensive, it is sold whole, or chopped into smaller and more manageable portions. Loofah sponge softens immediately when water and soap is applied to it. All species of loofah are edible, but they must be consumed before they mature, or else they will be too woody and fibrous to eat.

Benefits of Using Loofah:

• Loofah sponge is very good for removing dead skin cells leaving the skin smooth and conditioned. Experts suggest scrubbing the skin at least 3x a week to enhance circulation and to promote the excretory function of the skin.
• Loofah sponge is also very effective in removing calluses from the knees, ankle, palm of the hands and feet.
• Loofah sponge can help control body and foot odor.
• Loofah's natural exfoliating ability helps to prevent folliculitis (a condition that causes facial and body hair to begin to grow beneath the skin).

Loofah as kitchen sponge: Loofah is an excellent sponge to remove stubborn food particles in plates, pots and pans. Loofah is also gentle enough to use on delicate cookware (Teflon) which cannot withstand normal abrasives.

How to use loofah sponge:

• Use an up and down motion for legs and arms
• Use a circular motion for the back and body
• Avoid broken skin areas
• Massage young skin very gently after scrubbing it with loofah.

How to care for your loofah: Loofah sponge is a natural fiber and if not properly cared for, will attract the growth of mold and micro organisms that will cause skin problems. It is therefore important to keep loofah sponge clean and dry when not in use

Note:

• If you have dry skin, adding more avocado or almond oil offers more moisture.
• Foot scrubs using loofah are very effective.

Caution! Do not use loofah sponge on your face, as the facial skin is very sensitive.