Is your loofah harming your skin? Here's what you need to know
Image: Freepik
For many people, the loofah has become a go-to shower accessory.
Because of their rough texture and ability to lather soap make them a popular choice for exfoliating and cleansing the skin.
However, despite how popular they are, loofahs are in fact doing more harm than good.
Many dermatologists now advise against using loofahs for daily hygiene due to health and skin concerns.
"Loofahs are interesting. 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," says dermatologist Dr. Melissa Piliang.
Here's a breakdown of why using a loofah might be a bad idea.
Using a loofah could be bad for your skin.
Image: Freepik
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They harbour bacteria and mould
After a single use, a loofah can trap dead skin cells, body oils, dirt, and soap residue in its sponge-like structure.
When it sits in a warm, humid shower environment without drying completely, it becomes a perfect breeding ground for bacteria, mould, and mildew.
Over time, harmful microbes such as Staphylococcus, Pseudomonas, and even E. coli can grow in the loofah.
When you continue to use it, especially on freshly shaved or irritated skin, you risk spreading these bacteria back onto your body, which can lead to infections, rashes, or clogged pores.
They can damage your skin
Loofahs are designed to exfoliate, but their abrasive texture can be too harsh, especially for people with sensitive or dry skin.
Over-scrubbing can lead to tiny tears in the skin's surface, known as microtears.
These microtears weaken your skin's natural barrier and make it more vulnerable to irritation, redness, and even infection.
If you have skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, or acne, using a loofah may make symptoms worse.
They're hard to keep clean
It's surprisingly difficult to properly clean and maintain a loofah.
Rinsing it with water isn't enough to eliminate bacteria.
While you can disinfect loofahs with bleach or boil them, very few people take these extra steps.
On top of that, loofahs should be replaced every few weeks, but most people keep them far longer.
Without strict hygiene habits, a loofah can quickly become more of a health hazard than a helpful tool.
So next time you're tempted to pop a loofah in your shopping trolley and hang it up in your shower, you might want to consider an old-fashioned washcloth instead.
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