The vogue for “natural” is invading our world in all fields, including the cosmetological or aesthetic field and the loofah arrives in our bathrooms and not only.

It could be a puzzle. What is, at the same time, a plant, a fruit that looks like a vegetable, a kitchen and household utensil, and that you find in your bathroom? Are you stalling?

The loofah (loofah or loufah or even loofa) is a plant of the Cucurbitaceae family, which spontaneously evokes the cucumber. They are climbing plants, tropical or semi-tropical, with yellow flowers producing fruits that resemble squash or cucumbers. These fruits, when dried, have a sponge consistency. Hence their use for dishes, cleaning or for the face. No panic. The loofah is native to Asia, especially India. But it is cultivated around the Mediterranean basin (Egypt, Tunisia).

There are 7 species, at the origin of an infinite number of uses:

• domestic workers;
• hammams ;
• therapeutic (Ayurvedic medicine, traditional medicine of Indian origin based on knowledge of body and mind and prevention).

You can also plant it in your garden in the spring (in pots and then in the ground) and harvest it in the fall in a horticultural cosmetic project, probably with patience.

Once the fruit has dried and removed its seeds, it does not look like a sponge made up of totally natural fibers with exceptional exfoliating properties. If we put aside its cleaning virtues for the household and the dishes, to focus on its cosmetic use, here is what it is capable of:

• Fspoils the circulation of blood;
• Exfoliates the skin by removing impurities and dead skin;
• Softens the skin (promotes the penetration of moisturizers);
• Strengthens the elasticity of the skin;
• Prepares the skin for hair removal.

Exfoliation or exfoliation (from the Latin exfoliare = to remove leaves) consists of removing dead cells (scales) from the epidermis (the surface layer of the skin which naturally “loses” a million cells every day).

The “peel” is completely different. The “peeling” of the face is an aesthetic intervention, carried out by a professional (dermatologist, cosmetic surgeon) consisting in removing the superficial layers of the skin, most often by using an acid. It is intended to remove small wrinkles, acne, scars, rosacea, etc.

How to use it ?

• Wet the sponge with hot water to soften it;
• Coat it with soap or shower gel;
• Gently rub the skin in a circular motion for a few seconds starting with the face;
• Use it for other rough surfaces such as elbows for example.

When?

• Either once or twice a week (sensitive skin);
• Or every day: it then replaces the washcloth (rough skin).

And after?

• Rinse the sponge thoroughly with clean water;
• Put it in the dishwasher or washing machine (60 °) if necessary, checking this possibility on the label;
• Hang it up for better ventilation and better drying;
• Dry it if necessary by passing it for 30 seconds in the microwave;
• Use a moisturizer on the skin (better penetration after exfoliation).

You have to choose the so-called Egyptian loofah (Luffa aegyptiaca), pale in color, tending towards beige, for the toilet. It is tough and fibrous, which makes it soft. The Asian, dark gray loofah (Loofah actuangula) has very abrasive fibers and can cause irritation if used on the skin. Before purchasing (3 to 10 €), check that it is indeed an Egyptian sponge (the Asian can be bleached to pass it fraudulently for an Egyptian).

Used for the face, it gives the impression of having a skin which breathes, which has become softer, luminous and elastic.

Used in small massages from the feet up towards the belly, it promotes blood circulation and lymphatic drainage. It would thus fight cellulite, swelling of the feet, heaviness of the legs, varicose veins.

It can be used before waxing or shaving, or to improve the penetration of moisturizing creams or oils, or to help prolong the tan.

But beware: its use on black or dark skin is not recommended (risk of discoloration)

Loofah’s competitors are:

• the horsehair glove (harsher), to be used once a week or even three times a month;
• brushes (for oily skin), which invade bathrooms, American among others;
• white or black konjac (used for the face for a century in Japan). Often offered by beauty institutes.

Finally, for the record, the loofah is like the toothbrush an object of personal hygiene.