You know all those strange bathing tools like the sponge, the loofah or luffa, bath scrunchies, washcloths, brushes—have you ever wondered where they came from or their uses? There are so many bathing tools for so many different reasons like accessibility, specific skin care needs, and to cater to different skin types. Just like the different steps in skin care like exfoliating, cleansing, and moisturizing there are different tools to help you achieve these goals.
For exfoliating, there are the tools like the scrub brushes, hand gloves with the built in scrubbing materials, also the loofah (luffa). The designed purpose of the exfoliating tools is to help remove dead skin and dirt off of your body as you bathe. The scrub brushes can be used all over the body because of the different brush types that can be chosen to benefit particular types of skin. Unlike the loofah or hand/bathing gloves, you can find scrub brushes with varying types of bristle strength from soft to something a bit more bristly.
Loofahs have a rough, sand paper like texture and consistency when bought, but over time they tend to wear. Their original texture will begin to soften when used over and over. While fresh, they do get the job done, though.
For those of you that are more “hands-on”, the bathing gloves also come in different varieties. Some have scrub-like abilities and then others are just like washcloths. They are easy to use, and you don’t have to worry about dropping them while bathing. However, they do tend to snag and tear so if you wear jewelry when you shower or have long nails, this may not be the best option. Some of the bathing gloves are like mittens and others are like ordinary five-fingered gloves.
It is important, as we always say, to know your skin. So if you have sensitive skin, try using exfoliating tools with softer surfaces, and if you have less sensitive skin or need deeper exfoliation, try those with coarser surfaces.
There are other bathing tools for cleansing and moisturizing such as sponges, bath scrunchies, and washcloths. Sponge tools can come in dual sides (exfoliating and bathing sides) and then others like sea sponges are consistent in texture all around. This tool, like the scrunchie, is a relaxing bathing tool. It lathers up your choice of soap and gently massages it into your skin. This helps your cleanser do its job whether it is lavender, which helps relaxation or oatmeal which helps your skin regain its health and eases irritated skin.
Softer tools are usually used on sensitive areas that may have sores, sunburn, irritations, eczema, and so on but they are also for the delicate skin on your face. Washcloths are ideal for facial cleansing. They are soft and fold perfectly on the hands to allow easy wiping of the face. Also, soft brushes can be used to exfoliate the dead skin off of the face.
Using hard brushes to exfoliate the face or any sensitive area is not recommended because it could cause redness and irritation. Also, be careful not to over wash or exfoliate without properly moisturizing afterwards, especially in cold weather. Exfoliating can dry out your skin and moisturizing helps your skin protect itself. Another tool to help you achieve healthy, moisturized skin is the lotion applicator which help you moisturize your skin in hard to reach places like your back. You’d be amazed at some of the bath tools out there. They were made to help you achieve a perfect bathing experience.
The EE 411: Did you know that was once alive?
There are two bath tools that we mentioned previously that were once living. Don’t freak out, but can you guess which ones?
The loofah or luffa was once a seed pod of a plant native to Asia that was dried out and sold as body scrubbers. Talk about organic!
The sea sponge was an actual living creature. It was an underwater creature with pores that allowed water to travel through it. Ehaha, who knew, right?
Share with Us: What is your favorite bathing tool?
(This post was brought to you by Earth’s Enrichments. Similar posts can be found by visiting our Blog. More information about our company and products (USDA Certified Organic Soaps, Organic Bath Salts, Organic Sugar Scrubs, Organic Body Balms and Organic Lip Balms) can be found on our Website. Thank you Earth’s Enricher!)