Dermatologists reveal how often should you replace your loofah—the answer might gross you out
Body hygiene is a blend of the products we use and the internal health we maintain. Loofahs are a common product found in many homes. However, they are not long-term products and need to be replaced regularly. Dr. Dusan Sajic, board-certified medical and cosmetic dermatologist and founder of Sajic Clinic, shared an insightful explanation about loofah maintenance and why it’s more important for the body than you might have thought, per Yahoo Life. He pointed out unbelievable facts due to which the frequency of replacing loofahs is a crucial health requirement.
“Loofahs can be a magnet for bacteria and other microbes, especially since they’re typically kept in the warm, moist environment of a bathroom,” Dr. Sajic explained. He added that the very common reason to replace loofahs might be due to wearing out or deterioration. However, consistent replacement also ensures that we’re keeping our bodies away from exposure to collected bacteria. Prolonged use of the same cleaning equipment can cause skin infections and other problems. The dermatologist explained that one can avoid this to a certain extent by taking measures after using the loofah.
“It’s important to let your loofah dry out thoroughly between uses to minimize bacterial growth. Keeping it outside of the shower, where it can dry more completely, is a good idea,” Dr. Sajic noted. He also highlighted the need to avoid sharing loofahs to not spread skin conditions and bacteria. While aftercare is a much-needed practice, there is no alternative to regularly replacing the loofah. The dermatologist noted that the timeframe of replacement “can depend on the type of loofah you’re using. Natural loofahs tend to break down and become less effective more quickly than synthetic ones, so they might need to be replaced more frequently.”
Sharing a general frequency, the expert said, “Aim to replace your shower loofah about every three to four weeks.” Apart from Dr Sajic, loofahs are not the favorite cleansing item for many dermatologists — and for good reason. Joel Schlessinger, MD, a board-certified dermatologist, explained that people in his profession avoid using a loofah, especially on their face. “I wouldn’t recommend using a buff puff or loofah. Loofah sponges are intimate with many unclean areas of the body and then sit around, allowing bacteria to multiply within the nooks and crannies of the sponge,” he remarked, according to the Dermatology Institute.
@drtaniaelliott I'm an allergist and I never use a loofah. 🧽Loofahs never completely dry out. And the little holes are breeding ground for bacteria and fungus. 🛀You're more prone to get an infection, especially for my allergy patients who have sensitive skin and eczema. 📌The last thing you want is a staph infection from your sponge. 👉🏼Send this to a friend who has loofahs in their shower. #doctor #LearnOnTikTok #Doctor #themoreyouknow #loofah #bathsponge #mold #bacteria #didyouknow ♬ original sound - drtaniaelliott
The list of dermatologists who believe this to be true goes on. Dr. Tania Elliott (@drtaniaelliott) shared in a video on TikTok, "I'm an allergist and I never use a loofah," she remarked. Loofahs never completely dry out. And these little holes are a breeding ground for bacteria and fungus. The last thing you want is a staph infection from your sponge," she added. Another dermatologist and hair expert, Adel (@dermatologist_adel), shared, “You will never catch me washing with a loofah.” Calling it one of the “grossest things out there,” she noted, “They are just sitting there in your shower collecting bacteria, fungus, mold, and then you are literally spreading that around your body." She recommended using hands or a silicone mitt for better and more hygienic cleansing.
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You can follow Dr. Aamna Adel (@dermatologist_adel) on Instagram and Dr. Tania Elliott (@drtaniaelliott) on TikTok for more content on dermatology and health