How to Exfoliate With a Loofah

loofah sponge

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The term exfoliation refers to a treatment for your skin where the outer layer of dead skin cells is removed. Typically, exfoliation will be carried out either chemically or mechanically. Chemical applications use different types of acids to break down the tissue, while mechanical exfoliation uses a gritty surface to dislodge cells. A loofah -- which is derived from the luffa plant -- is a type of natural sponge that is often used in mechanical exfoliation. Exfoliating with a loofah is easy; it takes just a few minutes in the shower and can help make your skin smooth and silky soft.

Brush your skin with a dry loofah to remove any dry, flaky skin. Start at your feet and work your way up, suggests NaturalHealthFoods.com.

Step into the bath tub or shower and wet your body. Apply some exfoliating cleanser to a wet loofah. You can purchase cleanser wherever skin care products are sold.

Scrub your body with the loofah. Use small, circular motions and be gentle. It doesn't take a lot of pressure to loosen and remove the top layer of dead skin cells.

Rinse your skin with warm water. Exfoliation can cause the skin to dry out, so apply moisturizing cream after your shower.