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Experts say to avoid using loofahs in the shower. Here’s what to use instead
Although loofahs are a common bath product, they may not be the safest option to use in the shower. Here are some alternatives our experts recommend.
This washcloth is suitable for all skin types, including those with sensitive skin, according to the brand. The dual-sided cloth, made of 100% cotton, has a muslin side to gently exfoliate the skin, while the other side is made of terry flannel to help cleanse the skin, according to the brand. Plus, you can wash and reuse them time and time again, according to the brand.
These sponges are a hybrid of washcloths and exfoliating gloves. “Net sponges provide a gentle — keyword: gentle — type of physical exfoliation that has made my skin softer with consistent use,” says NBC Select SEO editor Nikki Brown. “I also find them less germy and easier to take care of than washcloths or loofahs.” To wash, she dabs a bit of laundry detergent on it, gently scrubs it in the sink with cold water and then lets it air dry. You can also sanitize them by placing them in the washing machine, according to the brand.
If you want to exfoliate rough areas of the body like your feet or elbows, consider using these gloves, They’re made of textured nylon to remove dead skin cells and dirt, according to Earth Therapeutics. After using the gloves in the shower, be sure to rinse them out, remove excess water and hang dry. You should replace them every three months, according to the brand.
Unlike a loofah, which you typically use while you’re bathing, dry brushes are an alternative to use before you step foot in the shower. This brush uses natural boar bristles to help exfoliate the skin, and it even has a cotton strap to help maintain a steady grip as you work the dry brush across your body, according to the brand.
This silicone scrubber has soft, textured ridges that gently exfoliate the skin. NBC Select updates editor Mili Godio uses the Sud Scrub to massage her favorite body wash into her skin when she showers. “It’s super gentle and I never feel like my skin is raw or irritated after using it, which happens a lot with other body scrubbers,” says Godio. “I also love the hand strap, so it doesn’t slip out of my hand when I’m using it.” The scrubber is antimicrobial, doesn’t hold odor and has a hanging strap for easy storage.
Dermatologists recommend this option because of its soft bristles, detachable handle and hand strap, which makes it easy to focus on specific areas of the body and target hard-to-reach spots, according to experts in our guide to dry brushing. To prevent bacteria from accumulating and growing on the brush, store it in a dry place (not in the bath or shower) and use the brush without any product on it, according to the brand.
Deciding which product to use in the shower is based on your personal preference. However, there are some factors that our experts recommend considering, like your skin type and how easy each product is to clean.
Most dermatologists recommend simply using your hands to lather your body wash and exfoliate because it’s hygienic and isn’t as likely to cause injury to the skin, according to Westbay.
“Using clean hands to wash your body is the most affordable, accessible and gentle option to wash the body,” says Garshick. “To get the benefits of exfoliation, it is possible to use an exfoliating cleanser.”
If you want to up your exfoliating game, consider using a body wash with chemical exfoliants like gentle alpha hydroxy acids, or a physical exfoliant like a scrub and apply it gently with your hands, says Westbay.
Silicone scrubs are gentle enough for sensitive skin and are ideal for cleansing without being harsh or abrasive, according to Garshick. This type of bath product is durable and doesn’t trap bacteria or mold, making it more hygienic and easier to clean. Since it doesn’t harbor bacteria, it’s especially good for those with dry or sensitive skin, says Garshick.
If you have sensitive skin, consider using a washcloth since it cleans the skin without being too harsh or abrasive, according to Garshick. “A washcloth can help apply the body wash to the skin,” says Garshick. However, it’s best to avoid combining an exfoliating wash or scrub with a washcloth because it may be too rough for the skin, she says.
Like loofahs, washcloths can still harbor bacteria, though they tend to be easier to clean, says Garshick. You should clean your washcloths regularly (two to three times a week or after each use if visibly dirty) and should be thrown out after some time. If you maintain and clean your washcloth frequently, they can last up to two years.
Exfoliating gloves may be more exfoliating compared to loofahs, especially on thickened, rough areas of skin like knees, elbows and feet, says Westbay. However, because they are rougher on the skin, exfoliating gloves can cause microtears, according to our experts.
In terms of how it compares hygienically, exfoliating gloves are reusable, easier to clean and accumulate less bacteria compared to loofahs, according to Westbay.
If you have oily skin, consider using a dry brush on your body since it can help remove any buildup of dead skin and unclog pores, according to our experts. However, keep in mind that a dry brush can be more abrasive on the skin when compared to loofahs, says Garshick.
“I would consider them, overall, to be a higher risk of microinjury to the skin but a lower risk of microbial contamination,” says Westbay. “A dry brush accumulates bacteria less easily than a loofah, but that is not to say that using one hygienically and following proper cleaning is not necessary.”
If you do decide to continue using your loofah, here are a few things to remember, according to Garshick.
At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
Bianca Alvarez is a former associate reporter at NBC Select, where she covered beauty, including how to build a skin care routine, exfoliating 101 and blackhead treatments. For this piece, she interviewed dermatologists and researched many loofah alternatives on the market. She also recommended products the dermatologists shared with her and that align with their shopping guidance.
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