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So, is it better to wash with a loofah or a washcloth? Here's the expert-approved answer
Both loofah lovers and washcloth fans are going to want to pay attention.
When it comes to showering, everyone has their own rituals. Some people like to throw in a shower steamer for a spa-like experience. Others can't get in the shower without listening to music. No matter your shower habits, everybody (hopefully) uses some kind of soap or body wash. But before you start sudsing up, what should you reach for — a loofah or a washcloth?
Vanicream Gentle Body Wash
CeraVe Eczema Soothing Body Wash
Utopia Towels Cotton Washcloths, Set of 12
Cozy Earth Waffle Washcloths, Set of 4
AmazerBath Loofah Sponge, Set of 4
Personally, I'm on Team Loofah. Not only does the pouf fabric make it visually more fun than a washcloth, it's a great physical exfoliator. Compared to a washcloth, a loofah gets super sudsy. This way I know that I'm squeaky clean. Although the main reason is that I've used a loofah my entire life and don't do well with change.
While I'm passionate about my loofah use, I know others are string supporters of washcloths. So I consulted the experts to find out which method comes out on top. Well, unfortunately for both teams, neither option is good. The best way to actually wash your body in the shower is to use your hands.
Because your hands aren't abrasive like a loofah or washcloth, they eliminate the risk of irritation or itchy rashes from eczema or contact dermatitis in sensitive skin. Even if you don't have sensitive skin, that doesn't mean your immune to any kind of reaction. "A person can still get an irritant or contact dermatitis if they use them too vigorously, resulting in further irritation and inflammation," warns board-certified dermatologist and Director of Dermatology at Staten Island University Hospital Stefan Bradu, MD.
Basically, using your hands and a gentle body soap is the best way to keep your skin irritation-free.
The popular Vanicream body wash is free of common irritants like sulfates, dyes and parabens. It's also full of moisturizing ingredients like glycerin.
This fragrance-free formula is super gentle and seriously non-drying. It features ceramides to help strengthen and protect your skin barrier while hyaluronic acid boosts your skin's moisture levels.
Another reason why derms recommend avoiding loofahs and washcloths? They're kind of gross. "Both can become breeding grounds for bacteria, fungi and other germs, especially when left in a damp environment like a shower," explains Miami-based board-certified dermatologist Anna Chacon, MD.
Not only are your hands the gentler option, they're also significantly more sanitary. "Hands can be thoroughly washed and sanitized before and after use, reducing the risk of spreading bacteria and causing skin infections," says Dr. Chacon.
But is a loofah or a washcloth better to use?
Even though neither loofahs or washcloths are the best option when it comes to showering, I still had to know which was generally better to use. I'm sorry to all the loofah lovers out there — a washcloth is the better option of the two.
"Loofahs, typically made from dried gourds, provide a vigorous exfoliation, which can be beneficial for those with oily or acne-prone skin," notes Dr. Chacon. Still, they're the much harsher option when it comes to exfoliation.
It's not just about exfoliating, though. Loofahs are notoriously difficult to clean because of all the nooks and crannies. One study found that loofahs are a little too good at harboring bacteria. Look, this all makes sense. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says that any surface exposed to water and moisture can build up mildew, mold, bacteria and other pathogens. In fact, the same study also states that our precious loofahs "serve as a reservoir and a vehicle for the transmission of potentially pathogenic species to the human skin."
I know all of this is a lot, but you don't actually have to swear off your beloved shower buddy forever. Loofahs — and washcloths — are both still totally viable shower options. "If people love to use a particular washcloth or loofah and they are happy with them, they should certainly continue to use them," says Dr. Bradu.
To keep using your loofahs or washcloths, all you need to do us to make sure they're in tip-top shape. To avoid harboring bacteria, Dr. Chacon advises that loofahs should be replaced every three to four weeks. Meanwhile, washcloths should be washed after every use and replaced when they become visibly worn.
Basically, as long as your replacing your loofahs frequently and washing your washcloths after every single use, you're good to go.
Amazon shoppers can't stop raving about this set of 12 washcloths.
Yes, these washcloths are on the pricier side. However, they were named one of Oprah's Favorite Things — which means they've got to be good.
As for me? I'm still staying on Team Loofah — I'm just going to be buying them in bulk now.
You can grab top-selling set of loofahs in eight different color combinations.
