Dermatologist reveals how often you should replace your sponge after warning issued to anyone who uses it – life

Today, Tyla reiterated a stern warning given by dermatologists to bathers who are guilty of using a loofah in the shower.

Since then, hundreds of concerned warriors have apparently been frantically Googling how often you should replace these exfoliating devices.

And it turns out you should probably do it a lot more than you probably do…

Skin doctors have issued a warning about loofah use (photo by dorisj/Getty)

What the hell is a “loofah”?

First of all, let’s address the elephant in the room. If the term “loofah” makes you feel confused, it’s probably because your family has a different word for this bathroom staple.

While other Internet users seem to call it a “shower puff,” these small, soft, circular devices are basically sponge types made from a mesh-like network of plastic knots held together by a rope loop that allows you to hang it on the hooks of the shower.

Loofahs are used as a means of both cleansing and exfoliating the body, removing dead skin and brushing a layer of shower gel through every crease and crevice.

Not only are they a super-cheap alternative to using your hands to wash your body, but they’re reusable, meaning they often stay hanging in homeowners’ bathrooms for long periods of time.

These sponges can be hotbeds of bacteria (simonkr/Getty)

What are the health risks of using one?

However, as we say, despite the budget and accessibility of the product, some dermatologists have recently been using their platform as a means to warn bathers about the pitfalls of loofah use.

Dr. Joel Schlessinger, a board-certified dermatologist, told the Institute of Dermatology that he would never use one on the skin while showering because of the masses of bacteria that loofahs could contain.

“Loofah sponges are intimate with many dirty areas of the body and then sit allowing bacteria to multiply in the corners of the sponge,” he explained, adding that these warm, moist places can serve as the space perfect for organisms to colonize. .

That’s why he and other skin care experts insist that if readers are determined to keep their beloved loofahs, at least limit the time they use them during…

OK, fine. how often should will we replace our loofahs?

These sponges need to be replaced more regularly than you might think (Jena Ardell/Getty)

Speaking to In The Know, another dermatologist, Dr Dusan Sajic, revealed that loofah customers should ‘try’ to replace their sponges ‘about every three to four weeks’.

First, he noted, after that point, your product could begin to naturally break down and become less affective, “so you may need to replace more often.”

He then emphasized the bacterial importance of replacing the sponge.

“Loofahs can be a magnet for bacteria and other microbes, especially since they are usually kept in the warm, moist environment of a bathroom,” the doctor continued.

“Replacing your sponge regularly reduces the chance of these bacteria causing infections or other skin problems.”

She added that it is vital for users to allow to air dry completely between each use to keep them germ free.

“Keeping it out of the shower, where it can dry more completely, is a good idea,” she continued. “While most would find this self-explanatory, never share your loofah with others as it can spread skin conditions or infections.”

Well, that’s what we’ve been told…