Life

5 Ultra Exfoliating Loofahs That Are Worth Every Pretty Penny

by Marisa Donnelly
New Africa/Fotolia/Bustle

To make bathing feel extra luxe and effective at sloughing off dead skin cells, you need the best loofahs in your shower caddy. Why, you ask? They deep clean and provide major exfoliation to reveal brighter skin.

Dr. Jessica Weiser, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, confirmed to InStyle that they're really great — when taken care of properly. You should 100 percent replace your loofah frequently (as soon as they start to stink or look discolored) and make sure it fully dries in between uses to reduce bacteria buildup. And if you want to take it to the next level, Dr. Weiser actually recommended heating them up every so often. She told the magazine, "Intermittently, it's helpful to microwave or heat a damp loofah to increase the temperature and destroy bacteria or fungi that may be living in the holes and creases."

Care and safety aside, when searching for the best loofahs for exfoliating your skin, it's also important to consider the features you value. Do you want a natural or synthetic loofah? How big? Is a handle a dealbreaker? Believe it or not, they are not all the same, and, here, I've compiled five of the best loofahs you can get on Amazon. These are all different shapes and sizes, so don't be afraid to pick up more than one.

1

The Overall Best Loofah That Comes In A Pack Of Three

Natural Spa's Beauty Egyptian Organic Loofahs are my overall top pick considering durability, price, and quality. Made with natural, chemical-free Egyptian cotton, these loofah sponges exfoliate the skin just enough — without causing any irritation. They're 6 inches long and compact enough to reach every inch of your body. Word to the wise: These will arrive dried and compressed, so you'll need to soak them in hot water for 15 minutes to plump them up before use.

2

A Two-Pack Of Mesh Loofahs That Comes With A Handle

Rated higher by users than the organic option, above, but made with antibacterial mesh, this Vive Long Handled Exfoliating Loofah earns its spot as a runner up. Unlike other loofah sticks with loose heads, this one's super sturdy and attached to a long, no-slip handle that'll reach your entire body. Plus, its sponge head is soft and safe for sensitive skin. The best part? You get a handheld loofah with this set, too.

3

A Value Pack Of Loofah Pads

This eight-pack of loofah sponge pads offers the most bang for your buck. They're hypoallergenic and sustainably sourced — all for just $17. In case you're unfamiliar, these pads exfoliate just like a regular loofah would, but their soft terry cloth is much gentler. They're 4 by 6 inches and beyond easy to reuse and replace as needed. Even better, they come with two free suction hooks for easy shower storage.

4

Four Pairs Of Wearable Loofah Gloves

These Scheam Exfoliating Body Spa Bath Gloves are a great alternative to traditional loofahs for those who prefer to wash up with their hands. They're lightweight, stretchy, and fit snugly when wet (a pro or a con depending on your hand size). Unlike other products on this list, these are made from synthetic nylon, but they don't skimp when it comes to exfoliation. Get them in a variety of colors including beige, blue, hot pink, and purple.

5

A Long Loofah That's Made For Scrubbing Your Back & Shoulders

For a handheld option that'll expertly scrub hard-to-reach areas like your back and shoulders, opt for something like this Exfoliating Back Scrubber from Aquis. Featuring side handles and a flexible construction, this moisture-wicking loofah provides a deep clean. It's also machine washable, so you don't even have to worry about popping it in the microwave to extend its life.

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