Not too long ago, konjac sponges took the western natural beauty scene by storm, receiving their claim to fame from their ability to transform the quality and texture of one’s skin. However, they have been a staple in Japanese cosmetic treatments since the early 20th century—you’d be hard pressed to find a well-groomed lady or lad without one. Konjac originates from a porous root-like vegetable (Konnyaku) that grows wild in high altitudes, and the Japanese, Korean, and Chinese people have been using it as a food source for over 1500 years. The sponge is made from the vegetable fibres of this plant and is often accentuated by French clays, pure charcoals, or fine teas. The result is an extremely gentle, 100% biodegradable head-to-toe cleansing tool.

The benefits of using this squishy Asian import are plentiful:

• They’re perfect to use for both face and body, girl and boy, adult and child alike. For everyone!
• They’re more textured than a wash cloth, but milder than a face scrub, making them the perfect option for cleansing skin.
• The daily gentle exfoliation is guaranteed to give you brighter, softer skin.
• They’re the best tool for extracting dirt, grease, and black heads.
• Many have had the experience that they help cure acne.
• Good for sun-damaged skin (removes dry flakiness).
• They’re naturally alkaline, meaning they’re pH neutral, which gives you perfectly balanced skin.
• You don’t have to use a cleanser with a konjac sponge, just add water.
• But if you do want to use a cleanser, you will need a much smaller amount since konjacs create a satisfying soapy lather.
• They remove pretty much all make-up in a manner of minutes.
• Their jelliod texture is less likely to absorb bacteria than a wash cloth.
• They’re earth friendly 🙂
• They’re so reasonably priced.
• They’re cute and so fun to squeeze!

How do I use it?

If you’re a konjac virgin and you’re using yours for the very first time, soak the dry konjac sponge in warm water for at least 10 minutes, or until it is fully expanded. Before you use it, press it between your palms to remove excess water. When using soap with the sponge, apply a very small amount to the center of the sponge. If you’re using the face sponge in the shower, I recommend starting just below your clavicle and working upwards in gentle circular motions. If you’re hovering over your sink, it’s probably easier to just stick to washing your face. The body sponge works the same as the face sponge, but instead you use it everywhere—just make sure to always be gentle with the delicate plant fibre-based sponge.

How do I care for it?

Once you’re done, rinse out your sponge with warm water and, again, squeeze out the excess between your flattened palms. The key to a healthy konjac is letting it dry completely in between uses. Find it the appropriate home, such as a heated towel rack, a hook in on your bathroom door, or a little villa in the sun :P. As long as it’s not in the shower, where it would be regularly exposed to humidity, you should be in the clear. It takes a whole day to fully dry and before you use it again, you want it to be shrunken and as hard as a rock. If you use a still-moist konjac sponge, you risk the growth of bacteria and, thus, cutting your sweet konjac’s life short. Before using it the next time, let it fully rehydrate. Never use a dry sponge, it’d be way too rough on your skin. The better you care for your konjac, the longer it will live, so make sure you take good care of your lil guy. (Average life expectancy is anywhere between 2-3 months)

I love my konjac sponges, they have truly changed my face cleansing experience. My skin feels softer, brighter, and clearer. I only use mine about 3 times a week, which means it normally lasts about 6 months instead of 3. It’s such a cute addition to my bathroom and it’s so fun to squish…I mean use. The key ingredient for a long konjac life is definitely keeping it dry in between uses. There are many different varieties, all targeted at different skin types and concerns, so make sure you do a little research and find the right one for you. I personally use the green tea variety, which purifies and improves the elasticity of your skin, while my boyfriend uses the bamboo charcoal, to absorb excess oils and toxins. Go get a konjac sponge today and turn your cleansing routine into more of a ritual.

Do you have a konjac sponge? How has it changed your skin? Any other questions? Leave me a message in the comment section below.