Do you want to have a smooth, squeaky skin like that of models? Then consider using a loofah for the body exfoliation in the shower. A loofah is the dried fibrous part of the fruit of a plant of the genus Luffa that is commonly used as a washing sponge or strainer.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luffa When used in shower, it exfoliates the skin like nothing else does. It has also been used throughout history in many Eastern cultures for body massaging. It exfoliates and scrubs off dead cells and increases blood circulation. The exfoliation and massaging by a loofah not only helps to improve the appearance of your skin, but also makes it healthier, softer and cleaner. It also helps in removing ingrown hair when chafed on freshly waxed or shaved skin. The loofah has been used all over the world for the effective body exfoliation.

This how-to guide shows you all the steps that one needs to effectively use a loofah for exfoliation. The process is quite simple and effective if done properly. The best time to use it is in shower and it takes around 15-20 minutes at most. The things needed for the process include a loofah and some body cleanser i.e. any body wash, shower gel or soap. Read on to learn the whole step-by-step process for how to use a loofah.

Visit your local mall and choose the loofah carefully according to your need in terms of its size and texture. You can consider buying more than one loofah for different parts of your body. Ask for assistance if you’re having difficulty buying the right loofah. Newly picked loofahs are commonly rough and hard but they become better with use. So if your loofah is coarse and raw then you need to soften it up since the raw loofah can scratch and abrase the skin badly. However, the raw loofah can be used on tougher and very rough skin of legs, elbows and heels. To soften the loofah for the first time, use any of the following hints:

1. Soak the loofah in a pan of boiling hot water and keep it immersed in it for an hour or two before use. You can also immerse it in water overnight before your shower.
2. If it is rock hard, consider soaking it in fabric softener solution. Remember to follow the instructions mentioned on the pack since over-soaking can lead to loosening of the fibers.

Your loofah will become softer and better with use and time. So, in the next shower you’ll find it much gentler on the skin.

Start by getting into the shower and wetting your entire body to ease the exfoliation process. Wet the loofah with warm water, enough to help the cleanser lather well. Now squirt or apply the required amount of your cleanser (shower gel or soap) on it. Starting at the chest, scrub loofah in gentle, circular motions for a minute. Now come down towards your abdomen area and scrub here again in the same motions for a minute or so. Continue the process towards your back and neck for 1-2 minutes. Now scrub your arms focusing more on the elbows for 1-2 minutes on each arm. Now scrub both your legs for 2-5 minutes each focusing more on the knees. Last but not least, scrub your feet and hands each pair for 2 minutes. Spend more time in scrubbing the rough and tough areas such as heels, elbows and knees. Scrub the sensitive areas gently but firmly. Rinse off all the suds properly with warm water. Follow by cold water splash to tighten the pores opened during the exfoliation process. Lastly apply a moisturizer according to your need. If your skin feels a bit red or itchy by the process, apply a soothing moisturizer containing aloe vera, cucumber or chamomile.

Wash the loofah by rinsing it with clean, warm water to take out the cleanser residue properly. Make sure you rinse your loofah well after each use. Remove excess water by squeezing and wringing it nicely. Make sure you don’t wring it forcibly as it will break the fibers. Now hang or lay your loofah to dry in the sun or a dry, airy room. Leave it to dry completely and then place it in your shower bag for the next use. Periodically wash your loofah as bacteria accumulates in it. For the weekly washing, follow any of the following methods:

1. If your loofah smells of your cleanser, soak it in a solution of hot water and your regular dish washing detergent for 2 hours. Rinse with warm water and dry in sun.
2. For a mild regular cleansing, soak it in hot water and white vinegar solution for an hour or so. Rinse with cold water and dry in sun.
3. For killing the germs, soak it in a solution of some antiseptic solution and water for an hour. Rinse with warm water and dry in sun.
4. For a quick wash, consider washing it with your antibacterial hand wash.