The Luxury of Loofah

For something that originally grew as a vegetable, loofah is quite the luxury for a bath. Made from the insides of a specifically-grown gourd that is then processed and dried, a full-size loofah looks very organic rather than manufactured. Typically a golden or tan color, you'll find several versions of loofah sponge. Experiment with three or four of them until you find one that makes your skin feel invigorated.

From the Canada Soap & Candle company, the large Earth Tone Loofah Bath Sponge feels like nature has come indoors. I keep it on the side of the bathtub as I soak, where it remains dry. After relaxing and letting the water lap around my body, I dip the loofah in the water for a couple minutes. That gives it just the right texture and suppleness to work away dead skin cells on my heels, elbows and legs.

Another version of this awesome vegetable-based bath accessory comes from Earth Therapeutics. Their 12-pak of Earth Elementals Loofah, Body Scrubber lasts me for a couple months. It gently loosens and pulls away the dead layer of skin cells, leaving behind a glow. The Inner Princess is definitely happy both during and after the bath ritual.

For the delicate skin on my face, the sliced loofah pads by EcoTools is ideal for exfoliation without damage to the tender portions of facial skin. The packaging for EcoTools Loofah Facial Sponges is even earth-friendly and ecologically sound.