Why You Should Be Using A Konjac Sponge
Nowadays there are so many tools and devices we can use to cleanse our face. Brushes that rotate and oscillate, and silicone that vibrates. All of which claim to be the next best thing in skincare and will change your life!
Well, we decided that we’re going to go back to basics with the konjac sponge. It doesn’t rotate, oscillate, or vibrate. But what it will do is leave your skin feeling refreshed and clean! Here’s why you should ditch the devices and go with the konjac sponge instead:
What is a Konjac Sponge?
A konjac sponge is a gentle cleansing exfoliator made from the konjac root. This is a porous root vegetable that grows in Asia. The root has been used for over 2,000 years, and konjac sponges have been used for about 100 years.
A konjac sponge is made when powder from the konjac root is mixed with calcium hydroxide. It is heated, frozen and then dried. The calcium creates the alkaline sponge which will help to balance an overly acidic skin pH. Companies will oftentimes mix powdered charcoal (such as our charcoal infused konjac sponges) or green or red clay which will have added cleansing benefits and is marketed towards different skin types. As an added benefit the konjac sponge also contains some antioxidants and vitamins that will help replenish the skin and reduce the signs of premature aging.
The texture of a konjac sponge is much finer than a muslin cloth or traditional washcloth and is softer than a traditional loofah or dry brush. They are 100% biodegradable, cruelty-free, and vegan!
Why You Should Use a Konjac Sponge
Konjac sponges provide all the awesome benefits of exfoliation without any of the harsh, irritating side effects. So whether you have sensitive skin, rosacea, or just dry skin that is flaking- a konjac sponge will be able to help! Similar to body brushing, a konjac sponge will increase circulation and cleanse pores as it is gently exfoliating. These sponges also contain natural fibers which will help to unclog pores resulting in a smooth and clearer complexion.
As we briefly mentioned earlier- a konjac contains nourishing vitamins A, B, C, D and E, proteins, lipids, fatty acids, copper, zinc, iron, and magnesium. While these aren’t a replacement for your serum and creams, they do provide a great boost of ingredients that will help your skin look its best! And best of all, research shows that these sponges can help to kill bacteria and accelerate wound healing!
How to Use a Konjac Sponge
When you first purchase a konjac sponge (like our Charcoal infused konjac sponges) you will notice that it is small and hard. Don’t worry! You will have to soak it in warm water for about <5 minutes before you use it at first in order to soften in. After you have used it the first time it will remain that size and softness for the rest of its shelf life.
Be sure to rinse with warm water before each use. A konjac sponge can be used with or without cleanser. If you are using it with cleanser, apply a small amount directly to your sponge. Then, massage face in a circular motion to exfoliate dead skin cells. Rinse thoroughly and squeeze out excess water. Be gentle with your sponge! Don’t wring it out or twist it the way you would a normal sponge. Simply squeeze it to remove the excess water. After it has been rinsed, hang it to air-dry overnight!
Some people like to store their sponges in a sealed container in the refrigerator, but leaving it in your bathroom is just fine as long as you don’t keep it in or near your hot steaming shower. To keep your sponge in top-performing shape, disinfect it in very hot water for about 5 minutes every two weeks. You should also replace your sponge every 4 to 6 weeks.
The Charcoal infused konjac sponge from Dr. Wang contains charcoal (obviously) which helps to give your skin a deep clean without causing any distress or damage. Charcoal helps to draw out impurities from the skin so this is especially beneficial to those with oily skin, although all skin types will enjoy the gentle exfoliation benefits!
At Dr. Wang Herbal Skincare, we use our extensive experience to offer affordable, high-end skincare products for spa and at-home use. For over 20 years, the father-son team of Steven Wang, MD and Gui Wang, LAc has been working together to develop holistic solutions to common skin health issues. We believe in fusing ancient Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) with modern Western medicine to offer the best of both worlds.