Beware: Loofahs can be breeding grounds for germs

Loofahs are supposed to be the Holy Grail for daily exfoliation. They scrub dirt and dead skin off your body and are used with body washes. But we often overlook the fact that all the dead skin off our bodies gets deposited in the loofah’s delicate weave.

Every time the loofah is not dried properly, the organisms trapped in it grow and multiply. "You spread the bacteria that you washed off your body the last time," Dr. Michele Green, a dermatologist from New York. "The loofah is spreading yesterday's dirt back on your body," he said to The Southern Living.

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Microbiology also found that loofahs can transmit infection causing bacteria, which is harmful for those who are sick and having weak immune systems.

“I wouldn’t recommend using a buff puff or loofah,” adviced Joel Schlessinger, another dermatologist. “Loofah sponges are intimate with many unclean areas of the body and then sit around allowing bacteria to multiply within the nooks and crannies of the sponge,” he warned.

Warm, moist environments are a breeding ground for germs. Using a loofah practically provides the bacteria for a place to multiply and easy access to your skin. If you absolutely cannot do without a loofah, make sure to thoroughly clean it before every use. After each use, take it from the damp bathroom and hang it in sunlight or a place with enough airflow for it to completely dry. If you notice a change in colour or it emanating a foul smell, replace it immediately.