Konjac products have been extremely popular in recent years, but the konjac plant has actually been used for hundreds of years in China, Japan, and Southeast Asia, both as a food source and as traditional medicine. Some users believe that sponges made from the plant are nothing short of a skincare game-changer.
Konjac sponges are a beauty tool beloved for their ability to cleanse and exfoliate in a very gentle yet effective way. In fact, this exfoliating sponge is non-irritating and therefore suitable for any skin type, which is not surprising since some sources say it was actually first used in Japan to bathe babies.
What is Konjac Sponge?
Konjac sponge is a type of sponge made from plant fibers. More specifically, it is made from the root of the Konjac plant, which originated in Asia. When placed in water, konjac sponges expand and become soft. It is known for being extremely soft. It’s also biodegradable, which is great because konjac sponges don’t last forever (a maximum of 6 weeks to 3 months is recommended).
What does it do? How does it work?
The Konjac sponge is both a product and an applicator. Once saturated with water, you can use it alone or with your favorite facial cleanser. After soaking, the konjac sponge will be softer, larger, and ready to use. This naturally exfoliating sponge can be used just by adding water. Another option is to wash your face with a sponge, then massage your face with a sponge to cleanse the skin and remove makeup.
How to use a konjac sponge?
The use of a konjac sponge is not difficult. Follow these simple steps:
If you are using a konjac sponge for the first time, soak it in warm water until fully expanded. If it’s not the first time, soak it in running warm water. Gently wring out excess water. (Do not twist or squeeze too much, as this may damage the sponge.) Use a Konjac sponge to cleanse by massaging the skin in circular motions. After using the konjac sponge, rinse thoroughly. Dry the konjac sponge in a well-ventilated area.
If you don’t have a dry place to store the sponge, another option is to keep it in the refrigerator. After using and rinsing off the sponge, place in an airtight container and place in the refrigerator.
What are the benefits of a konjac sponge?
Konjac sponge can be used on all types of skin. Potential skin benefits of using konjac sponges include gentle and effective cleansing, thorough makeup removal, reduction of dry and flaky areas, and soft and smooth skin.
Research has also shown that konjac can inhibit acne-causing bacteria in vitro. In addition to your face, you can also use the konjac sponge all over your body. For example, it can also be used to remove shedding in the elbow area and the top of the arms.
How long do konjac sponges last?
With proper maintenance, konjac sponges can last about four to six weeks or more. (Some manufacturers say they can last two to three months.) Using them for too long is not recommended, as bacteria can grow inside.
Because it’s made from natural plant fibers, this sponge has a shorter lifespan than synthetic facial tools. Unopened and unused Konjac sponges have a shelf life of about three years. As with any sponge, you need to keep it clean to avoid bacterial buildup and prevent mold.
How do you sterilize a Konjac sponge?
Soak a konjac sponge in very hot water for about three minutes a week. Do not use boiling water as this can damage or deform the sponge. Carefully remove it from the hot water. After cooling, you can gently drain excess water from the sponge and dry it in a well-ventilated area.
Konjac sponges come in many colors. For example, those that have black or dark gray are usually charcoal konjac sponges.
Other colors of konjac sponges may include green or red. These changes may be due to the addition of other beneficial ingredients such as charcoal or clay. Other common beneficial ingredients you may see in konjac sponges include green tea, chamomile, or lavender.
How do you decide which sponge is right for you?
You can always choose your favorite color. However, if you want a sponge that better suits your needs and skincare goals, then this list can help:
Dark gray or almost black sponges often contain charcoal, an important ingredient for detoxification and skin breakouts.
White sponges can’t have any added ingredients, and can also be infused with calming ingredients like chamomile. White sponges are suitable for all skin types and are definitely ideal for sensitive skin.
Green sponges with added green clay and/or green tea are a good choice for oily or combination skin types.
A pink or reddish sponge with pink kaolin is generally recommended on normal, dry, and/or mature skin.
It’s important to read ingredient labels carefully and even check with the sponge manufacturer to see if the coloring is natural or artificial.