Washing your face seems like one of the most basic parts of hygiene. It’s up there with brushing your teeth or swiping on deodorant: It’s something you’re taught once and likely give little attention to fine-tuning throughout your life. But you might not be washing your face as effectively as you could be—especially if you’re only using your hands (or worse, just a makeup wipe). Sure, the point of washing your face is to get any makeup, dirt, or grime off your face, but it’s also an effective way to physically exfoliate. While chemical exfoliants like glycolic or lactic acid use acid or enzymes to dissolve dead skin cells, physical exfoliants like a washcloth ortextured Konjac spongeactually scrub away dead skin cells, revealing brighter, clearer, smoother skin. So which is best to wash and physically exfoliate your face: a Konjac sponge, or a washcloth? Let’s find out.
Konjac Sponge vs. Washcloth
I spent nearly three decades washing my face with a washcloth before I found out there was any other way. I always liked that they allow me to really get the dirt and grime off my face. Plus, washcloths don’t drink up a ton of product when you’re using them: It’s easy to use just a few drops of cleanser and feel like it’s lathering up. I can also use a washcloth for tons of purposes other than washing my face, but it’s pretty hard to reuse them without laundering them first. Most are made from terry cloth or cotton, which is fairly non-irritating, though it’s possible to overdo it if you scrub too hard.
In other words, the washcloth gets the job done—but it’s probably not the best product to accelerate cell turnover and keep your complexion looking youthful and radiant. After all, it’s just made for all-purpose washing.
Akonjac sponge, on the other hand, looks a bit like a pumice stone thanks to its texture and shape, but it’s actually made of a natural fiber that comes from a plant that grows in Korea, China, and Japan. Because it’s softer than a loofah and finer than a washcloth, a konjac sponge is the perfect texture for sloughing off dead skin cells without compromising your skin barrier—something that can happen often if you have sensitive skin or tend to actually scrub your face.
In addition to exfoliating, konjac sponges remove makeup, sunscreen, and thicker creams more easily than your hands alone, making it the ideal face-washing companion. While a konjac Sponge often feels rough to the touch when dry, it softens beautifully under water—which is the only way you should be using it anyway. It also eliminates the need for a cleanser at all, as a konjac sponge is a natural cleaner, though it can be paired with a cleanser of your choice if you prefer. It’ll dry quickly too, making them less likely than a washcloth toharbourbacteria. And many come in iterations specifically made for washing your face, likecharcoal for purifying oily skin, or turmericfor sensitive or mature skin.
Just make sure that you replace your sponge every other month.
Of course, sometimes it’s preference alone that’ll help you decide what to wash your face with, but if you’re looking for something to remove dirt and grime while revealing smoother, brighter skin, the konjac sponge is the clear winner.
FAQs
Konjac sponges produce a rich, creamy lather when used with soap or cleanser, which makes them perfect for removing dirt, oil and makeup. Your face will get a much better cleanse using a konjac sponge versus washing with your hands or even a washcloth. It exfoliates gently.
Can you use a konjac sponge on your face? ›
Konjac sponges can be used on both face and body
But don't underestimate their capacity.
Is it better to wash your face with or without a washcloth? ›
The verdict: We recommend skipping the washcloth for face cleansing.
What is the best material to wash your face with? ›
It depends on how you're cleaning your skin and what you're trying to achieve, but generally speaking, a cotton or microfiber washcloth is best for the face. Both materials are soft and absorbent, making them suitable for both cleansing and drying.
Is konjac good for your face? ›
According to Dr. Adarsh Vijay Mudgil, founder of Mudgil Dermatology in New York City, konjac facial sponges are best known for cleansing and gently exfoliating. Because the plant is extremely gentle, using a sponge with konjac is often recommended for unclogging pores, especially with oily and acne-prone skin.
How often should you use a konjac sponge? ›
Simply use the sponge morning and evening, or whenever you would usually wash or cleanse your face. You cannot actually over exfoliate with the sponge, as its delicate and only removes the dead skin cells, never damaging the new skin thats underneath. It's kinder than heavy exfoliants, so very suitable for daily use.
What is the best way to wash your face? ›
Wet your face with lukewarm water and use your fingertips to apply cleanser. Resist the temptation to scrub your skin because scrubbing irritates the skin. Rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry with a soft towel. Apply moisturizer if your skin is dry or itchy.
Does a washcloth exfoliate the face? ›
If you have sensitive skin or are prone to irritation, it might be best to avoid using a washcloth. But if you're looking for a cost-effective way to exfoliate and deep clean your skin, a washcloth can be a useful tool. Just make sure to choose a gentle washcloth and use it correctly to avoid any potential issues.
Does washing your face with a washcloth help acne? ›
Wash gently only twice a day-- morning and night-- with a mild soap made especially for acne. Use warm, not hot, water and wash with your fingertips. No wash cloths or exfoliators allowed. Zits aren't caused by dirt.
What is the healthiest thing to wash your face with? ›
These are the cleansers that were most recommended to me by the doctors I consulted:
- Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser for All Skin Types. ...
- Cerave Hydrating Facial Cleanser. ...
- Cerave Foaming Facial Cleanser. ...
- J&J Purpose Gentle Cleaning Wash. ...
- Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser. ...
- Elta MD Foaming Cleanser.
Dermatologist Recommended Face Wash Brands
| Rank | Brand | Key Ingredients |
|---|
| 1 | Skya | Japanese Glutathione, Provitamin B5, Sabi White, Kojic Acid, Licorice Extract, Ethyl Ascorbic Acid |
| 2 | Skya | Mandelic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Niacinamide, Licorice Extract |
| 3 | Cetaphil | Glycerin, Vitamin B5, Niacinamide |
| 4 | CeraVe | Ceramides |
6 more rowsApr 15, 2024
Washcloths used on the face are especially important to keep clean. Touching your eyes, nose or mouth with a dirty washcloth is an easy way to introduce bacteria and spread infection. To prevent the spread of bacteria, you should machine wash your washcloths every three to four days -- or more often, if you prefer.
How do you use a konjac sponge on your face? ›
How do I use the Konjac Sponge? Simply run or soak the exfoliating face sponge underwater until it expands and soften. Then simply use the sponge to gently wash your face and neck. Hang to dry between uses.
What is the downside of konjac? ›
Konjac contains short-chain carbohydrates called FODMAPs. Although fermentable carbohydrate in konjac has health benefits, some people may be unable to digest it. These carbohydrates are fermented in the intestines and cause gastrointestinal problems such as gas, stomachache, and cramps.
Is konjac sponge good for skin? ›
The basic konjac is great for any skin. Konjac sponges infused with charcoal help control excess oils and acne. A pink clay konjac sponge nourishes aging skin, and one infused with red clay oil helps hydrate dry skin.
Which sponge is best for the face? ›
Top 5 Best Face Painting Sponges
- Jest Paint – Hydra Face Painting Sponge. ...
- Kryvaline – Large “Never Stain”* SOFT Black Face Painting Sponge – 1 Half.
- Kryvaline – Small “Never Stain”* SOFT Black Face Painting Sponge – 1 Half. ...
- Splash Face Painting Sponge by Jest Paint – Tear Drop (6 pieces)
Gentle exfoliation
Facial sponges lightly exfoliate your skin without being too harsh. They help get rid of all the dead skin cells on a daily basis. Wash your face in circular motions as this will also promote growth of new skin cells.
Can you use a dish sponge on your face? ›
Of course. I wouldn't use the same one I wash the dishes with, or one with a pot scrubber surface on one side (too harsh for skin, I think), but otherwise, a sponge is a sponge.
Do konjac sponges harbor bacteria? ›
It also eliminates the need for a cleanser at all, as a konjac sponge is a natural cleaner, though it can be paired with a cleanser of your choice if you prefer. It'll dry quickly too, making them less likely than a washcloth to harbour bacteria.
