Benefits of Konjac Sponge

Apr 13, 2021

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Benefits of Konjac Sponge

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Beauty tips and tricks abound on the internet, but one that’s become increasingly popular is the use of Konjac sponges for skincare. They are used for both cleansing and exfoliation and we thought it prudent to take a closer look at these small wonders and see how we can successfully incorporate them into a skincare routine. Below are the many cool Konjac sponge benefits we found.

What is a Konjac Sponge?

Konjac sponges are made from the roots of the Konjac plant, which is a porous root vegetable that’s native to Asia. Konjac sponges work as a gentle, cleansing exfoliator, helping the flawless, beautiful skin hidden beneath that top layer of grime and buildup to shine through. The Konjac plant’s natural fibers are pros at absorbing tons of water and feel like a squishy piece of thick, rubbery felt. 

Since they’re native to Asia, Konjac sponges are widely used in Japanese skincare. Konjac sponges were first used by Japanese farmers to wash baby skin, since the sponge is so soft, gentle, and all-natural. It provides essential buffing action and makes your skin look radiant by cleaning it with nothing but water. 

How is a Konjac Sponge Made?

Konjac sponges are made using dried Konjac root powder and calcium hydroxide. These are mixed together with water, being careful to ensure there are no lumps. It's then quickly poured into a mold, as liquid Konjac sets very quickly. 

Then it’s allowed to solidify through a process called ‘alkali heat solidification,’ which helps it begin to develop its characteristic sponge-like texture. Throughout this process, heat travels through the Konjac mixture until it's completely hardened. 

After they are solidified, Konjac sponges are placed in a water tank to slowly cool them all the way down to the core. Next, they are freeze-dried to separate the water from the sponge, which is then eliminated after thawing the sponges out. Finally, Konjac sponges are slowly dried and packaged for commercial use.

Types of Konjac Sponges

All Konjac sponges are similar in that they are made from Konjac. What makes some of them different from others is the added ingredients used for different skin types. The ingredients impact the color of the sponge and determine what skin type you use it for. 

A basic Konjac sponge that contains no added ingredients is typically the best option if you are worried about a potential reaction, as it’s non-abrasive and gentle, without additives. 

Those looking to make their mature skin appear more youthful might want to try the pink clay Konjac sponges. 

Those who suffer from acne often gravitate toward charcoal Konjac sponges, which are thought to help control excess sebum production and offer some antibacterial properties. The jury is still out on whether they actually detoxify your skin. 

Anyone looking for both a boost to radiance and hydration might consider a Konjac sponge made with red clay oil. Red clay is thought to boost your skin’s blood flow, giving you a youthful, healthy pink glow.

Benefits of the Konjac Sponge

Konjac sponges have numerous benefits, especially for skincare usage. Hey, we say if they’re good for baby butts, they’re good for your face! 

Konjac Sponges are Rich in Minerals and Antioxidants 

The Konjac plant itself is widely known for being rich in different vitamins. These include:

  • Vitamin C—the ultimate immune booster
  • Vitamin A—to help support and repair the skin
  • Vitamin E—to prevent premature aging and scars
  • Vitamin B—rife with compounds that keep the skin healthy and plump

Additionally, this nutrient-dense plant is also rich in iron, zinc, copper, and magnesium, along with some other trace minerals. 

Konjac Sponges are Ideal for Sensitive Skin

Seriously, it’s softer than a loofah and comes with a comparatively finer texture than a washcloth. This means it's gentle enough to use on all skin types, even sensitive skin. Konjac sponges are also usable by people with skin conditions such as rosacea and eczema, who frequently suffer from dry flakes that are almost impossible to remove without further irritating your skin. 

We consider the Gentle Konjac sponge a much safer and gentler alternative to other cleansing brushes and tools. However, do your due diligence and start with a patch test first, just in case. While they are generally safe for any skin type, there are always outliers who may find their skin responds negatively to the Konjac sponge.

Konjac Sponges are Naturally Exfoliating

Konjac sponges work as an all-natural exfoliator.  They gently remove dead skin cells and any build-up of oil, dirt, debris, and impurities. Frequent use of the Konjac sponge will enhance the effects of its exfoliation power. It's also ideal for unclogging pores and can be used along with a face wash to deep cleanse your skin, which is especially useful for people with acne prone skin. 

Konjac Sponges Deliver Radiant Skin 

Once the Konjac sponge removes all the dead skin cells, it allows the fresh skin underneath that layer of dirt and debris to be revealed. Even cleaning your face with only a wet Konjac sponge—no cleansers needed—can be just enough to bring forth that beautiful radiance without going overboard. This is great for those with busy schedules that don’t have a lot of time to invest in a morning skincare routine. 

Konjac Sponges are Excellent for Makeup Removal 

Since Konjac sponges can be paired with your favorite facial cleanser or even a great makeup-removing face wash, it’s known to work much better than using your hands while being just as gentle. 

Due to its porous nature, high water absorption abilities, and bouncy texture, a Konjac sponge creates a much richer lather than a normal sponge or scrub brush. It's even gentle enough to be used around the eyes to remove old mascara. 

In regard to how to use a konjac sponge, one point to remember is that Konjac sponges should be used in a circular motion for maximum benefit. Additionally, since they exfoliate and remove that top layer of dead skin cells, Konjac sponges can also help you develop and create a smooth base for your makeup or help your other skincare products absorb deeper into your skin.

Konjac Sponges are Hygienic

If you didn’t know it before, now you do! Konjac sponges are much more hygienic than loofahs or washcloths. Unlike washcloths, they dry quickly between every use, effectively preventing the growth of bacteria, mold, and other germs. 

Moreover, since Konjac sponges should be replaced every month or so, there is less chance of them getting germ-infested in the first place, which makes them infinitely more attractive for daily use than loofahs or other types of sponges.

Konjac Sponges are Eco-friendly 

Did we mention Konjac sponges are eco-friendly, sustainable, and all-natural? If we did, it’s because it bears repeating! This is largely because the Konjac plant itself is completely sustainable. 

In contrast, regular sponges are made of oil-based plastics like polyester and polyurethane. Unfortunately, these chemicals are not earth-friendly. So Konjac sponges are not only great for your skin but also for the environment! 

Konjac Sponges are Compostable

Since Konjac sponges are completely biodegradable, they can be composted along with other natural items such as plants, fruit, and vegetable remains. Remember, these sponges are not self-cleaning, so they need to be replaced every month and rinsed thoroughly after every use. 

While that can seem wasteful at first glance, you quickly realize it’s actually pretty wonderful because Konjac sponges are made from all-natural vegetable fibers that easily decompose when composted. What more could a gal ask for? 

As you can see, Konjac sponge benefits are quite extensive. Given how great they can be for the health and beauty of your skin, plus how great they are for our environment, we see no reason not to jump on the Konjac sponge bandwagon for yourself! 

Worst case scenario is you find you don’t love them in which case you can always go back to your previous way of pampering your skin, no harm, no foul. Best case scenario? You find that you love them just as much as we do, especially when you discover how well they work to reveal gorgeous, flawless skin! 

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