Konjac sponge, a natural sponge from Korea
The natural konjac sponge has won over Koreans and the rest of the world because it is the only exfoliating tool that can be used on even the most sensitive skins without injuring them unlike loofahs and exfoliating gloves.
But what is konjac?
Konjac is a unique plant that is also referred to as Glucomannan. It grows in Asia and has an edible root.
In Japan and China it is widely used in cooking and confectionery.
In Korea its root is used as an exfoliating accessory and in Japan it is used as a pigment in paper making techniques.
The Konjac Sponge offers a natural way to exfoliate by removing dead skin cells, revealing brighter skin.
Findings on its effectiveness are limited, but a 2013 study (The Use of Konjac Glucomannan Hydrolysates (GMH) to Improve the Health of the Skin and Reduce Acne Vulgaris) in the American Journal of Dermatology and Venereology reveals that the konjac sponge can to help fight acne as a topical treatment product.
What are the benefits of the Konjac sponge?
The konjac plant sponge is particularly gentle and is often recommended for oily and acne-prone skin to clean pores that are usually blocked due to overproduction of sebum.
Very often it is also used effectively to remove make-up.
Although the konjac sponge is incredibly gentle, some dermatologists recommend chemical exfoliation with AHAs for very sensitive skin, which is more tolerable. See more about AHAs in our article "Everything you need to know about AAAs"
Are there different types of konjac sponges?
All sponges referred to as konjac contain the konjac plant, what differentiates them are the additional ingredients that give the variety of colors.
For example, the charcoal konjac sponge contains activated carbon, the pink often contains pink clay, and the red volcanic rock scoria.
- The basic konjac sponge with no added ingredients is perfect for someone who wants something soft without much friction.
- The konjac sponge with activated carbon is ideal for acne. Activated charcoal detoxifies and regulates sebum production thanks to its antibacterial properties.
- The sponge with pink clay is ideal for a more youthful skin.
- The konjac sponge with volcanic scoria (a rock created by magma during the eruption of the volcano on Jeju Island in Korea, which is antibacterial and rich in minerals) is ideal for oily, problematic and tired skin.
How is the konjac sponge used?
- First dip the sponge in warm water to soften and spread.
- Once it has spread to its normal size you can use it.
- Make circular motions as if massaging your face.
- Start from the middle of the face with movements towards the edges.