Loofah vs. Pouf

Loofah sponges are made from natural plants.
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Sudsing up and getting clean is part of the morning routine. Whether you use a bath pouf of loofah, you leave the shower feeling fresh and ready for the day. When it comes to differences between the loofah and bath pouf, natural and synthetic materials set these two cleanliness contenders apart.

1 Origins of Loofah and Bath Pouf

A loofah, also spelled luffa, is a natural sponge used in the shower to remove dead skin and increase the sudsing power of soap or body wash. A bath pouf, made from plastic, performs essentially the same duties as a loofah. Although both do nearly the exact same thing, the materials set them apart. Loofahs are made from the dried flesh of cucumbers and other types of gourds. Loofahs should not be confused with sea sponges. Because they're organic substances, loofahs are eco-friendly and decompose more easily than a plastic bath pouf. On the other hand, bath poufs can be recycled because they're made from synthetic materials. Both the bath pouf and the loofah are relatively inexpensive as well. So when it comes to preference, both are equally attractive choices if you recycle and use naturally sustainable products when possible.

Ruth Altman writes on business, lifestyle and careers. She holds a Master of Arts degree from Pepperdine University in addition to a bachelor's degree from Harvard University.

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