5 Best Body Care Tips

Here at LUV SCRUB, we take body care seriously. Glowing skin care from the inside out is of top of mind lately, but it’s more than just a trend. It’s a lifestyle. Taking care of yourself will always been in style. We recommend using a LUV SCRUB, a West African exfoliating net, for the best clean all over your body. Learn more about how to take care of your body below and let us know what your favorite tips are.

1. A Head-To-Toe Bath Net Clean

When it comes to getting clean every inch counts. That’s why we make sure to do an “everything shower” at least once a week (instead of just the rushed rinse off between the gym and work- we’ve all been there). In an everything shower, make sure to get every part of you clean from your head to your toes. We recommend using a LUV SCRUB for its rich lather and using it behind the ears, stretching it to get behind your back, and making sure to get your feet cleaned as well! There’s no better feeling than being squeaky clean all around. 

2. African Net Sponge Exfoliation

Once you’re all squeaky clean, an essential step in the body care process is to make sure you’re exfoliating. Dirt and oil can cause buildup on your skin if you’re not exfoliating regularly. While you can reach for a scrub for part of your body care, that can be a little too harsh on your skin to use every day. We recommend using your LUV SCRUB with a gentle touch with your favorite body wash. It will gently exfoliate the rough skin and leave your skin glowing.

3. Moisturizing After a LUV SCRUB

Now that your skin is squeaky clean and you’ve gotten rid of any excess dirt and oil, you want to make sure to moisturize. If you skip this step, your skin will remain dry. Especially in the harsh winter months with all of the elements of the weather, you want to seal in the moisture. A rich body cream or lotion all over your body will keep your skin smooth and supple. Adding on a body oil like vitamin E or jojoba oil will make it even softer. Doing this step before bed will help seal in the moisture in your clean, smooth skin overnight. You’ll wake up feeling like a glowing goddess with this body care routine.

4. Eat Lots of Nutrient-Rich Foods

Now that you’ve taken care of your body on the outside, it’s time to take care of the inside as well. There’s no better way to do that then to make sure you’re eating nutrient-dense foods. Adding salmon, avocado, spinach, nuts, and more vitamin-rich foods to your diet will not only impact your overall health, but your skin health as well. Try adding one more of these foods a day and see how the results are.

5. Take Care of Your Mind Too!

We’re big advocates of taking care of your mental health. If your body is glowing from the inside out, it won’t feel great if your mind isn’t in the right space. The way you look often reflects how you feel on the inside. Make sure to take some time for yourself at the end of the day, even when things get busy. Soaking in a bath can be great for your body care and your relaxation as well. You can even add essential oils for a spa-like ambiance. Writing in a journal, meditation, and confiding in a close friend are also great ways to prioritize your mind.

At the end of the day, taking care of yourself should be a daily practice, not an emergency measure. We’ve all noticed in the mirror when our skin isn’t looking our best. Prioritizing body care will make you look and feel your best. Using a LUV SCRUB, a West African beauty secret for ages, will make sure your skin is not only smooth and clean, it will be glowing from the inside out. It’s not a trend, it’s a lifestyle. 

More LUV SCRUB Blogs For You:

• Reusing vs Repurposing vs Recycling

• 3 Types of Bacteria Your Loofah Is Hiding

• The Authentic African Bath Sponge AKA Sapɔ

LUV SCRUB is the original mesh body exfoliator. An enhanced version of the authentic African net sponges used for generations. Shop for yours here and say hello to smoother, softer skin. Tell your friends! (You can thank us later).

3 Types of Bacteria Your Loofah is Hiding

You use your bath tools to get as clean as possible after a long day, and you want to make sure you get every inch of you clean. One important thing to consider is if your bath tool is working for you, not against you. What do we mean by that? Certain bath tools, such as loofahs, can breed harmful bacteria that can linger on your skin. Below, we break out the types of bacteria to watch out for (and what you can use instead). We recommend using a West African mesh body exfoliator as they dry quickly and won’t cause any unnecessary bacteria growth.

1. Stachybotrys

While Stachybotrys mold may seem intimidating, it is simply black mold. This is the most common type of mold that grows within bathrooms due to poor ventilation or circulation. You may even see this on your bathroom walls or on any appliances, such as the bathroom sink. While it is common, it is still not something to take lightly. Black mold can make you sick or cause headaches, coughing, or more. As soon as you notice it, it’s best to disinfect the affected area or to throw away your loofah so you are not spreading it around further.

2. Penicillium

Penicillium is the most common strain of white mold. White mold generally grows in moist or damp environments, so you can usually find it in the bathroom. White mold can appear lightweight or airy or may even resemble a spider’s web. Not exactly what you want hanging around when you’re relaxing in your bathroom oasis. It’s usually caused by moisture in the air or warm environments, so your steamy bath could cause it. While it’s not as dangerous as black mold, it could still cause skin infections or a rash, so you want to get rid of it immediately.

3. Cladosporium

This type of mold is usually dark brown or black, and it’s also often found in the bathroom. It can often have a deep musty smell, so you’ll know where it is. It has deep spores, so it can be tough to remove on your own. Once again, this type of mold thrives in moist, warm environments, so your loofah can be a culprit. 

Now that you know the different types of mold that can grow in your bathroom, you’re likely ready to make some changes to avoid it in the future. We’re right there with you. Unfortunately, keeping a loofah can harbor harmful bacteria since they keep moisture within and can spread it on your skin. We recommend ditching the loofah and switching to a LUV SCRUB again. While you’re at it, make sure to keep your bathroom as well-ventilated as possible during your steamy shower or bath. That way, when you’re lathering up, the only thing you’re left with is smooth sexy skin. Make sure to use your LUV SCRUB, a West African beauty secret used for ages. It is the classic African Net Sponge, Elevated and like no other bath tool. Not only is it fast drying, but it gently exfoliates your skin so you get the best clean possible. 

More LUV SCRUB Blogs For You:

• Reusing vs Repurposing vs Recycling

• The Do’s and Dont’s of Washing With a Sunburn

• The Authentic African Bath Sponge AKA Sapɔ

LUV SCRUB is the original mesh body exfoliator. An enhanced version of the authentic African net sponges used for generations. Shop for yours here and say hello to smoother, softer skin. Tell your friends! (You can thank us later).

The Authentic African Bath Sponge AKA Sapɔ

I always say, “Toss the loofah, thank us later,” but did you know that Ghana’s official first bath tool was originally very similar to a loofah? This bath tool is called Sapɔ (pronounced Sapo). The use of the original African Loofah, aka Sapɔ, dates back centuries and was used way before our magical mesh that we call LUV SCRUB Mesh Body Exfoliator. The meaning of Sapɔ in Ghana is used for anything that is used to take a bath or clean oneself. It is made from a stringy bark-like material that grows from a tree. There are several trees that grow this special loofah-like African bath sponge. A few of the trees are called Bekye, Abaapee, and Ntwetwehoma. These trees grow only in rural parts and not in the city. My Dad said that growing up, he would see these beautiful trees growing next to my grandfather’s cocoa farm near Biniani (outside of Kumasi).

The original Sapɔ was loved by many of my fellow Ghanaians and was a staple before the nylon African mesh bath cloth was introduced in the seventies. Believe it or not, this African mesh exfoliator is newer and has not been used for centuries, as some have claimed. Hence, we at LUV SCRUB state that it has been used for generations. How do I know this? My parents used the original Sapɔ growing up and started using the African mesh cloth once they arrived in the United States. How it was discovered is still a mystery. According to my Dad, someone used the mesh cloth out of the blue and realized it was a great way to clean your skin; the rest is history. It’s that simple. I was around the age of five when my Mom handed the mesh cloth to me in 1982.

There was a lot to love about the original African loofah. Sapɔ cleans and exfoliates the skin well, and it’s a plus that it is natural from a tree.   It comes in different shades, light and dark “toasted.” Despite its natural form, it is long-lasting and dries fast due to the hot temperatures in Ghana. With these great benefits, there is also a downside. With time, the stringy bark clogged the plumbing, which caused a lot of issues for septic systems. It worked well for people who lived in rural areas and villages that did not have the sophisticated septic systems that you would find in more modern areas. So when the cloth was introduced in the early seventies, it was easy for my fellow Ghanaians to transition. The African mesh cloth overall has so many benefits. It lasts longer than Sapo, and you can reach your back with ease. Meanwhile, you need to ask someone to scrub your back with Sapɔ.

My Dad in the early seventies when he first started using the African Mesh Cloth to take his bath/shower.

The original Sapɔ is still available today, but not at the scale (it’s almost extinct) that it was before. Also, you can’t beat the mesh. It’s magic. My Dad recommends if you decide to purchase the original Sapo, purchase it with caution due to the issue of it clogging your drain. Also, the temperature might be challenging to fully dry, which can breed bacteria if damp/wet. Don’t forget you will need help washing your back.

I hope you enjoyed this history lesson on the Sapɔ, aka the original African Loofah. Let us know if you want to learn more about African beauty history.

Disclaimer: This is based on the experience of my parents, who were born and raised in Kumasi, Ghana, and are a part of the Ashanti tribe. I can not speak for any other countries.

More LUV SCRUB Blogs For You:

• 5 Exfoliation Myths You Shouldn’t Believe

• My First Time With LUV SCRUB

• 5 Must-Do’s For Your Skincare Routine

LUV SCRUB is the original mesh body exfoliator. An enhanced version of the authentic African net sponges used for generations. Shop for yours here and say hello to smoother, softer skin. Tell your friends! (You can thank us later).