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).

These 7 Benefits of Exfoliation Will Make You Wish You’ve Done It Your Whole Life

Exfoliation is key. You’ve heard us say it probably a million times (no exaggeration). But do you know what exactly it is and why it’s such an important step in your skincare routine?

Let’s set the record straight: exfoliation is the process of removing dead skin cells that build up on your skin. This simple process has amazing benefits that you need to know—like yesterday. 

Here’s a list of 7 benefits of exfoliation (if you need any convincing): 

1.) It Unclogs Pores and Prevents Acne

Blackheads and whiteheads are skin concerns for many, many people. Dead skin blocks the pores. This means when natural oils are produced, they essentially get trapped under the skin, causing breakouts. By exfoliating, you are removing dead skin before it can block your pores and cause acne. Sold yet?

2.) It Evens Skin Tone

Dark spots, texture, hyperpigmentation and acne scars can be frustrating—we get it, believe us. However, there’s a simple solution: exfoliation. Because exfoliation smooths out the texture of your skin, your skin will appear more even and a lot smoother overtime. 

3.) It Increases Blood Circulation

Showers should always be relaxing. While gently rubbing your skin during exfoliation, you can actually increase blood flow. This will help detoxify your body, activating the removal of any toxins and/or waste from your body. Not only is this a great benefit, it feels damn good. Count us in. 

4.)   It Allows Other Skincare Products To Sink Deeper Into Your Skin 

Think of dead skin as a barrier. When you apply products over your dead skin, they are not able to sink into your skin fully and to the best of its ability. Exfoliation removes dead or dry skin, giving you a fresh layer of skin— the perfect canvas for moisturizer or oils. Your products will sink into your freshly exfoliated skin with ease. 

5.) It Promotes The Growth Of New Cells

Out with the old and in with new. Exfoliation stimulates new and healthy cells. Younger looking skin is an exfoliation away. Literally.

6.) It Gives Your Skin A Glow

Under your dead skin, there is fresh new skin just waiting to be unveiled. Exfoliating removes the dead and dry skin that is preventing you from glowing. 

7.) It Creates The Perfect Canvas For A Spray Tan

If you spray tan, you have to try exfoliating before your next appointment or at home application. Without exfoliation pre-spray tanning, your spray tan will have trouble sticking to your skin and may look patchy and uneven. By removing dead skin, you’re smoothing your skin into the perfect canvas for a spray tan. Not only will it make the application a lot easier, it will actually help the spray tan last longer. Less spray tanning appointments means more money and more time saved. 

Are you on your way to your shower to exfoliate? Yeah, us too. 

More LUV SCRUB Blogs For You:

• 5 Best Body Care Tips

• 3 Types of Bacteria Your Loofah Is Hiding

• The Do’s and Don’ts of Washing With a Sunburn

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).