The act of regular exfoliation has been talked about for centuries as being beneficial for skin. It can help promote a brighter, smoother complexion and minimize fine lines and breakouts, ultimately leading to younger looking skin. Yes, you heard it right….YOUNGER LOOKING SKIN! So important and sought after, it was worth mid-sentence capitalization.
In the last ten years, exfoliation has grown exponentially in awareness and popularity both- and we can thank Clarisonic for all the buzz. Millions of their personal and professional devices have been sold to eager buyers around the globe, but beyond that, the general population now has a greater awareness about the benefits of using exfoliation tools. The significance is profound. Beauty devices grew 39% in 2014. But as with anything, beauty or beyond, the market leader (Clarisonic) isn’t for everyone. For consumers looking for a beauty tool without a big investment and for those with ultra sensitive skin, there is konjac.
Now, I’m cheating a bit calling konjac a beauty tool. Konjac is actually, technically, more of an ingredient. Harvested from the root of the Amorphophallus konjac plant, this member of the yam family is now being formed into a moon-like shape for facial cleansing. Long popular in Japan, China and Indonesia for gentle and thorough exfoliation, konjac sponges are now gaining popularity in North America. Brands like Boscia, Daily Concepts and Dew Puff have introduced konjac sponges to the consumer market recently, giving us all an opportunity to try one for somewhere between $7.00 and $15.00 each.
Softer than a loofah and less textured than a washcloth, konjac sponges start brittle and hard, softening to a pleasantly rubbery blob when wet. And they must be wet- konjac is designed to work with water and your favorite cleanser to exfoliate and gently remove dirt and grime. The slightly alkaline, natural konjac fibers are mild and non-abrasive, making these sponges excellent daily alternatives to Clarisonic or its contemporaries for those with ultra sensitive skin. It dries quickly, helping to keep bacteria and germs at bay. Plus, and we LOVE this as marketers, kojac slowly dissolves when used, making replacements necessary every four to six weeks. Note that some brands tout long-lasting konjac that stays strong for up to three months- the Brandettes haven’t tried any konjac that has lasted that long….but hey, you may have!
Konjac sponges are available in various “flavors” that have turmeric, charcoal or clay infused in the sponge for added purification, acne control and hydration, respectively. Chemical, paraben and preservative free, konjac is an ingredient that is perfect for today’s eco-conscious consumers and skin care enthusiasts. The Brandettes favor Boscia’s original Konjac Cleansing Sponge- we enjoy the way it made our skin smoother and our little dab of cleanser go further. Plus, it comes with a string handle that made it easy to hang up after use (thorough air drying is an important part of extending konjac’s longevity).
Konjac, getting us one step closer to younger looking skin.
Have you tried konjac? Love it or hate it, we’d love to hear what you think.
-N.C.
Pictured, clockwise from top: Boscia Konjac Cleansing Sponge, Boscia Konjac Cleansing Sponge with Deep Hydrating Clay & Daily Concepts Your Konjac Sponge- Turmeric
