Some people talk about konjac sponges as if they will solve all your skincare problems. I’m not going to claim they’re miracle workers—very few skincare products ever are, but that doesn’t mean that they’re not helpful or beneficial. I like to use mine in the morning to scrub away any little flakes or dirt that have accumulated overnight. It’s a gentle way to get a bit of exfoliation while using your normal cleanser, and it’s way easier to clean than a washcloth. I just cracked open my second konjac sponge, so I guess I must think it’s worth it.
So. You’ve heard all the rave reviews and you’ve gone out and gotten (or, let’s be really here, ordered) yourself one of skincare’s buzziest new accessories. How do you use and care for a konjac sponge?
Soak the sponge in water until it is soft and fully expanded. I find I have a tendency to want to start using it too soon, when it’s still a little too hard—don’t do that! It will definitely take a hot sec for it to be ready to use. (Maybe skip the konjac if you’re really in a hurry?)
Wet your lovely, though unwashed, face. Apply your cleanser to the sponge and the sponge to your face. Gently massage in circular motions. When you’re finished and have rinsed the sponge (and your face), squeeze the excess water out of the sponge. Don’t wring, though.
Many konjac sponges come with a loop attached so that you can hang them—that’s the best way to store it to make sure it really dries out. If it stays wet all the time, gross stuff will definitely start growing in that nice, porous environment. If your bathroom tends to be pretty humid, think about storing it somewhere else.
As for how long one sponge should last, I’ve read anything from 1 month to 3—the fibers eventually start to break down, though. Mine started to show mold growth after just over a month; clearly I wasn’t storing it right. If this happens, you can disinfect a konjac with hot water, much like a kitchen sponge. But make sure it’s not boiling, because that will damage it—it’s made from a plant, after all. Which means: when you’re finally ready to toss it? A konjac sponge is totally compostable. Ideal.
facepainted 