What's popular changes regularly, with trends coming and going as frequently as the seasons, if not more so. Beauty trends are just one area where this pattern continues. For instance, although it's been around and used throughout history, the African net sponge is one of the hot items making a viral impact thanks to TikTok.
African net sponges are long interknitted nylon pieces that form a mesh structure. This structure, reminiscent of the fishing nets that inspired it, can be used as a bathing sponge. It has the potential added benefits of exfoliating your skin and drying so fast after use that bacteria may not even have time to form.
These beauty and hygiene tools, also known as sapo sponges and African exfoliating nets, have been used for centuries and were once made from fishing nets. Although initially made from fishing nets that used natural fibers, modern African net sponges are made primarily from nylon. Although academic and scientific information on these products can be challenging to find, the retail world is exploding with venues from which to buy them.
African net sponge vs loofah
African net sponges are somewhat like loofas in appearance and purpose but may last longer with less wear and tear and may be less prone to harboring bacteria. Although research is relatively scarce on these products, there is strong support from proponents worldwide toting the benefits of African net sponges when compared to loofahs.
Because the African net sponge is designed with a long piece of nylon that can be folded into different shapes, this bathing tool can be adaptable regarding where you can reach and use it on your body. The loofah, in comparison, is generally smaller and less shapable and, as a result, may be worse at getting at hard-to-reach spots.
How to use an African net sponge
Using an African net sponge is fairly intuitive. Before use, however, it's essential to wash the sponge. This may be especially important with new sponges. After that first time, your African net sponge may get away with only being washed sporadically, based on use.
- When using the sponge, the first step is to wet it and apply soap or body wash. What types of soap you use can vary, but some may need to be reapplied more frequently. Thicker, firmer soaps, like bar soaps, may have an easier time adhering to these nets, requiring fewer applications per wash.
- After that, you can begin scrubbing the sponge across your body, folding and unfolding it to reach different areas. Proponents of the African net sponge recommend gently massaging across your skin, focusing on washing and exfoliating. These sponges are reported to exfoliate well without you needing to push hard or scrub roughly.
- After you are done with the sponge and have finished washing, you can wring it out and hang it to dry.
When properly cared for and maintained, an African net sponge may last up to two years, although each sponge's exact lifespan may vary. When storing your sponge in between uses, it's best to keep it cool and dry so it won't collect moisture, dirt or bacteria.
African net sponge benefits
Its proponents report African net sponges to possess a variety of benefits. As with other aspects of this beauty trend, scientific research is scarce; however, the impact of these products on the market for bathing and beauty tools is far from subtle. According to its supporters, the African net sponge potentially offers the following benefits, based on its exfoliating properties, reviews and design:
- Exfoliates: The nylon mesh design of the African net sponge lends itself well to exfoliation. The nylon fibers scrape the skin clean, which may help unclog pores and remove dead skin.
- Softens skin: Because one of the main effects of this sponge is to exfoliate your skin, it may help your skin to become softer and smoother.
- Increases blood circulation: Proper exfoliation can do more than remove dead skin cells and unclog pores; it may also activate and improve blood circulation in some areas.
- Aids with product absorption: After exfoliating, your skin may be clearer and more receptive to receiving body products. With unclogged pores and dead skin cells removed, these products may be able to penetrate deeper into your skin.
- Long lasting: The African net sponge is reported to last up to two years, which makes it longer lasting than many similar products, like the loofah, which needs to be replaced every three to four weeks.
- More hygienic: Because the mesh of these sponges is thin, separated and non-porous, there is little room for the buildup of water and bacteria. As a result, many people claim these sponges are more hygienic and have a lower risk of harboring bacteria than loofahs.
- Adaptive for hard-to-reach spots: These sponges' design allows them to reach difficult areas, like between the shoulder blades and the small of the back.
African net sponge side effects
While African net sponges hold many purported benefits, there are also some potential side effects to consider. Based on reviews, these side effects primarily relate to skin irritation in one form or another; however, this list may not capture all possible side effects. Sometimes, these side effects may show up when you start using an African net sponge and then fade as your skin becomes more conditioned to the product. Also, side effects may depend on your specific product and brand.
- Skin irritation or rashes: Some people have reported developing rashes or irritation on their skin in areas where they've used an African sponge net.
- Skin discomfort: Some state that the African net sponge was too abrasive for their skin, causing discomfort or pain.
If you have sensitive or irritated skin, you'll likely want to find something gentler than the African net sponge. Finding a good tool for exfoliation that doesn't irritate your skin can be challenging with sensitive skin. In cases like that, it may be best to speak with a dermatologist to find what would work best for your skin's health.
How to clean and store an African net sponge
While some users of the African net sponge say it can go up to a couple of months between washes, you may want to clean it more frequently than that. For instance, some suggest cleaning these sponges every two weeks instead. Most prefer handwashing these sponges, but some manufacturers say you can use your washing machine.
In the end, ensuring that you regularly clean your sponge may be more important than which of these techniques you use. To clean your African net sponge, follow these steps:
- Rinse: After using your African net sponge, rinse it before hanging it to dry. This helps remove water, skin, dirt and any other debris it picks up.
- Hand wash: Every couple of weeks to months, you should gently wash your sponge by submerging it in warm water with a little bit of mild laundry detergent.
- Dry: When drying your sponge, wring out any excess water and hang it to dry where it can be spread out to maximize air exposure.
Alternative washing
- Washing machine: You can machine wash these sponges as delicates if you prefer, but they may break down quicker and lose their texture.
When you're done cleaning and drying your African net sponge, you can fold it up and store it in a drawer, laundry closet or other convenient area. Between uses, you should keep these sponges away from high humidity, as it could increase the risk of moisture and bacteria buildup.
How to find a real African net sponge
The market seems to be inundated with real and knock-off African net sponges. When finding the most authentic version of these African beauty tools, the best approach may be to search for African-owned retailers and suppliers. The more closely aligned with the culture of origin a business is, the more likely it may be to carry the real deal. Real African net sponges are made of nylon, are generally long, can be folded into different shapes and shouldn't bleed dye when you use them.
Of course, make sure you do your research and read reviews before purchasing any product. For any health concerns, consult your healthcare provider.