Loofahs -- Are They Good for You?

Quick Tip

To Loofah or Not to Loofah

Ok, so that's the question. And the answer is no. Throw out that freebie loofah you get with every purchase of shower soap. Why? Because once a loofah is used it becomes loaded with bacteria buildup, says New York City-based makeup artist, Keiko Takagi in Elle Magazine.

Opt instead for one of those huge brushes meant for use OUTSIDE of theshwoer. Use it to give your body a great 'dry scrub.' This way you don't compete with the shower stream & your brush stays bacteria-free.

Another secret of the trade, courtesy of Takagi: Take shorter showers. "If you do like to linger, coat your body in oil before you get in to avoid stripping your natural moisture.