What are Natural Sea Sponges?
Natural sea sponges are pieces of soft, porous, marine life that are used for cleaning. They originate from underwater sea life called sponges, which are colonies of thousands of tiny animals, or phylum Porifera. Each sponge is unique and the species vary in size, shape and color. Sea sponges are a healthy, natural, and environmentally friendly alternative to synthetic sponges and have been part of beauty routines for centuries.
Natural sea sponges are the oldest cleaners in the world. They function by filtering water through their pore-filled bodies. They are safe to wash every part of our bodies and face and they help to keep them clean and healthy. Natural sea sponges are soft and gentle to the skin. Sea sponges are hypoallergenic and do not irritate, provoke allergies, or cause dermatitis. Unlike synthetic cleaners, non-toxic sea sponges do not contain chlorine, detergents, alcohol, synthetic fragrances or fibers, or other harmful substances.
Are Sea Sponges Good For Your Skin?
If you have been looking for a new way to help improve the look and feel of your skin, you may want to consider sea sponges. Sea sponges are safe for all skin types.
For centuries, people have been using them on their skin as a form of exfoliation and a way to clean their skin. In the past, sponges were harvested directly from the water and used fresh, but today they can be found in stores, often dry, which is even more beneficial and effective at removing dead skin cells and leaving your skin feeling smooth and refreshed.
Sea sponges retain many of the beneficial minerals found in both the sponges themselves and the ocean water. Sea sponges can nourish the skin with multiple nutrients to the skin including calcium, magnesium, sodium, iron, zinc, and potassium.
What Is the Difference Between Sea Sponges and Loofahs?
People are often confused about the difference between a sea sponge and a loofah. There are some simple key differences between the two. While they work similarly, loofahs are made out of the dried stem of a gourd that originated in Southeast Asia, and sea sponges are harvested from the ocean (and can sometimes even be found in freshwater).
Loofahs are more popular around the world due to their availability, but sea sponges are more environmentally friendly. If you want to know the difference in how they work with your skin, you should try using both of them. Both sea sponge and loofah are quality exfoliators that help to slough off the dead skin cells and reveal the softer, newer skin cells beneath. At Harbor 17 we carry both the best quality sea sponges and loofahs.
Harbor 17 offers a variety of sizes and styles. Sizes are approximate.
Large Sponge: 6" x 5"
Medium Sponge: 5" x 4"
Loofah Sponge: 4" x 2”
You can also check out our kitchen scrubber sponges from walnuts.
Benefits of Sea Sponges + Loofahs
Sponges Naturally Inhibit the Growth of Bacteria
Sea sponges + loofahs naturally inhibit the growth of bacteria, which is the reason for their superior effectiveness over regular artificial cleaning sponges. The natural fiber of sea sponges is not unlike that of our body cells and therefore, is not harmful to the skin. This is in stark contrast to other synthetic sponges which are often laden with chemicals and abrasive elements that can cause irritations and leave you with red, raw, and even sore skin.
Exfoliates the Skin
Sea sponges gently exfoliate your delicate skin and are incredibly useful to regenerate new skin cell growth.
Because of their fabric, sea sponges can lightly scrub away dead skin cells. This allows old skin to be removed while new skin is being made. For this reason, sea sponges are a great remedy for severely dry skin or skin that is dead and dull. Using sea sponges to exfoliate is more effective than using dry-skin products because sponges clear away the dead skin so fresh skin can be revealed, rather than just adding moisture to the top layer of already dry, dead skin. For this reason, sea sponges can completely nourish and heal the skin, leaving it fresher, more hydrated, and younger-looking than ever before.
Cleanses Pores
If you want to keep your pores clean, sea sponges + loofahs are the way to go! They are great for deep cleaning your pores because they are tougher and more effective than other forms of pore cleansers. They can be used to clean grime off of your skin, remove makeup and product build-up, and help remove blackheads or even acne! Simply dampen your sponge with some warm water (not hot), and swipe it across your face in a circular motion. Viola! You're left with a cleaner, smoother face!
Environmentally Safe
Looking for a way to cut back on waste? If you've ever bought a bath sponge from a store, then you know that packaging is expensive and also harmful to the environment. Not to mention, the sponges don't last very long. However, there is a better way. Sponges from the sea come straight from nature for the same price as the store-bought variety without the excess packaging. These sponges are also more durable than their store-bought counterparts. They are 100% biodegradable and will be broken down by the ocean within two months.
So, you can help the environment and still have your bath or shower time just as comfortably!
More Durable, Longer-Lasting, Economical than Modern Man-Made Sponges
There is a range of reasons why sea sponges + loofahs can be the better choice for someone trying to save money on their hygiene needs. Who isn't, right?!? While some options like soap and shower gels are often made with harsh chemicals that can dry out your skin, sea sponges are naturally beneficial and can be beneficial even for people with sensitive skin.
Sea sponges are also more durable and last longer than regular bath sponges, so they're ideal for anyone looking to invest in things that they can use regularly and will last them for a long time. Well-maintained sea sponges can last you for years (See tips for maintaining below.)
Other Natural Sea Sponge Uses
Sea sponges are the ultimate all-purpose cleaner. With only a few drops of water, you have a versatile cleaning tool that you can use on virtually anything. They work great on dishes, washing vegetables, cleaning floors, counters, and cleaning windows and cars. Sponges are more durable than paper towels and reusable. When you're finished cleaning with them, all you have to do is toss them in the dishwasher and they'll be good as new. Try out sea sponges and discover the endless possibilities for cleaning and other uses for this old-fashioned, but not an out-of-date tool!
Sea Sponge Care
The best way to keep sea sponges healthy is to clean them properly. Sea sponges are porous and absorbent, so they need to be cleaned regularly. Here is a simple method to clean your sea sponges. First, soak your sea sponge in fresh water with a teaspoon of baking soda and peroxide every few months. This will kill any harmful bacteria. Then, squeeze any excess water out of the sponge, being careful not to tear it. Next, allow the sponge to air dry. Even better, allow it to dry in the sunshine! Be sure to keep any loose or frayed edges trimmed with a sharp pair of scissors.