The natural sponge: the useful beauty accessory

What is a natural sponge?

The natural sponge is a very simple living multicellular organism. The sponge belongs to the phylum Porifera. The sea sponge is used as a beauty accessory for its softness and its ability to absorb water. Thanks to its structure, the sponge is able to inhibit the growth of bacteria and the proliferation of mold.

Why use a natural sponge?

The sea sponge cleanses the skin of the face delicately. It is much softer than cotton. Rubbing with cotton pads can aggress the skin and create redness, or even irritation. Cleansing with a natural sponge is gentle; the sponge caresses the skin. The sea sponge is naturally antibacterial. The plus? The sponge comes back as good as new after careful rinsing. Using a sponge therefore means less waste. Goodbye disposable cotton pads.

What are the best natural sponges?

Here is the list of the best natural sponges :

· Ultra-soft sponges. They are used to cleanse the skin of the face and for washing babies. Their small size makes them perfectly suited. They allow gentle cleansing.
· Bleached deep-sea Mediterranean sponges.
· Unbleached very deep-sea Mediterranean sponges.

Why is the sponge an animal?

The sea sponge is scientifically classified as a multicellular animal organism because it feeds by microfiltering small organisms and organic particles suspended in the water.

Natural sponges have no muscles, no neurons, no nervous system or intercellular junctions, and furthermore have no digestive system, let alone a reproductive system. They are long-lived organisms, well organized and resistant along the evolutionary path, which do not have a physical-cerebral system giving them consciousness or sensory perception.

“Porifera” are among the very first organisms to have populated our planet, more than 500 million years ago.

Why is thenatural sea sponge not a plant?

Sponges are much more like plants but they are not classified as such because they do not carry out chlorophyll photosynthesis. Note also that their nature and reproduction are simpler than those of fungi.

How do you use a natural sponge?

Wet the sponge well with plenty of water, then wring it out by hand. It should be well damp, without dripping. Then you can put a little cleanser or makeup remover on it. Then pass it gently over the skin. The gesture can be repeated. The sponge is soft and does not rub.

Natural sponges can be used to apply a cleanser, remove makeup or remove face masks.

Can you remove makeup with a natural sponge?

Yes, it is possible to remove makeup with a natural sponge provided it is used in combination with a makeup removing product. The makeup removing lotion dissolves the makeup. The natural sponge applies the makeup remover and then removes it, gently. This unique makeup removing lotion was designed for use with the sponge.

How do you care for a natural sponge?

To care for a natural sponge, simply rinse it with clean water after use. Then let it air dry. Avoid enclosing it, whether in a bag, a box or a pouch.

How do you recognize a natural sponge?

A sea sponge is easily recognized by touch. A sea sponge is softer than a synthetic sponge. This softness sets it apart and makes it much gentler on the skin.

Where do natural sponges come from?

Sea sponges come mainly from the Mediterranean and the Caribbean. These sponges are harvested by hand by professional divers.

There are also freshwater sponges.

How long does a natural sponge last?

With continuous use, Caribbean sponges can last between 1 and 2 months. Mediterranean sponges can be used for between 8 and 12 months.

How do you choose a natural sponge?

To cleanse the face gently, ultra-soft sea sponges are generally the most suitable. The bleached variety is good for the most delicate skin.

· The ultra-soft variety is the most suitable for facial skin and for washing babies.

· The bleached variety is for more delicate skin.

· The unbleached variety will be slightly less soft but will last even longer, as it is more resistant.

· Loofahs or luffas are sponges of plant origin. These sponges from the gourd have an exfoliating effect on the skin.

Which sponge for the bath?

For the bath, favor a natural sponge 10 to 15 cm in diameter. For more softness, opt for the bleached Mediterranean sponge.

Which sponge for the face?

For the face, favor the small ultra-soft sponge 5 to 8 cm in diameter.

Which sponge for the body?

For the body, take a natural Mediterranean sponge 10 to 15 cm in diameter. You can choose between the light, fully bleached one and the darker, less bleached version. The latter will be slightly less soft but even more resistant.