Washcloth for the back. Natural washcloths guard our health - choose your option. Choosing a natural washcloth - the main types ...
Olga Nikitina
Reading time: 18 minutes
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It would seem that, well, a washcloth and a washcloth are a common item “for 5 kopecks” for body hygiene. However, with the right approach, this thing, mixing foam from the gel, becomes both a scrubber, and a massager, and a remedy for ingrown hairs and orange peel. That is, a quality washcloth is the best "friend and comrade" for your skin.
Choosing the right washcloth together!
4 types of synthetic body washcloths - the pros and cons of synthetic washcloths
Such washcloths "live" in almost every bathroom - of different shapes and sizes, multi-colored and plain, made of polyester or viscose, nylon and so on.
Their popularity is due to the following advantages:
- Affordable cost.
- Longer lifespan than natural ones.
- Detergent savings (higher foaming).
- And one of the most significant advantages: such washcloths are not an attractive environment for germs and bacteria. (if you take good care of them, of course).
- Machine washable and hand washable.
- Possibility of processing by special means.
Flaws:
- The risk of allergies (especially in a hot bath).
- Risk of poisoning by harmful substances released from synthetic washcloths.
- Lack of ability to withstand high temperatures.
Choosing a synthetic washcloth - types
1. Foam sponges
Gentle and soft, giving abundant foam. Of course, they cannot qualitatively wash the body because of their structure, but there are also combined options.
Flaws:
- Quickly turn sour (if not dried in time).
- They quickly lose their presentation (torn).
- Too bright foam "bunnies" and "fruits" can cause allergies.
Most perfect option for rough skin. Most often they are used by a strong half of humanity.
Usually, such washcloths are produced quite long and fix the handles on both sides - for comfortable washing of the back.
Flaws:
- Too rough (not suitable for sensitive and delicate skin).
- The quality usually leaves much to be desired.
Also made from polyethylene. Small in size, light and easy to travel, very fast drying and inexpensive - they have become very popular in Russian bathrooms.
Flaws:
- They quickly lose their presentation (unwind, tear at the base). Perhaps this is their only drawback.
They were invented back in the distant 60s by the enterprising Japanese. The washcloth is a "canvas" of specially woven nylon threads.
Pros:
- Strong and durable.
- Different hardness (you can choose according to your skin).
- They have special additives in the composition for gommage.
- It is convenient to wash (any part of the body is accessible to them).
- massage effect.
The disadvantage of the washcloth is one - a large size.
8 types of natural body washcloths - advantages and disadvantages
In the last 3-5 years in our country there has been a real (and so far never-ending) boom in purchases of goods of natural origin. People are tired of synthetics in everything, and are striving for a healthy lifestyle, which includes the use of natural materials in all areas of life.
Of course, a natural washcloth will be “closer to the body”, thanks to herbal useful components, structure and cleansing properties.
It is also worth noting the anti-cellulite and massage effect.
True, such washcloths also have disadvantages:
- Special care is needed.
- Fragility (and sometimes just disposability).
- An ideal environment for the processes of decay and reproduction of bacteria. Moreover, no matter how carefully you wash, dry and process the washcloth with special means.
Choosing a natural washcloth - the main types ...
1. Linen
An ideal product for cleansing pores, stimulating blood microcirculation and a massage quality effect.
- Excellent foaming.
- High water absorption properties.
- Long service life.
- No allergy to the material.
- Exfoliating effect.
Flaws:
- The need for meticulous care.
- Difficult to find for sale.
2. Loofah
A product from a plant called "mad cucumber".
- Perfectly and deeply cleanses the skin.
- Has massage and exfoliating properties.
- It has an anti-cellulite effect.
- Accelerates the process of cell regeneration.
- Long service life, high strength.
Flaws:
- Rough (not suitable for sensitive skin).
- Requires softening (usually it is simply soaked in hot water 15 minutes before bath).
3. Sisal
Many people have heard about the fiber obtained from agave leaves. As a rule, such washcloths are pretty woven mittens.
Among the advantages are:
- Pronounced anti-cellulite effect.
- Peeling properties and acceleration of blood circulation.
- Long service life.
There are many more disadvantages:
- Increased rigidity (too coarse washcloth). It is not recommended to use it more than twice a week. And people with abundance and sensitive skin and it is better to abandon it altogether in favor of a softer washcloth.
- Low foaming.
- Requires soaking in hot water.
- High price.
4. From bast
This bath "masterpiece of naturalism" is made from the subcortical linden layer. It is generally accepted that such a washcloth is the most beneficial for the skin of all existing natural ones.
From the pros:
- Deep pore cleansing.
- Destruction of microbes (note - the release of phytoncides during the washing process).
- Exfoliating pronounced effect.
- Low cost.
- Medium hardness and softening in water.
Flaws:
- Short "life" (bast begins to crumble).
5. From ramie
Bath item crafted from Chinese nettle. Has a mesh structure.
Advantages:
- Anti-cellulite and massage properties.
- Soft grinding action - gentle cleansing.
- Stimulation of blood circulation.
- Durability and low price.
Consumers did not find any disadvantages in such washcloths.
6. From birch bark
A useful and effective washcloth that perfectly cleanses the skin.
- It has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Has a massage effect.
- Deeply cleanses pores and successfully eliminates acne.
- Helps in the fight against orange peel.
Flaws:
- High price.
- Difficult to find for sale.
Such a brush long handle was very popular in Soviet time. Its handle and base are made of wood, and the washing part itself is made of natural bristles.
Advantages:
- Deep cleansing.
- Massaging pronounced effect.
Flaws:
- Big size.
- Rigidity (note - not suitable for frequent use).
Very gentle, delicate and pleasant to the body - with a porous soft structure. Excellent foam and do not cause skin irritation and allergies.
They can be easily used for baby skin or for cleansing delicate facial skin.
But there are also disadvantages:
- Very short life span.
- Very high cost.
- Hardens after drying.
- Requires replacement every 2-3 months.
Of course, these are not all washcloths. There are also examples for a hammam, eco-washcloths made of cellulose, and so on. The variety is great, and the choice is limited only by the wishes and the size of the wallet.
Rules for using a washcloth for washing the body and caring for it
Even children know that a washcloth, like a comb or a toothbrush, every person has - exclusively own. And, of course, the care rules apply to it to the same extent as to other items of personal use.
- We change the washcloth every 2-5 months, in accordance with the material. Artificial can be changed less often, natural - regularly!
- After the washing procedure, be sure to thoroughly rinse the washcloth and dry thoroughly.
- We treat the washcloth with antiseptic agents 1-2 times a week or soak in boiling water, if the material allows. You can use a solution of boiling water with vinegar.
- Keep washcloths away from the sun and batteries (we extend its service life).
- Do not use hard washcloths daily! The scrubbing effect can be a real headache if used more than once a week. Like scrub masks, these washcloths are recommended to be used 4-5 times a month so as not to cause irritation and inflammation of the skin.
- Do not twist washcloths when spinning (lose shape and appearance)!
- If the material allows, once a week you can wash the washcloth in the washing machine with other things.
- On every day - a soft marine or synthetic sponge.
- For easy back washing - a loofah washcloth or a brush with a long handle.
- For anti-cellulite and massage effect - hard washcloth. For example, from bast or ramie.
- For feet and elbows - Sisal washcloth.
Site site thanks you for your attention to the article! We will be very pleased if you share your opinion and feedback on your favorite washcloths!
For many, a washcloth is nothing more than an attribute of hygiene. At the same time, a properly selected washcloth can serve as a massager, scrubber. There are washcloths on the market that are very useful in the fight against ingrown hairs and orange peel. As you can see, this hygienic accessory can be useful for the body and the beauty of our body.
Choose your natural washcloth
Doctors say that washcloths made from purely natural materials are more useful, since only they are able to improve a person’s well-being and mood in a record short time. However, you need to understand that each product has its pros and cons.
One of the trends in the modern market is that natural products are slowly but surely replacing analogues from artificial materials. The reason for this is that every year everything becomes more people, leading healthy lifestyle life.
Washcloths from natural materials do not provoke an allergic reaction. At the same time, they perfectly exfoliate dead skin cells.
Disadvantages of washcloths made of natural materials:
noticeably inferior to synthetic products in terms of service life;
dry for a long time;
it is a favorable environment for microorganisms;
demanding care, which consists in thorough rinsing, drying in well-ventilated places and treatment with antibacterial agents.
In any case, in the process of choosing a washcloth, one should first of all be guided by personal preferences.
So, let's consider each type of natural washcloths in more detail.
Linen washcloths
The healing properties of flax products were known to our ancestors. After the Second World War, scientists were puzzled by scientific research on the properties of flax. The results of these studies made it possible to confirm folk wisdom regarding flax and its ability to relieve ailments. Linen products stimulate blood circulation and beneficial effect on the psyche.
The main advantage of linen washcloths is antiseptic properties. No microorganism is able to get along with flax.
Unfortunately, linen washcloths are a rare "inhabitant" of store shelves.
Loofah washcloths
Loofah is a plant belonging to the gourd family. You can often hear the second name of this representative of the plant world - "mad cucumber". Loofah fruits are very similar to zucchini. If desired, a washcloth from such material can be made at home. When ripe, the fruits are dry and fibrous inside. Therefore, to obtain a washcloth, it is enough to dry them, then soak them in water to soften the skin, and peel the “cucumbers” from the peel, and the internal fibers from the pulp. The washcloth is ready. It remains only to wash it in soapy water and dry it in the sun.
Loofah washcloths exfoliate the skin well, they have a massage and anti-cellulite effect.
It is impossible not to note the strength and long service life of such washcloths. Of course, these hygiene accessories have disadvantages:
foam does not form on the surface of the washcloth;
before use, the washcloth is pre-soaked in hot water. This softens the material.
Loofah washcloths will be a great purchase for people with oily skin . For people with thin and sensitive skin, the washcloth is not suitable: it is too rough. According to customer reviews, the presentation of washcloths-mittens after several water procedures leaves much to be desired, so it is better to purchase washcloths from a single piece.
Sisal washcloths
Sisal is a rough, durable material derived from the leaves of the Mexican agave. Ropes, twine, mattresses, brushes and washcloths are made from it.
Typically, these washcloths are available in the form of woven mittens with high peeling properties. Due to the rigidity of these washcloths should be used a maximum of twice a week. Sisal washcloths are primarily recommended for people leading fight against cellulite.
It is better to refuse such a hygiene accessory with delicate skin, a large number of moles. These washcloths need pre-soaking, do not hold foam well and are quite expensive, but they perfectly exfoliate old cells and last a long time.
Bast washcloths
Not only bast shoes and matting are woven from non-wooden wood, but also washcloths, which are considered a bathing masterpiece of naturalism, obtained from the lower part of the bark of a young linden. There is an opinion that such washcloths are the most beneficial for the skin.
Do not be afraid that the bast washcloth will be too hard. In water, the bast softens and gently exfoliates dead cells, deeply cleanses the pores, in addition, releases phytoncides. This version of washcloths does not shine with durability, but this is justified by their penny price.
Ramie washcloths
In stores, you can often see woven washcloths made from ramie - Chinese nettle. In terms of stiffness, such washcloths are somewhere between loofah and sisal. Chinese nettle hygiene item, like all hard washcloths, has anti-cellulite and massage properties. Only unlike other hard washcloths made from natural raw materials, these are gentle on the skin, gently grinding it.
Ramie washcloths are durable and relatively inexpensive. Consumers did not find any shortcomings in these washcloths.
Bristle washcloths
Such accessories are available in the form of brushes, the material for which is natural bristles. The design feature of such washcloths is a long wooden handle. They provide deep cleansing of the skin from dirt, dust and dead cells.
These washcloths are great to massage problem areas. Massage in progress in a circular motion from the wrists to the shoulders, from the shins to the thighs, bypassing the chest and areas with lymph nodes. A 2-5 minute procedure is sufficient.
Birch bark washcloths
Birch bark is a rich source of natural antiseptic betulin, which contains a lot of silver ions. Biological role betulin - protection of the tree from fungal diseases and pests (it is he who is the cause of the white color of the birch bark).
Therefore, it is safe to say that these washcloths have antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, and, therefore, help people suffering from acne.
Birch bark washcloths have a good scrubbing effect and help fight orange peel.
But, like all natural products, primordially Russian washcloths are not cheap, and besides, this is a rare commodity.
Disadvantages of birch bark washcloths: before use, the washcloth should be soaked in boiling water for 10-15 minutes; dry thoroughly after washing.
Eco washcloths
Cellulose is used as a material for such washcloths. Although they are made of wood, they are soft and elastic to the touch. Outwardly, they are very similar to foam rubber sponges, but differ in fibrous structure. Washcloths have a lot of advantages: soft; beat the foam well; after drying, they become hard, so they do not collect microbes inside themselves.
sea sponges
These are very delicate washcloths obtained from primitive multicellular organisms that undergo special processing, after which only one “skeleton” remains of them. Washcloths are sold in solid form, but after soaking, they acquire a soft porous structure. After drying, the sponges harden again, which prevents the growth of microbes in them.
Here are some of the benefits of sea sponges:
excellent whipping foam; gentle exfoliation of the skin; better than other washcloths fit for little kids.
Perhaps you will not find a more delicate natural washcloth. True, the price of sea sponges bites, and this is with a short service life. Washcloths should be changed every two to three months.
Kese mittens
The kese mitten has long been used instead of the usual washcloth in the Turkish bath. The mitten is a silk pouch with a tightening cuff or ties. Cotton and silk kese are also sold with synthetic fibers that make the washcloths tougher and more durable.
At first glance, it seems that the mitten is too delicate, but when wet, it becomes rough and provides a strong scrubbing effect.
Traditionally, kese is used in the bath and sauna, when the skin is well steamed. However, you can use such a glove at home after taking a hot bath. First, you should wash yourself with soap or shower gel, and only then walk over the body with a silk glove.
When using kese, you do not need to apply any detergents. After peeling, a warm shower is taken and applied to the body. nutritious cream or moisturizing milk. The kese mitt should not be used more than twice a week.
It is worth saying that after several procedures, the mitten becomes smooth and loses its scrubbing properties.
So, we examined the main types of washcloths made from natural materials.
How to do natural washcloth with your own hands and why should it be natural? This is covered in this video:
washcloth- our constant and faithful companion in all hygiene procedures. By what criteria to choose a washcloth, what is the difference between washcloths from different materials What is the advantage of a washcloth over a sponge?
1. Foam sponges good for daily showering. It is enough to lightly rub the foam rubber with soap or drop a few drops of shower gel on it - and you are provided with persistent abundant foam. Caring for such a sponge is quite simple: the foam rubber is well washed with running water and dries quickly.
However, foam sponges are not able to properly wash the skin: they simply slide over its surface. Too delicate sponges also do not give a peeling effect, that is, they do not exfoliate dead cells from the skin surface. In addition, foam sponges wear out very quickly.
2. Cellulose sponges outwardly similar to foam rubber, but differ from them in their structure. Foam rubber is porous, cellulose is porous-fibrous, which means it is more durable.
Cellulose sponges have one interesting feature: when dry, they are hard, hard and even somewhat reminiscent of pumice, and when wet, they soften and become almost like their foam rubber “relatives”.
The service life of a cellulose sponge is longer than that of a foam rubber sponge, but their other advantages and disadvantages are similar.
3. sea sponges are made, as you might guess, from invertebrate inhabitants of the ocean depths, processing them in a special way. The sea sponge is ideal for sensitive skin, cleanses the body well, provides a light massage effect and allows you to use shower products very economically. However, the sea sponge has 2 significant drawbacks: a very short (even compared to foam rubber) service life and an extremely high price.
4. Nylon washcloths durable and elastic, but at the same time they slowly soak, so you need to wash them carefully, and with strong pressure they even scratch the skin.
5. Viscose fiber washcloths they are quickly and evenly saturated with water, gently and gently cleanse the skin, but at the same time they become unusable very quickly.
6. Knitted washcloths very well cleanse the skin, rub and massage it. How larger mating such a washcloth, the rougher it scrubs the skin. Washing with such washcloths cannot be called delicate, but it is certainly very effective.
7. Bast washcloths made from the inner layer of linden bark. Steamed and soaked, such a washcloth becomes soft and thoroughly scrubs the skin, cleansing it from a layer of dead cells. In addition, linden fibers secrete phytoncides - biologically active substances that have a beneficial effect on the condition of the upper respiratory tract.
Bast washcloths have one serious drawback: during the washing process, the wood fiber crumbles and small particles of bast remain in the bath, which can clog the drain, so the drain hole of the bath must be protected with a grate or mesh.
8. Sisal washcloths are considered leaders among other washcloths made of natural materials. Sisal (you can also find variants of "sesal", "sisal") is a coarse fiber from the leaves of the Mexican agave, a very durable and tough material.
Sisal washcloths, usually woven or knitted, are great for deep cleansing and massage, and in some cases can even replace the scrub. However, it is not recommended to use them for daily washing, as they are quite irritating to the skin. It is enough to use sisal washcloths once a week
Attention! Never use a sisal washcloth if you have sensitive skin, lots of moles, or inflammation.
9. Luffa washcloths("luffs" or "loofs") are also quite popular. Luffa is a plant of the gourd family, better known as the "crazy cucumber". Washcloths are made from the dried fibers of this plant, which soften when wet and become stiff again when dry.
Luffa washcloth cleanses the skin well and provides a peeling effect, you can use it 1-2 times a week. Small and soft washcloths made from unripe luffa are suitable for children and people with sensitive skin. Thick, hard, with black grains interspersed with mature luffa washcloths cleanse the skin more roughly, but also more effectively.
10. Ramie washcloths are not as common as the previous species. Ramie, or Chinese nettle, is a plant of the nettle family, native to East Asia, used to create various fabric products, including washcloths. Distinctive feature ramie washcloths have a fine mesh structure, so they are perfect for massage and self-massage.
11.Rubber washcloths with a handle are somewhat out of the range presented, nevertheless they still deserve a mention, because rubber washcloths are indispensable helpers in the fight against cellulite.