Why You Need To Try A Konjac Sponge Now: Saje Natural Wellness

There has been a ton of buzz around “konjac sponges” lately. Frankly, I was sitting here wondering what the hell a konjac sponge is. I got to researching this latest beauty darling import from Japan and was pretty impressed at what I was reading.

My sister Erika is a devotee of this little sponge made of 100% natural vegetable fibres (cellulose), water and charcoal powder. She used to work at Saje Wellness in Toronto and would always mention that she would get me one to review…if they were ever restocked. Due to their overwhelming popularity, I could never actually get my hands on Saje Wellness’ Bamboo Charcoal Konjac Kare Sponges until now.

So yeah – what is a konjac sponge, you ask? Well, it is a soft and squishy (when wet) little sponge used to cleanse your face. Great at exfoliating gently, these sponges rid the face of dirt, oil and blackheads. Konjac sponges are particularly interesting too as the nature of konjac root (the main ingredient of the sponge) is highly “hydrophilic” – meaning it a serious water lover. Once wet, the konjac sponge feels almost rubbery, yet is extremely soft. I liken it to rubbing your face with a rubbery brownie. Seriously.

Saje Wellness’ Konjac Kare Sponge is 100% natural, biodegradable and enriched with pH balancing bamboo charcoal which effectively controls oil. After using for a few days, I was sold. My skin looked a whole lot brighter and was very smooth to the touch.

Unlike many exfoliating scrubs, lotions and creams, the Konjac Kare Sponge never dried out my skin. Frankly, it was fun to use too. I loved the whole process of soaking it with water, scrubbing my face gently with it, rinsing it out and then storing it on its pretty vented case to dry.

No need to add cleanser to this little facial sponge. Simply wetting it and massaging your face in a circular motion will exfoliate, balance and reduce oil while cleaning your pores. I’m all for reducing a little of my face’s oil production. Sometimes I feel like I can fry an egg on my face, I get so oily! Don’t get me wrong though. I love myself a dewy glow.

If you want, feel free to add your favourite cleanser to the sponge. I generally use it with my favourite mild foaming cleanser. This duo makes for a stellar cleansing routine.

Some Konjac Kare Sponge Tips:

1. Saje Wellness’ Konjac Care Sponges are good for approximately 100 uses (about two months if used twice daily).
2. Soak the sponge in warm water for about 3-5 minutes before using to soften.
3. Press out the excess water before using. DO NOT WRING OUT! This will damage the sponges fibres and shorten its lifespan.
4. Dry it by storing on top of its vented case or hang to dry using its little string.
5. Keep your konjac sponge in its cute little case when travelling to keep it protected.

The Benefits

As mentioned, after using the konjac sponge for about a week, my skin looked lit from within – much brighter. Since it exfoliates gently, I quickly ridded my face of the peeling skin thanks to my Barbados sunburn. My makeup went on smoother and more evenly. I use my sponge daily, but if you feel that your skin is a little sensitive after a few days of straight use, reduce to one to three times a week. Also, if you are using any retinoid creams or medications such as Accutane, consult your dermatologist first before using!

I also noticed that I used less of my prized cleanser as the sponge lathered up beautifully with less product. This is a major score for me as I dedicate what seems like a huge portion of my salary to my favourite skincare products.

Since the konjac sponge also dries very quickly, bacteria and mold don’t thrive in it like they would in a washcloth. Furthermore, those who are acne-prone may benefit greatly from using konjac sponges as they help unclog pores better than other sponges, washcloths and your hands, therefore reducing product buildup from foundations, powders, sunscreens, etc.

If you have pimples, scratches or excessively dry skin, don’t go crazy on those areas with the konjac sponge. Let these heal first before using.

Have you tried Saje Wellness’ Bamboo Charcoal Konjac Kare Sponge? If so, how did you like it? Let me know in the comments!