Latest Skin Care Craze from Asia

Dr. Jessica Wu: Hollywood Dermatologist 
Jw-week7-the-latest-skin-care-craze-from-asia
One of my patients, a Japanese pop star with clear, poreless skin, first told me about konjac sponges a few years ago. She’s very serious about her skin care, and told me that she uses these sponges to wash her face every day. I’ve recently seen them in the US, so I predict they’ll be the next Asian-inspired skin care fad. Want to be the first of your friends to be in the know? Here’s the scoop:
What is a konjac sponge? A konjac sponge is made of plant starch that’s extracted from a type of potato plant. The sponge absorb a lot of water, so it has a unique texture, kind of like a thick piece of squishy felt. It’s more nubby than a dish sponge, but softer than a loofah and has a finer texture than a washcloth so it’s safe to use on your face. Because of its bouncy, rubbery texture, it makes a rich lather and requires less cleanser that you would normally need. It dries quickly, so it’s more hygienic than a washcloth. Plus they are affordable (I get mine for less than $2 each), so you can change them frequently without having to worry about ruining your washcloths with makeup.
How do konjac sponges help your skin? They dislodge dirt, oil, makeup, and impurities to deep clean your skin, so they’re helpful for those with acne and large pores. They can help slough off dead, dry skin flakes that are a sign of sun damage. They can also help remove stubborn, water resistant sunscreen.
How do you use a konjac sponge? First, soak your sponge in warm water for at least five minutes to soften the fibers and avoid injuring your skin. Splash your face with warm water and squeee a few drops of cleanser onto the sponge. Massage in a circular motion, concentrating on trouble areas and avoiding areas with healing pimples, infections, or abrasions. Rinse face with warm water and pat dry. Thoroughly rinse the sponge with warm water, squeeze out excess, and let air dry.

BEAUTY BONUS from DR. JESSICA WU
Smart Snacking
The same plant starch that goes into konjac face sponges is also used to make a type of low calorie, zero carb noodle called konnyaku noodles (also called shirataki noodles). I get mine at my local Whole Foods market.

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