Skin exfoliants run the gamut from sugar scrubs to acids, promising to banish dullness and dry patches. Many of these products come in pricey little bottles that only last a few months before needing to be replenished. But if you ask many women in West Africa, there’s a better — and more affordable — alternative: the African net sponge.
What are African net sponges?
African net sponges, sometimes called “sapo,” are netted sponges originating in West Africa (think countries such as Ghana, Ivory Coast, and Nigeria). The first net sponges were made of simple fishing nets and were ideal for those who didn’t take a full shower daily. By applying a minimal amount of water and soap to the sponges, they could still thoroughly cleanse their bodies, removing any dirt, oil, and dead cells on the skin.
Even as bathing habits and indoor plumbing have evolved, people in West Africa — and across the continent — continue to rely on these slightly abrasive sponges. Modern African net sponges are made of a stretchy, nylon mesh with knots to buff away rough patches. They’re cut into long rectangular pieces, making them the perfect way to exfoliate hard-to-reach spots on the back and elsewhere on the body.
Skin benefits of African net sponges
At first glance, African net sponges appear to be nothing more than long, synthetic loofahs. However, when made in the authentic style, these knotted pieces of mesh are arguably better at smoothing dull and uneven skin — and they might even be superior to your favorite exfoliating scrubs and washes. African net sponges are said to help with dryness, eczema, acne and clogged pores (particularly on the back), and keratosis pilaris (rough, bumpy patches caused by an excess of keratin). African net sponges may also improve circulation in the skin and even stimulate the lymphatic system, similar to dry brushing.
The sponges are known to be durable, often lasting at least a year or two before needing to be replaced. This makes them a much more affordable and environmentally friendly alternative to many other loofahs, bath sponges, and bottled chemical exfoliants. And if you’re concerned about bacteria building up on the sponge, there’s little need to worry: Thanks to their open weave design, African net sponges dry quickly, before bacteria and mold have a chance to grow. Still, it’s recommended that you wash the bathing accessory once a week. Soak the fabric in an antibacterial solution or throw it in the washing machine to freshen it up.
How to exfoliate with an African net sponge
Before we get into how to use an African net sponge, there’s one disclaimer to get out of the way: The meshy material, while great for your body, might not be suitable for your face. If you have sensitive skin or open sores, for instance, it’s probably better to stick to gentler exfoliators for your face to prevent irritation. Otherwise, the African net sponge may be safe to use on your visage, as long as you proceed with caution. Go slow and consider performing a patch test on just one part of your face before exfoliating the entire area. Additionally, you might want to keep a separate sponge for your face and your body for hygiene purposes.
With that out of the way, here’s how to use an African net sponge to buff away dull, dry skin:
- Wet the sponge in warm water until it softens.
- Apply soap to the sponge. Note that the net material suds up easily, so you may not need as much product as you would typically use for a washcloth or other style of sponge.
- Apply to the skin, working in circular motions and stretching the material to reach your back. Try not to apply too much pressure. The knots in the sponge will exfoliate without the need for scrubbing.
- Once you’re done, rinse the sponge, squeeze out any excess water, and hang it to dry.
- You can repeat the process every day during your regular shower routine or less frequently, depending on your personal preferences and skin type. If you already use another type of physical exfoliator (such as a body scrub) or a chemical exfoliant (such as a body wash with salicylic acid), washing daily with an African net sponge could result in irritation, so adjust as needed.
How to choose an authentic African net sponge
African net sponges may have a simple design, but be aware that there are dupes and fakes on the market. In a super informative TikTok, skincare brand Bellanomi shared the signs to look for when purchasing an African net sponge. First, genuine African mesh will have knots in the lattice, while many fake versions have no knots. Moreover, the material should be springy and flexible, rather than hard and stiff. Ideally, the sponge will also come from an African country to ensure authenticity.
To help you weed through the duds, we handpicked a few of our faves:
AFRIKI African Net Sponge Exfoliating Washcloth, 2 Pieces
This wallet-friendly pack comes from a black-owned brand and includes two sponges, each in a different color. Use one for yourself and give the other to your partner or roommate (or keep it as a backup).
Bellanomi African Exfoliating Net Sponge
From the brand that taught TikTok what an African net sponge really is, plus this product comes in over two dozen colors so you can make your bland showering routine a little brighter.
Cee Cee’s Closet African Exfoliating Net
A top-reviewed product with plenty of repeat buyers, and it’s designed to last over two years. We’re sold!