African body sponge

Get your net sponges right now! I promise, I'll never bathe with anything else...

Used throughout West Africa, each country has a name for it. These sponges have been around for decades! In Ghana, it is called SAPO and costs a few cedis at local markets. In other places, it can be called Jampus, Fouo, Akoussa or net.

It is a bathing net sponge, made out of nylon, similar to a loofah, except it is not a ball-like shape, and is not as soft.

Sapo is actually known for its roughness, and that is what people love about it since it is used to scrub and exfoliate the skin. Since it is a very long piece of nylon you can reach places a cloth or loofah can not, like your back. If you are not used to body scrub, it may feel a bit rough on your skin at first but then you get used to it and above all you see the results : a smooth and refreshed skin!

It is recommanded to replace it every couple of years but people are different, so you choose! Also, do not use it on your face where the skin is more sensitive.

It is not a village thing that people use only in remote areas ( let’s stop with the stereotypes once and for all !), Sapo is used by everyone in cities as well as in villages!

HOW TO USE IT?

Well, again it all depends on countries or people and you cannot go wrong with scrubbing as long as you do not do it too often or too hard! Here are a few tips I have gathered from friends using it:

• Moisten the sponge and lather your African black soap simultaneously by rubbing it.

• After your shower, shake the sponge to remove any water and allow to dry.

• Use 3 times per week on normal to dry skin or daily on oily skin.

• Before first use, heat in boiling water to soften the texture.

BENEFITS:

•Increases the foam and reduces the amount of soap and water needed for a shower.

•Dries faster than the shower flower or washcloth and prevents the accumulation of germs.

• Allows to effectively clean all areas of the body including the back !

• Improves blood circulation.

• Reinforce the effectiveness of your cream or balm after the bath thanks to a better absorption by the skin.

• Fights against ingrown hairs.

• Easy to clean in the washing machine at 30 °C.

• Different textures and meshes allow use for adults and children

• Very practical and light, it gets carried everywhere!

 from Benin Republic