No, sorry, there is no new study that says eating tator tots is beneficial for your face, let alone smearing them over your face. (Personally, I’m waiting for the bacon study. I’m obsessed with bacon.) But, the konjac potato packs a pretty good punch: protein, carbohydrate, iron, phosphorus, copper, zinc, vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin D, more vitamins, and even more vitamins.
The Japanese have used the konjac (that’s “KOHN-yak” to you) vegetable as a beauty treatment for their skin for over a century, as well as for medicine and food, but this sponge, made out of konjac plant fibre, is not for eating.
Description
“A naturally moisture rich plant fibre which is by nature alkaline, and thus balances the acidity of the skins impurities and oils. The unique net like structure of the sponge, gently massages the skin and stimulates blood flow and new growth of skin cells. Leaving the skin extremely clean and refreshed…..naturally! No need for additional cleansers or soaps unless you really want. Should you chose to use additional cleansers or soap, you can use a fraction of your usual amount, as the sponge will generate more bubbles and spread the cleaner further than usual.”
(source: The Konjac Sponge Co.)
I have the French Green Clay version for normal to oily skin and there are several different kinds (and colors!) for different skin types. The half-sphere sponge fits neatly into my palm and seems small and stiff when dry, but expands and softens upon soaking up water. My first impression: THIS IS SO CUTE.
One and a half months later, I still think it’s cute (I know, it’s just a sponge, but still) and I really enjoy using this as my morning cleanser. Different people say different things about cleansing in the morning; some say you should cleanse off the oil that has accumulated overnight, and others say it’s unnecessary. In this winter cold, I want to do everything I can to minimize dryness, but on the other hand, cleansing off excess oil can’t be too much of a bad thing. Previously, I had been using pure, raw, local honey as a cleanser, but found it drying as the days got colder. This sponge, however, is uber gentle and leaves my skin feeling soft, clean, but not taut or dry. I wouldn’t say this is a super flake killer, but it makes for a good, gentle exfoliation session.
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For science (*points finger in air dramatically), I tried a couple ways of cleansing with the sponge.
1. Alone
My favorite method because it’s easy. Good for morning cleansing or post-makeup removal at night. I just soak the sponge up and gently massage away. The sponge’s soft texture makes for a nice morning wake-up and is okay around the eyes too.
2. With another cleanser
Post-makeup removal, I squirted my other cleanser love, Dr. Alkaitis Purifying Facial Cleanser, onto my hand, into which I dabbed the wet sponge, and then massaged into my face. This cleanser on its own plus fingers actually can get some good, gentle foaming action which was slightly reduced with the sponge. It got the same job done, but the Dr. Alkaitis product brochure recommends using this cleanser with fingers and that’s personally what I like better, too. This time I stayed away from the eyes since the Dr. Alkaitis cleanser is not recommended for around the eye.
3. To remove water-based makeup
Konjac Sponge Co.‘s website has more thorough info as far as care and usage along with a video demo which are all very helpful especially if you want to prolong the longevity of the sponge. In short, always rinse before and after usage, let dry after usage, and after it has breathed its last (usually around 3 months), you can stick it in a plant pot and it’ll hold moisture for your plant. Also, it’s $9 from Spirit Beauty Lounge, which is where I bought it from. Extra cute, right?
P.s. if you want to see more pictures and read an opinion on the Red French Clay version, you should read Naturally Marcy’s take.
nephriticus 