With any body care routine, the first (and most important) step is a thorough cleanse–this goes for all skin from head to toe. Whether you prefer to soak in a bath or take a shower, your options for washing your body vary. You can use washcloths, loofahs, net sponges, or your hands to achieve refreshed, rejuvenated skin.

However, if you’ve ever wondered if a loofah cleans better than a washcloth, or simply want to know which cleansing method is best for your skin, you’re not alone. To find out once and for all, we asked three board-certified dermatologists to weigh in on the pros and cons of each tool. Read their insights ahead.

The Science Behind Washing Your Body

Before discussing the advantages of each cleansing tool, it’s important to understand the benefits of washing your body in general. “Regular washing removes dirt, oils, and microorganisms like bacteria and fungi from your skin,” says dermatologist Adam Mamelak, MD.

Cleansing your skin is also the best way to prevent clogged pores. According to dermatologist Courtney Rubin, MD, when dirt and debris clog your pores, it can lead to unwanted breakouts on your body. Another key benefit of bathing can include gentle exfoliation, depending on which tool you use. “Washing that includes gentle exfoliation can remove dead skin cells from the surface of the skin, leading to smoother, softer skin,” Dr. Rubin adds.

Washcloth

Washcloths are among the most common and popular cleansing tools, providing a mildly abrasive barrier between your hand and skin. According to Dr. Mamelak, they are a good option if you’re looking for a cost-effective approach, as washcloths are available at every price point. However, not all of them are made equally. Depending on where you shop, your washcloth could be made from cotton, microfiber, bamboo, or linen.

Choosing the softest fabric possible is best to avoid damaging your skin barrier. If you prefer a washcloth with more texture, refrain from washing your skin too aggressively to prevent irritation. To maintain hygienic practices, our experts say it’s best to use a new washcloth each time you shower. After each use, wring the water from your washcloth and hang it in a dry place to prevent bacterial growth. Be sure to wash them regularly as well.

Loofah

Loofahs are characterized by their rough, spongy, and fibrous texture. They’ve become a staple bathing tool because of their skin benefits, helping to cleanse and stimulate circulation. “Loofahs are also popular because their abrasive texture can help physically exfoliate dead skin cells,” Dr. Rubin adds.

While a high-quality loofah can enhance smoothness, using one more than twice a week can potentially damage your skin barrier or cause redness. Those with sensitive skin or chronic skin conditions (like eczema or psoriasis) should avoid using loofahs altogether.

To further avoid irritation or infection, keeping your loofah clean is crucial. “Loofahs can be a breeding ground for bacteria when they sit in a moist shower environment and never really dry,” Dr. Rubin says.

A good rule of thumb is to place your loofah in a dry area with sufficient ventilation. Dr. Mamelak recommends cleaning them in the washing machine on high heat. Alternatively, he says you can soak them in baking soda, white vinegar or diluted bleach and let them air dry. “Loofahs should be cleansed weekly to prevent bacteria from growing in them,” he says. Our experts also recommend switching out your loofah for a new one every few weeks.

Net Sponges

Net sponges, an open-weave washcloth used in Africa for centuries, are similar to loofahs in texture. “Net sponges are typically made of nylon,” Dr. Mamelak says.

Loofahs and net sponges also mimic each other in function. “Nets have become more popular because they have many of the same physical exfoliation benefits of the loofah but [because of their porous fabric] are more likely to dry more quickly between uses, making them more sanitary,” Dr. Rubin says. 

However, net sponges don’t come without cons to consider. Dr. Rubin says that just as with any exfoliating tool, if the net is used too harshly on the skin, it can disrupt the skin barrier, especially for those who experience eczema flares, redness, irritation, and post-inflammatory pigmentation.

On the upside, net sponges don’t have to be replaced or washed as often as loofahs. With gentle machine or hand washing, most can last one to two years. “I recommend following up with the manufacturer of your net for specific [storage and maintenance] recommendations,” Dr. Rubin says.

Hands

Some people ditch the extra wash tools and use their hands to cleanse their bodies. Dermatologists revere this method as an effective way to cleanse, especially for patients with sensitive skin. “This is how I generally recommend my patients to wash,” Dr. Rubin says. “Washing with your hands is gentle on the skin and prevents over-exfoliating and skin barrier disruption.” Another plus? According to Dr. Mamelak, using your hands to wash is more convenient and cost-effective than any other method. 

But if you’re looking for exfoliation, the experts say you won’t quite get that experience with just your hands. In the case that you choose to use your hands to wash up, it’s essential to take specific safety steps. “I always recommend washing with clean hands, and rinsing all soap residue from the skin completely as soap suds left on the skin can cause irritation and contact dermatitis,” Dr. Rubin says. 

A Combination

In certain cases, it can be worth sudsing up for a double cleanse. Of course, you don’t want to overwash or overexfoliate, stripping the skin of its natural oils, so be mindful of any irritation, and always follow your cleanse with a body lotion or moisturizer. But, in the case of needing a deeper cleanse, maybe to ensure skin is squeaky clean after an extra sweaty workout or time spent on the beach covered in SPF and sand, or if you’re trying to remove a spray tan– similar to sometimes shampooing your hair twice– you may want to smooth on your body cleanser with your hands and follow it up with a washcloth or mitt for deeper exfoliation. In the case of needing a deeper exfoliation for spray tan removal, there are exfoliating mitts created for this exact purpose. We like the Dolce Glow Exfoliation Mitt. You definitely wouldn’t want to use this daily, though, as its purpose is to remove the top layer of skin with your leftover tan.

The key, no matter how you cleanse, though, is to use a gentle cleanser, says dermatologist Morayo Adisa, MD. “Use a gentle hydrating cleanser that is formulated for your skin type.” Her personal preference for the accompanying tool is “a washcloth or gentle loofah that wouldn’t irritate the skin with use.”

The Final Takeaway

Each cleansing method–washcloths, loofahs, net sponges, hands, and exfoliation mitts—offers unique pros and cons. Choosing which is best for you depends on your individual needs, the skincare results you’d like to see, and how often you want to wash your tool. “The truth is, it’s hard to choose just one method,” Dr. Mamelak says. “[The decision should] depend on the individual’s skin and skin type.”