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.
Whoa, I have been wanting to try this one out, but wasn't sure which one to get. I will probably go for the sensitive as it is safer for my skin type. Have you personally seen the benefits of using this alone?
http://skjonnhet.blogspot.com
Yeah, I was feeling drawn to the Pink Clay meant for tired and devitalized skin, but settled for the Green Clay, thinking it was a safer pick. I used this by itself for morning and night for a week before getting into Dr. Alkaitis, and maybe my mind is exaggerating things, but I remember being pretty happy with how calm blemish-wise my skin was that week. Especially since I was just coming from cleansing with honey, I found the sponge much gentler and much less drying. I do hope you try one and write about it!!
Hey Jade
I'm new to green beauty and your blog's helped me a lot so I'd like to say a huge thank you (:
Now, a question: I recently purchased a Konjac sponge and (this may sound really stupid … ) I don't know which side of the sponge to use :/ Do I use the flat side to massage my face or the dome-shaped side? Or both?
Best wishes
C
Hi C! Welcome to the green beauty world! I'm so glad to hear my blog has helped you along your journey 🙂
No worries! You can use any side depending on how you feel! I like using the dome side around my eyes and the flat side all around my face. It is very customizable 🙂
Best,
Jade
Hi Jade! Thanks for the quick reply! Green beauty bloggers are the best, they're always so helpful and nice (: Unfortunately, I'm too shy to join you guys, but know that you have a silent supporter all the way!
And I don't know if you're into sustainable fashion, but I curate a small (anonymous) tumblr on it: http://curateds.tumblr.com/
I was actually introduced to green beauty through sustainable fashion 😉
That's awesome! The funny thing is green beauty led me to inspect my ways of eating and living and motivated me to be healthier and kinder to myself and my body 🙂