Vigorous exfoliation is completely unnecessary. Using a gentle cleanser and a cotton washcloth is all you need for your skin. Exfoliation causes irritation and also drives bacteria and fungus into the skin to cause complications later.

Loofah sponges should be outlawed. They are a bacteria hotel and their guests are waiting to dive down into your pores every time you use them. Once again, I recommend cleansing with a gentle nondetergent cleanser such as Vanicream Cleansing Bar, which has no detergents, fragrances, or preservatives, and using a gentle cotton washcloth.