Ingredient Breakdown: Sponge Spicules
The skincare space is notorious for fads, trends, and buzzwords — not all of which are founded in fact. A prickly little ingredient that has been gaining attention in recent years is sponge spicules. But what exactly are they? Where do they come from? Do they actually benefit our skin, or are they just another product of internet hype? Keep reading to learn the answers you need to know before applying products with this piercing exfoliant to your face or body.
What Is a Sponge Spicule?
A sponge spicule is a small, needle-like structure that naturally forms inside of freshwater sea sponge. It is mainly made up of minerals and compounds like calcium carbonate and silicon dioxide. This is what makes up the structural skeleton of the sponge and gives it its shape and strength.
In the wild, sponge spicules serve a very practical purpose. They constitute the body of the organism and protect it from predators while also regulating metabolic processes. Their cells exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide and discharge waste products without the use of a respiratory, circulatory, or excretory system.
Sponge spicules come in a variety of morphologies, depending on the species of sponge they belong to. Some can be straight while others can be curved or even spiky. Humans harvest all kinds for purposes ranging from skincare to household cleaning.
The Benefits of Sponge Spicules In Skincare
Sponge spicules have been used in skincare since the ancient civilizations of Greece. Their rugged texture and porous structure make them effective exfoliants — great for gently removing dead skin cells and unclogging pores. Regularly rubbing your skin with sponge spicules can also promote blood circulation and enhance your body’s ability to absorb skincare products.
Who Should Use Sponge Spicules?
As a natural material, sea sponge doesn’t pose the same risk of allergic reaction as an artificial sponge. However, people with sensitive skin or conditions like eczema may want to test sponge spicule products on a small area before using them extensively.
Sponge spicules are usually recommended for people with oily or acne-prone skin. Exfoliation is known to help control excess oil and remove dirt and bacteria that can lead to breakouts.
What Do Sponge Spicules Feel Like?
It’s important to realize that not every sponge you’ll come across in the beauty store is made from natural sponge spicules. Most soft sponges sold today are actually synthetic materials like polyurethane foam. These mimic the texture and feel of a real sponge, but they lack the hardness and unique qualities of organic sponge spicules.
Even natural sponges vary in their exfoliating properties. Prickliness comes down to the spicules and spongin content. The more spicules present, the pricklier the sponge will feel on your skin and vice versa.
Sponge Spicules vs. Microneedling: Which Is Better for Your Skin?
While both methods involve puncturing the skin to stimulate collagen production, the similarities between sponge spicules and microneedling end there. Each treatment involves its own unique tools and techniques, and the results can vary depending on your skin type.
Sponge spicules are a gentler option for exfoliation compared to microneedling. They do not penetrate as deeply into the skin as microneedles and are less likely to cause discomfort or bleeding. This makes them a better option for those with sensitive skin.
Microneedling offers more control over the depth of penetration into the skin and can target specific areas more precisely, which is ideal when looking to address fine lines, wrinkles, and acne scars through the same permeability benefits as sponge spicules.
How to Use Sponge Spicules the Right Way
Sponge spicules are indeed beneficial to skin — but only when used the right way. The most important thing to remember when using sponge spicules is to be gentle. The abrasive nature of the spicules can potentially damage the skin or cause irritant dermatitis if used too harshly or too often.
Step-by-step, the treatment process works as follows:
1. Cleanse your face and pat it dry before starting the treatment.
2. Wet the sponge spicules with warm water to soften them and make them more pliable for use on the skin.
3. Gently massage the spicules onto the skin in a circular motion. Start from the center of your face and work your way outwards.
Sponge spicules are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to natural skincare treatments. With their gentle exfoliating abilities, they can help improve the texture and appearance of the skin while also reducing acne scars. However, it’s important to remember that these spicules should be used with caution and in moderation. Education is the first step anyone can take in making the most informed decisions when it comes to skincare products. Downloading the Think Dirty App is the second.
Clean With Confidence Using the Think Dirty App
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