Though it looks like a kitchen sponge, the Konjac sponge has earned its place in Asian beauty routines because of its many benefits. Read on for a rundown on what it is, how it works and its benefits.

What Is It?
If you've never seen one, a Konjac sponge, $10, looks kind of like a kitchen sponge. It's squishy and made of a porous, potato-like plant found in Asia. The Japanese have eaten it for over 1,500 years and have used it in their beauty treatments for the past 100 years.

Benefits
The Konjac sponge is mainly used for cleansing and exfoliating both face and body. It can be used with or without an actual cleanser; If you do use one, you'll need a lot less than you normally would. One of the biggest benefits of the sponge is how gentle it is. In fact, it's so gentle, it can even be used on babies and is a great alternative to harsh shampoos and soaps.

It's a great exfoliator, and because it's so gentle, it can be used daily. This means a beautiful glow for you. Depending on which variety you choose, these spongy darlings can also help you fight acne and absorb oil. There is one for dry, sensitive skin, too. The sponges are also used to remove makeup, though you should use a regular makeup remover for your eyes - you don't want any traces of mascara left behind. Another lovely benefit is that these babies are 100% biodegradable, so you can compost them when you're done.

How It Works
Konjac is full of antioxidants and vitamins A through E. It also has proteins, fatty acids, magnesium and other vitamins that are excellent for your skin. It has natural cleansing properties, so some people use just water, especially first thing in the morning when regular cleansers can be too harsh and drying.

How to Use It
When the sponge is dry, it's hard. To avoid damaging your skin, make sure to wet it thoroughly first. You can either let it soak for 5 minutes or just run it under warm water, squeezing every so often. Once it's nice and squishy, the fun starts. Using the flat side, gently rub it across your face in a circular motion for a minute or so. Rinse with warm water and you're done.

If you'd like to use a cleanser with it, simply add a little to your sponge and work up a nice lather - just like you're doing dishes - and follow the same routine. When you're finished, gently squeeze out the excess water and let it air-dry. One Konjac sponge should last you between 4 to 6 weeks.