Linen
For those with sensitive skin prone to irritation, a natural linen sponge may be the ideal choice. Linen sponges, especially when combined with organic soap, provide gentle and delicate cleansing. They are often available in the form of a cloth, strip, or glove and feel similar to a soft, plush towel. Despite their softness, linen sponges effectively clean the skin, massage the body, and provide light exfoliation without irritating the skin.
In our store, you can always find linen sponges with organic soap, which are hard to come by elsewhere. They are perfect for delicate skin, do not damage the epidermis, and ensure gentle care.
Straw
Straw sponges are one of the most traditional Russian bath accessories. Our ancestors used bunches of straw for washing in the bath, sometimes replacing them with herbal sponges. Medicinal herbs could even help treat skin diseases. Straw sponges are simple to make: a bunch of straw or herbs is scalded with water to soften it. Their downside is their short lifespan, but this is also an advantage as single-use sponges prevent the spread of diseases from bath to bath.
Bast Fiber (Lykova)
Bast fiber sponges are the most traditional type of Russian sponges. They are made from linden bast, which is steamed before use to soften it. Despite its apparent softness, a bast fiber sponge is resilient and excellent for cleaning the skin. Few modern sponges can compare with bast fiber in terms of cleansing and massaging properties.
Cloth
Sometimes a piece of rough fabric, like burlap or sackcloth, was used as a sponge. These materials are a type of bast fiber sponge but made with processed bast. In some regions, cloth sponges were popular, but they were less effective than bast fiber sponges and more expensive, so they didn't become widespread.
Conclusion
Despite the variety of modern sponges, many still prefer traditional Russian options — bast fiber or straw. If you want to experience an authentic Russian bath, try these time-tested accessories.
For those with sensitive skin prone to irritation, a natural linen sponge may be the ideal choice. Linen sponges, especially when combined with organic soap, provide gentle and delicate cleansing. They are often available in the form of a cloth, strip, or glove and feel similar to a soft, plush towel. Despite their softness, linen sponges effectively clean the skin, massage the body, and provide light exfoliation without irritating the skin.
In our store, you can always find linen sponges with organic soap, which are hard to come by elsewhere. They are perfect for delicate skin, do not damage the epidermis, and ensure gentle care.
Straw
Straw sponges are one of the most traditional Russian bath accessories. Our ancestors used bunches of straw for washing in the bath, sometimes replacing them with herbal sponges. Medicinal herbs could even help treat skin diseases. Straw sponges are simple to make: a bunch of straw or herbs is scalded with water to soften it. Their downside is their short lifespan, but this is also an advantage as single-use sponges prevent the spread of diseases from bath to bath.
Bast Fiber (Lykova)
Bast fiber sponges are the most traditional type of Russian sponges. They are made from linden bast, which is steamed before use to soften it. Despite its apparent softness, a bast fiber sponge is resilient and excellent for cleaning the skin. Few modern sponges can compare with bast fiber in terms of cleansing and massaging properties.
Cloth
Sometimes a piece of rough fabric, like burlap or sackcloth, was used as a sponge. These materials are a type of bast fiber sponge but made with processed bast. In some regions, cloth sponges were popular, but they were less effective than bast fiber sponges and more expensive, so they didn't become widespread.
Conclusion
Despite the variety of modern sponges, many still prefer traditional Russian options — bast fiber or straw. If you want to experience an authentic Russian bath, try these time-tested accessories.
