Let me start by saying this little blue sponge has become a shower staple for me. At first glance, it looks like any other bath sponge, but don't let its simple appearance fool you - this dermatologist-developed exfoliator delivers where others fall short.

What I love most is how it strikes the perfect balance between being effective yet gentle. Unlike harsh loofahs that leave my skin feeling raw or those puffy netted ones that just glide over skin without doing anything, the Buf-Puf actually removes dead skin cells without irritation. The textured side provides just enough abrasion to make my skin feel thoroughly clean without being painful.

The lathering capability is impressive too. With just a quarter-sized amount of body wash, I get rich, luxurious suds that last through my entire shower. And unlike some exfoliating tools that soak up all the water and dilute the soap, this maintains the perfect soap-to-water ratio.

I've found it works wonders on rough areas like elbows and knees, but is gentle enough for daily use on most body parts (though they do make a peach-colored version specifically for more delicate areas). After use, my skin feels baby-soft and perfectly prepped for moisturizer.

While it doesn't have a hanging hook, I simply place mine in a wire caddy where it dries completely between uses - no musty smells or mildew issues. After several weeks of use, it's holding up well with no signs of breaking down or losing its exfoliating power.

Is it pricier than a basic washcloth? Absolutely. But for the level of exfoliation and cleanliness it provides, I consider it completely worth the investment in my skincare routine.