8 Best Exfoliating Gloves for Your Face and Body
These mitts will work to help remove dead skin, dirt and oil.
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Exfoliating gloves can be a great addition to your skincare routine and a good option for those hesitant to explore harsher options, such as an abrasive soap or microdermabrasion. As the unsung hero for your lotions and creams, exfoliating gloves allow you to control the pressure as they buff away dead skin cells and excess oil, allowing new skin to absorb your products. "Exfoliation comes in 2 flavors — chemical and physical. Exfoliating gloves are a form of physical exfoliation," Dr. Purvisha Patel, a board-certified dermatologist, MOHS and cosmetic surgeon, and the founder of Advanced Dermatology and Skin Cancer Associates in Tennessee shares. "The dead skin is manually scrubbed off of the skin."
How to use exfoliating gloves:
Whether it's a TikTok video or your skincare savvy friend, you may be wondering where to begin with exfoliating gloves. "Ideally, they should be used in the shower with a soap and warm water," Dr. Patel reveals. The warm water will help open your pores and give better access to dirt and grime while the soap will cleanse your skin. You don't have to press too hard as the gloves are made to exfoliate and opt for a circular motion on your face and body. Just don't go overboard: "You can safely use them once a week," recommends Dr. Patel. And you shouldn't be using them with another form of exfoliation, such as a face or body scrub.
How to clean exfoliating gloves:
One of the most important things to remember is to wash your gloves between each use as bacteria can remain on them (and you don't want to reintroduce that to your pores). "You should clean exfoliating gloves by putting them in the laundry," Dr. Patel states.
What are the pros and cons of exfoliating gloves?
Exfoliating bath gloves have many benefits in addition to sloughing off dead skin and leaving your face and body smooth. Exfoliating shower gloves promote blood flow and even enhance your lymphatic system. Dr, Patel recommends exfoliating gloves for individuals "with conditions such as keratosis pilaris or strawberry legs." For someone with either of these skin conditions, you can exfoliate more frequently. However, one of the cons of at-home exfoliation with gloves is that you can overdo it. Also, exfoliating gloves are not great for all skin types. "If you have active breakouts (open wounds) and sensitive skin, this is not the right thing for you," Dr. Patel warns. Pay attention to how your skin reacts and consult a dermatologist if you aren't sure if it's for you. "Sensitive/dry skin may get more irritated with exfoliating gloves," states Dr. Patel. If this is your skin type, opt for a mild exfoliating glove and use it sparingly.
If you're interested in making exfoliating part of your routine, below you'll find the best exfoliating gloves on the market. Whether you are looking for an Amazon pick with next-day delivery or not sure whether a silk exfoliating glove is for you, we have you covered.
N°1 Illume glove 100% Silk Exfoliating Body Glove
Pros
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Glove may shrink after use
Made out of 100% intricately woven silk viscose, this lightweight glove will bring the spa to you. This exfoliating bath glove went viral on TikTok for serving as a natural, luxurious exfoliant. This isn't a product you utilize in a morning rush. Before you use it, soak your skin under warm water for 10-15 minutes for best results.
Earth Therapeutics Exfoliating Hydro Gloves
Pros
- Thick material
- Lathers well
Cons
Get a full-body exfoliation without any scratchy feeling. These gloves are thick and lather well, pairing nicely with your favorite body wash. The material is gentle on skin but still gets the job done.
Zakia'A Morocco The Original Kessa Hammam Scrubbing Glove
Pros
- Affordable
Cons
- Glove may shrink after use
The crepe fabric will easily remove dead skin cells and unclog pores. Many people on Amazon say this glove is ideal for Keratosis Pilaris. "I have suffered from Keratosis Pilaris (K.P.) for 20+ years & haven't found anything that really helped until I used this glove," one reviewer wrote.
Evridwear Exfoliating Dual Texture Bath Gloves
Pros
- Built in hangar loop to hang after use
- Comes in three different exfoliation levels
Cons
With almost 14,000 reviews and a 4.5 star rating, these are one of the most beloved gloves on Amazon. The brand offers three different exfoliations levels: white gloves for light exfoliation, blue globes for moderate exfoliation (pictured) and gray for heavy exfoliation. You can choose a lighter exfoliation for more sensitive parts of your body, and go for a more heavy-duty option for your knees and elbows.
Pros
- Flexible when wet to bend to your curves
Cons
- Elastic band can become stretched out
This exfoliating glove doubles as a washcloth leaving you with both smooth and clean skin. One side is a "soft side" allowing you to cleanse your body while the "exfoliating side" will scrub off dead skin cells and promote blood circulation. The easy-to-use sponge pad slides over your hand and contours to your curves.
EcoTools Recycled Bath and Shower Gloves
Pros
- Durable
Cons
This product is packaged in 100% recycled paper and the material of the glove itself is also made from recycled products. Many reviewers noted that these feel softer than other gloves, but still exfoliate well.
Pros
- Good for sensitive skin
Cons
This gentle exfoliating pad can handle the tough job of clogged pores. Wet both the pad and your face and use your favorite facial cleanser, cleaning in a circular motion for optimal results. If you have sensitive skin, the soft silicone is non-abrasive.
Pros
- Great for self tanner
Cons
- Expensive
This glove is made with 100% natural floss silk, so there are no other ingredients or chemicals that can potentially irritate your skin. The mitt is also good for removing the remains of your self tanner or preparing your skin for your next added glow.
Danielle James is the former Digital Beauty Director of ELLE.com. Previously, she was the Fashion and Beauty Director of HelloBeautiful.com and MadameNoire.com. She’s written for The Cut, InStyle, Allure, The Business of Fashion, Nylon, Essence, Good Housekeeping, and more. She enjoys sailing, thrifting, Japanese whiskey, Naomi Campbell’s runway walk, and Rihanna in the comment section.
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