We can explain the appeal of the best exfoliating gloves like this: Have you ever spent a long weekend on the beach, only to realize that the sand gently smoothed your entire body? That subtle exfoliation sneaks up on you, but it feels so good, especially when you apply a nourishing body lotion or oil. Who knew we navigate life with a layer of dead skin suffocating our healthier cells—and who knew it felt so good to shed that layer?
Lastly, who knew that there were grit-coated gloves that could emulate this head-to-toe smoothness? (A bunch of people who self-tan, that’s who.) Admittedly, until recently, we wrote them off as exactly that—a tan prep too. But now we know better, and now you do, too: So read on for more about the best exfoliating gloves.
How Exfoliation Gloves WorkExfoliation gloves have a gritty exterior, like a loofah or dry brush, and they work by rubbing the gloves all over your body. (Many of them are gentle enough for the face, but you should take extra caution there. Better yet, skip the face with your gloves and opt for a facial scrub or chemical exfoliant instead, since it is otherwise too easy to injure that delicate skin.)
You use exfoliation gloves in the shower. You want skin to be freshly cleansed and relaxed, so make sure to have the water on a mild to warm setting, and to lather on your body ash or soap prior to the scrubbing. You can even build a lather with the gloves, if you so choose. Scrub from the shoulders down, in clockwise motions or counterclockwise motions. Take it easy in your nether regions, OK? These gloves are great for use before shaving any body parts, to prevent razor clogging and dragging, and to lift away any loose hairs.
Just as you wouldn’t keep a loofah for more than a month, so too should you replace exfoliation gloves after a month or so of use. Of course, exceptions may exist depending on the type of materials used (and their quality). But the monthlong benchmark is best for ensuring the gloves stay in top form and don’t accumulate bacteria.
As you dry off, your skin should already feel refreshed. Now is when you can apply a body lotion or oil. Repeat the scrubdown twice weekly, thrice tops. You don’t want to over-exfoliate, otherwise you risk some serious irritation.
The Best Elastic Exfoliation Gloves
Amazon
Bamboo charcoal bristles do the heavy lifting in these gloves, which themselves expand to fit your hands.
The Best Exfoliation Mitt
Amazon
A gentle viscose mitt that easily wrings clean after use.
The Best Facial Exfoliation Glove
Dermstore
If you want to use a glove to scrub your face, then use one designed for it, which will be gentler from the onset.
The Best Exfoliation Glove Bulk Supply
Amazon
This 12-pair nylon pack should last you a full calendar year.
The Best Exfoliation Glove for Self Tanners
Sephora
This mitt helps even-out skin after a tan, and remove dead, dry patches so that you can get an even glow after the fact.
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