Buying guide for Best exfoliating gloves
A significant component of any good skincare routine is exfoliation. By regularly removing the dead layers of skin that naturally occur on the body, you can maintain healthy skin that looks vibrant and makes you feel good.
There are physical and chemical ways to exfoliate. One popular physical option is the exfoliating glove. This method calls for the user to wear a glove while in the shower or bath, gently and methodically running it over the body to remove dead skin cells. Consumers appreciate exfoliating gloves because they afford a lot of manual control. You can use your fingers to apply pressure as needed to different parts of the body, such as around the toes or along the neck.
Exfoliating gloves may seem like simple products, but you could hurt your skin if you were to use one improperly. For this reason, it’s important to select the right glove for your needs and to understand the best way to use it.
Key considerations
How to use an exfoliating glove
Exfoliating gloves allow you to slough dead cells from your skin using the dexterity of your hands and fingers. You put the glove on one hand, typically your dominant hand, and gently run it along your body where you’d like to exfoliate. As mentioned, this is done in the bath or shower when your skin and glove are wet.
Incorporate soap, body wash, or body scrub with the glove. Run the glove over your body in small, circular motions. Quality gloves will quickly create a lather so you’re cleansing and exfoliating your skin simultaneously. It’s usually okay to pass over each part of your body a few times with the glove, but avoid overdoing it, as this could lead to irritation.
You may use an exfoliating glove several days a week or once each day, depending on your skin and the type of glove used. In some cases, you may want to focus daily on tougher skin areas, like the feet, while tending to other areas less frequently to avoid irritation.
Your skin type
Physical exfoliation is ideal for people with oily and normal skin. For people with dry or sensitive skin, however, contact will likely be too abrasive. The process of exfoliation dries out the skin, so if you already have dry skin, you could encounter issues. What’s more, the physical scrubbing and rubbing could irritate sensitive skin. People with combination skin can find an exfoliating glove that benefits them, though it may take some trial and error.
Every skin type is different, and the softness of the glove, the body wash used, and the amount of pressure exerted during the process will all influence the reaction.
Softness
Some exfoliating gloves are especially soft while others are coarse. If you’re using an exfoliating glove for the first time, you may wish to try a softer one to minimize irritation. If you have oily skin, a coarser option may help increase cell turnover and diminish clogged pores.
A coarse glove is likely to be preferred for feet, knees, and elbows. However, if you intend to use a glove on your face or other delicate regions of the body, a softer glove is ideal.
Material
Most exfoliating gloves are made from 100% nylon, which is durable and effective while resisting bacteria buildup. Nylon gloves are also easy to clean. More advanced gloves may comprise a variety of materials, such as cotton or viscose, a type of rayon.
Exfoliating gloves don’t have the reach that exfoliating brushes do. As a result, exfoliating your back may prove tricky. Consider investing in an exfoliating brush for those hard-to-reach spots.
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Features
Color
Exfoliating gloves come in numerous colors. While color has no effect on its quality or effectiveness, it can add a splash of personality to your bathroom if you’re looking for an accent. Glove color is also helpful for differentiating purposes if multiple people in the home use exfoliating gloves.
Bundles
In some cases, you may be able to purchase a pair of exfoliating gloves or a set of pairs. Often, this is a more economical option, with the price per glove being less than if you were to buy a singleton. Exfoliating gloves should be replaced fairly frequently anyhow, so it’s helpful to have a new one ready when the time comes.
DID YOU KNOW?
An exfoliating glove can help coax out ingrown hairs before shaving.
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Hanging loop
Most exfoliating gloves have a hanging loop on the end, which you can use to secure it to a hook in the bathroom. This is convenient when retrieving and setting aside the glove and also creates a place for it to hang dry. A hanging loop is a simple feature that can make a huge difference if you don’t have a useful spot to house the glove.
CAUTION
Avoid open sores and scrapes when exfoliating, as this can exacerbate wounds and disrupt healing.
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Exfoliating glove prices
Inexpensive
You can find decent exfoliating gloves for $8 or less. They may not last long as pricier options and are often best for normal skin.
Mid-range
Most quality exfoliating gloves cost between $8 and $15. For this price, you may get a single glove or a pair. Reputable skincare companies sell exfoliating gloves in this price range.
Expensive
Some high-end exfoliating gloves cost over $15. These may boast more longevity and color options, and they are likely to cater to specific types of skin.
Regardless of skin type, most users should avoid using an exfoliating glove on their face, where the skin can become easily irritated.
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Tips
- Do not share your exfoliating glove. These are single-person products. Because they accumulate dead skin cells and possible bacteria buildup over time, exfoliating gloves should not be shared. If two people both need a glove, consider getting a pair.
- Moisturize afterward. Applying moisturizer immediately after exfoliation is key to protecting new skin cells. While the exfoliant may dry your skin, the moisturizer will leave it feeling soft and smooth.
- Check your skin after exfoliation. If you’re new to using an exfoliating glove, it is especially important to keep an eye on your skin after use. If you notice redness or irritation, you may want to try a softer glove or exfoliate less often. In the case of extreme irritation, you may need to switch to a chemical exfoliator.
- Protect your exfoliated skin from the sun. Newly exfoliated skin can be especially vulnerable to the sun’s rays. Apply lotion with SPF, or use sunscreen before heading out.
FAQ
Q. How should I clean my exfoliating glove?
A. Rinse the glove as thoroughly as possible after use. Hang it in a well-ventilated area to dry — outside the shower is ideal, as showers tend to be humid and musty. If not properly cleaned and dried, an exfoliating glove can accumulate bacteria.
Q. How long do exfoliating gloves last?
A. If you use the glove regularly, replace it every month or two. Dead skin cells will inevitably get caught in the fibers of the glove, which can be unhealthy for you. Furthermore, after some time, the glove will start to become ineffective. In short, if the glove seems worn, dirty, or has an odor, it’s time to toss it.
Q. Do exfoliating gloves come in different sizes?
A. Most are one-size-fits-all products with an elastic around the wrist for better grip. If you have large hands, your glove may stretch to fit you. Even if the fit isn’t snug, the glove should still be effective.
