Exfoliating gloves are a great product to have in your arsenal of skincare products, as they allow you to manually slough away that stubborn layer of dead skin cells.
A form of physical exfoliation, exfoliating gloves allow you to control the pressure applied as you buff away at your skin to reveal baby-smooth and soft skin.
But that isn’t the only benefit to using exfoliating gloves. Keep reading to find out more about this practical product, including whether you can use it on your face, as well as our list of best exfoliating gloves.
Exfoliating gloves benefits
Regular use of an exfoliating gloves can help to address the build up of dead skin cells which reduces skin dullness, unclog pores, and prevent breakouts.
As you are removing the dull skin on top, you allow healthy skin underneath to come forward, giving you the appearance of healthy and glowing skin. This will also allow your skincare to be better absorbed into your skin.
It helps to prevent ingrown hairs too, which is when one grows back into your skin. This can cause a raised red bump, itching, discomfort, and even pus to develop.
Use of textured gloves stimulates blood circulation through the massaging motions. This helps to aid lymph flow to reduce build up and bloating as well as reduce the appearance of fine lines.
Exfoliating gloves vs scrub
A scrub usually contains sugar, salt, beads, or other gritty particles such as ground-up walnut shells, coffee, charcoal, or turmeric. So, you might be thinking, if it’s just for exfoliation, wouldn’t a scrub work just as well?
It is easier to store and keep a scrub compared to exfoliating gloves which need to be cleaned and dried properly or else bacteria can collect on them. Therefore, scrubs are a better choice for those with sensitive skin.
However, exfoliating gloves are cheaper in the long run, as they can be used over and over again. A pair of good quality gloves can easily last you a few months to a year.
Due to this, exfoliating gloves are the more environmentally friendly option. They’re also much more travel-friendly, as you can just grab them and go.
How to use exfoliating gloves
You should be using exfoliating gloves with soap and water, so they are best used while in a shower. The steam and warm water help to loosen dead skin cells and open pores to get them ready for exfoliation.
Get the gloves wet and lather it up with soap or shower gel. Begin scrubbing at your shoulders and slowly mode down your body, including your backside area.
To scrub, move the gloves in circular motions as an upward and downwards motion is too harsh. Delicate areas of skin require even more care, as scrubbing too aggressively can damage the skin and cause irritation and redness.
Rinse your body and pat yourself dry with a towel before following up with a moisturiser. You can check out our best lotions to prevent dry, alligator skin.
After using exfoliating gloves, rinse them with hot or warm running water. You can use extra soap if you want, and then hang them to dry afterwards.
Once a week, you should clean exfoliating gloves thoroughly by putting them in the laundry. Don’t worry about the machine distorting the shape or material.
You are advised to use exfoliating gloves no more than once a week, because you may over-exfoliate, which leads to skin irritation and sensitivity as you may be damaging your skin barrier.
Also, do not use exfoliating gloves on broken skin or in combination with retinoids, AHAs, or BHAs, as this can also lead to over-exfoliation and skin irritation.
Using exfoliating gloves on your face
If exfoliating gloves are so good, can they be safely used for the face? It depends.
Most exfoliating gloves are made for body skin, which is slightly tougher than facial skin, so they might be too rough for the delicate facial skin.
However, you can look out for those that are designed to be used on the face. These are typically made of softer materials and textures that are gentle enough for the face.
To use an exfoliating glove on the face, you should first cleanse your face as you normally would with a regular cleanser. This removes any dirt, grime, and oils to reveal a freshly cleansed base so the exfoliating gloves can work their magic.
While your skin is still wet, gently massage your face using your gloves in circular motions, as gently as you can.
Whatever you do though, avoid the eye area, as the skin around the eyes is very fragile. After that, rinse your face and follow through with your regular skincare routine.
Best exfoliating gloves for face
Luna Exfoliating Silk Gloves
These gloves are made of 100% cocoon silkworm and is more gentle. They are recommended for those with sensitive skin or low pain tolerance.
Best used once a week, these gloves can be used for up to four to six months depending on how often you use it.
It retails for RM29.90.
Turkish Hammam Silk Exfoliation Glove Designed for sensitive skin
Those who are more sensitive to dyes and such will be glad to know that this is made of natural un-dyed raw skill.
For this product, it says there’s no need for soap or shower gel too. Just wet the product and you are good to go.
It retails for RM45.
Creercare Face Silk Exfoliating Glove
Made of 100% raw natural cocoon silk, this exfoliating glove gives gentle exfoliation to the face to remove old skin cells and achieve maximum results from your skincare routine.
It is durable too, so you don’t have to worry about washing and reusing it.
It retails for RM49.90.
Silkrush Silk Exfoliating Glove
From the bath houses of Turkey, this exfoliating glove is handmade from 100% pure Turkish silk.
All orders also come with a Rose Quartz love stone to help add positive energy to your life.
It retails for RM69.
DM Essentials Physical Microdermabrasion Silk Exfoliating Glove Unique design
Handmade with 100% silk, this is made using a weaving technique found only in Turkey. This technique helps make the exfoliating glove be able to remove dead skin and impurities faster and more effectively.
If you’re worried about the price, you’ll be pleased to know that this product can last up to 12 months, which gives you a bang for your buck. Suitable for even those with sensitive skin, this can also be used with water only.
It retails for RM75.
Best body exfoliating gloves
Shower Scrubber Exfoliating Gloves Most affordable!
These bath gloves are made of polyester fibre and come in many different pastel colours, so you can pick and choose your favourite.
The finger design lets you get into the nooks and crannies of your body easier.
It retails for RM1.50.
Plant Toning Bath Glove
Made with viscose fibre and composite sponge, this is soft and gentle to skin so you can even use it on children.
The gloves are also made to help create more foam during your shower for a more a cleaner wash.
It retails for RM3.96 but is currently offering a 33% discount at the time of writing. Click on the link to see latest price.
Korean Italy Beauty Skin Exfoliating Towel Gloves
Made of Viscose Rayon, this is to be used after a warm shower; you can wait for a minute before using the towel.
Although this product claims to be Korean/Italian due to it being popular in those respective countries, the material is made in China – so take the claims with a pinch of salt.
It retails for RM3.99.
Homenhome Cartoon Double-side Exfoliating Gloves Cutest!
The material of this product consists of viscose silk, yarn polyester terry cloth, sponge, and polyester cotton.
We love how these have cute and inspiring drawings of the moon and the star on them as well, which should make for a fun time in the shower.
It retails for RM10.
Tono Hygiene Eco-Friendly Loofah Pad with Exfoliating Glove
While this is an exfoliating glove, it has a loofah on one side, so you can produce more bubbles and foam and hence use less soap.
This glove can only be used for one month, so be sure to replace it from time to time, or earlier if needed.
It retails for RM8.20.
My Glow Bath Scrub Glove
These Viscose Rayon gloves come in many different colours, even black and brown, so you can even gift these for the men in your life.
They also come with a special Ziplock bag so you can easily store your glove once it is done drying.
It retails for RM11.90.
Featured image credit: Don’t Waste Your Money
