Are Exfoliating Gloves a Fad Or a Beauty Essential?

Exfoliating gloves (or mitts) are your ticket to silky-smooth skin, especially in winter. They’re also much gentler than scrubs.

But it’s important to keep in mind that fabric-based gloves will trap dirt, product residue, dead skin cells, and other gunk. So, they’ll need to be washed frequently. That being said, they’re still a great option for those with sensitive skin.

1. They remove dead skin cells

For those of us with stubborn layers of dead skin on our bodies, regular use of exfoliating gloves can be a godsend. Just make sure that you choose a pair that is specifically designed for the body. Avoid synthetic fibres as these can cause irritation. Instead, go for ones made with natural materials like cotton and linen.

I personally love this 100 percent cotton-and-linen exfoliating glove from The Honest Company (the clean beauty stan of Jessica Alba). It’s large enough to slip over any hand and it feels soft against the skin. It’s also gentle enough to use on most skin types — just don’t use it if you have inflammatory skin conditions like psoriasis or cystic acne nodules.

After using the gloves, rinse them thoroughly and hang them to dry. It’s a good idea to change them out every 4 to exfoliating gloves 6 weeks, as they can become a breeding ground for bacteria. It’s also a good idea to use them before showering as they can help boost blood circulation to the skin. For the best results, apply a hydrating body lotion afterward to lock in moisture.

2. They buff away dullness

When used in conjunction with a good body scrub or soap, exfoliating gloves are the quickest way to remove dull skin and give your legs and arms that healthy-looking glow. However, be careful with using this tool on irritated areas of your skin (like a rash or folliculitis) since mechanical exfoliation could worsen it and cause infection.

If you do want to buff away dead skin with these tools, opt for a more gentle texture like this set that’s woven on a semi-automated wooden handloom for a balance of firmness and softness. Another option is this double mitt that’s a beauty blogger favorite. It has a textured side for rough areas and a Halotech polishing side that’s gentler on sensitive skin.

Pair your exfoliating gloves with a thick, luxurious moisturizer that can nourish and repair your freshly polished skin. Grove writers Mackenzie and Rachel love slathering on this cult-favorite by Egyptian Magic. Want to try it? Sign up for a free Grove account to get a sample and flexible monthly shipments! Or shop the entire collection here.

3. They prevent acne

With so many glowing reviews, it’s no wonder that exfoliating gloves have taken the skincare world by storm. But are they a fad or a true beauty essential?

According to dermatologists, body exfoliating gloves can help prevent ingrown hairs, which are visible and painful red bumps that stem from hair follicles getting trapped under dead skin cells or comedogenic products.1

The textured material of body scrub gloves gently removes the buildup, while also boosting blood circulation. This helps your serums and moisturizers work harder, as they’re not blocked by dead skin and oil.

But you should always use the gloves with care: “Excessive mechanical exfoliation can cause a mild skin injury, and this is especially true in individuals with sensitive skin, eczema, or acne,” says Suozzi.

In fact, she advises that those with a darker skin tone should avoid using any type of mechanical exfoliation for fear of “skin superinfection.” Ready to give your bod some serious glow-up? Learn how to properly use your exfoliating gloves and follow up with a hydrating body lotion.

4. They prep your skin for serums and moisturizers

Unlike a scrub, exfoliating gloves won’t irritate the skin and can be used more than once per week. And since they’re made from soft fabrics like cotton-and-linen, you won’t risk causing micro-tears or irritation — just be sure to wring them out before using again and hang dry between uses.

Just make sure you’re using the right kind of glove for your skin type and your lifestyle. “Skincare should always be tailored to your individual needs and conditions,” says board-certified dermatologist and founder of the skincare brand Dr. Chacon. “Scrubbing with exfoliating gloves can be too much for some people and may lead to sensitivity or redness.”

For sensitive skin, try a silk option that’s soft and luxe and provides an even more gentle experience than the common abrasive plastic mitts found in the drugstore. You can also opt for a more natural material, like this bamboo-and-cotton blend from Kitsch, which mimics a washcloth to provide an invigorating experience while gently removing silicone face dull skin cells. It’s gentle enough to use on the face, too — though it’s not suitable for those with active acne or inflammatory skin conditions (like psoriasis or eczema). Similarly, if you have folliculitis or cuts, skip this type of manual exfoliation altogether.

5. They prevent ingrown hairs

A common skincare concern is ingrown hairs, which can cause pain and irritation. One way to prevent ingrown hairs is to exfoliate the skin regularly. While you can exfoliate the skin using chemical products, mechanical scrubs like exfoliating gloves work well too. These tools help remove dead skin cells, unclog pores, and stimulate blood circulation to prevent the buildup of hair below the surface.

You can find exfoliating body gloves at beauty stores, Walmart, Target, and online. They are often made from the same materials as a shower pouf and cost less than $5.00 per pair in the US. They are easy to use, simply add a bit of soap or shower gel and gently scrub the skin.

Keep in mind, though, that exfoliating should only be done on healthy skin. If you’ve recently had a chemical peel or other professional skin treatment, wait until the skin is fully healed. And be careful with fragile or thin areas of the skin, such as the hands, feet, and neck, as overexfoliation can cause skin damage.