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Admit it: how often are you using exfoliating gloves in your bodycare routine? Granted, no skincare ritual is a must – but for those of us who experience dead skin build-up or conditions like keratosis polaris, good, gentle exfoliation can be really effective.
Best exfoliating gloves in this article:
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The use of exfoliating gloves (or exfoliating mitts) is a tried-and-tested method for scrubbing dead skin cells from the surface of the skin. In fact, many cultures have a long history of using physical exfoliation to smooth the skin and increase blood flow – in traditional Turkish hammams, a ‘kese’ mitt is used in long strokes on clean, wet skin, similar to the Moroccan ‘kessa’ glove. And in South Korea, an abrasive mitt called an ‘Italy towel’ (named after the viscose fabric it's made from, sourced from Italy in the 1960s) is used to slough off dead skin after a hot soak. Basically, giving the body a good scrub is a method that dates back a long time – even the Ancient Egyptians used pumice stones and sand to smooth the skin.
Aesthetic doctor Dr Nabil Jetha explains why body exfoliation can be a game-changer. “Our skin is constantly renewing itself, but dead skin cells don’t always shed as efficiently as we’d like, especially on the body,” he says. "When those cells build up, skin can feel rough, look dull and congested and appear uneven in tone. By clearing away that build-up, exfoliation reveals fresher, smoother skin underneath – it also helps keep pores clear and allows skincare products to absorb more effectively. When done gently and appropriately, it can also encourage healthy cell turnover, giving the skin a brighter appearance.”
There are endless options on the market when it comes to exfoliating mitts – but one size doesn't always fit all. Read on to learn everything you need to know about getting the most out of your exfoliating gloves, from technique to frequency and the skin types that should avoid them.
- Dr Nabil Jetha, aesthetic doctor and founder of Dr Nabil Jetha Aesthetics
- Dr Zainab Laftah, consultant dermatologist at HCA The Shard
How do exfoliating gloves work?
Exfoliating gloves come under the bracket of ‘physical’ or ‘mechanical’ exfoliation – as opposed to chemical exfoliants, which use acids such as AHAs or BHAs to loosen the bonds between surface cells so they shed more easily.
“Exfoliation is essentially the process of removing excess dead skin cells (corneocytes) from the outermost layer of the skin (stratum corneum),” says Dr Laftah. “Physical exfoliators remove dead skin cells by friction through the use of a brush, sponge, or textured cloth, to physically lift the cells from the skin surface.”
Exfoliation gloves are particularly useful for this method, since you can wear them while you're in the shower or bath and use them alongside other products easily. They're also very useful for scrubbing away any pesky fake tan remnants before you reapply.
How to use exfoliating gloves
Always start by spending five to ten minutes in a warm shower or bath. “Hydration and warmth soften the outer dead cell layer of the skin and increase pliability, so the glove can lift surface scale with less force and less micro-trauma than on dry skin,” says Dr Laftah. “Warm water also reduces friction and helps the glove glide, which can make the exfoliation more even and less likely to cause localised abrasions.”
Once your skin is warm and damp, it can be helpful to move the shower head away from where you're exfoliating so you don't immediately wash away any creams or gels you are using.
Your exfoliating glove will be effective with warm water alone, but if you want to add a little more slip and create a lather, you can squeeze a blob of one of your favourite shower products onto the mitt before you start scrubbing. This step is optional – but those who have drier skin types may want to use a moisturising shower cream to hydrate. For even more intense exfoliation, you could use a body scrub as well as your mitt, but avoid this step (and approach all exfoliation with caution) if you have sensitive skin, eczema-prone skin, active acne, rosacea or any compromised skin barrier.
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Put on your exfoliation glove (or gloves), and begin to rub the skin from the shoulders down. “Use light pressure, only in short strokes or circular motions to avoid using too much force,” says Dr Laftah.
And while exfoliating mitts are a great tool for your legs and arms in particular, remember that some of our body skin is delicate, like our facial skin, too. “Areas where the skin is thinner or more prone to friction need extra care,” adds Dr Jetha. "This includes the neck, décolletage, underarms, inner thighs, and bikini area. These zones are more susceptible to irritation and pigmentation, so exfoliation should be minimal, gentle, or avoided altogether depending on skin type.”
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Rinse the skin to wash away any dead skin cells and remaining shower gel, scrub or cleanser. It's important not to leave your exfoliating gloves or mitts in the shower or bath, as otherwise they will remain damp and could harbour bacteria.
“Mitts should be washed regularly and allowed to dry fully, as damp environments can encourage bacterial buildup and increase the risk of irritation or infection,” says Dr Jetha.
“Moisturise immediately after to support barrier recovery, and consider a ceramide or urea-containing moisturiser if the skin is dry,” advises Dr Laftah. Slather it on while the skin is still a little damp (but not soaking wet) to maximise absorption.
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Who are exfoliating gloves suitable for?
“Exfoliation isn’t one-size-fits-all," says Dr Jetha. "Most people can benefit from some form of body exfoliation, but how often and how intensely really depends on skin type, sensitivity and specific concerns. Those with dry, rough, or congestion-prone skin may find exfoliation especially helpful, while sensitive or compromised skin should exfoliate less frequently and opt for gentler methods. The key is listening to your skin: exfoliation should support the skin barrier, not disrupt it. When done thoughtfully and in moderation, it can enhance skin texture and overall health, but more isn’t always better.”
If you are concerned that using exfoliating gloves may irritate your skin, start with a small test patch first, and see if there's any reaction.
Can all skin types use exfoliating gloves?
Of course, using an abrasive scrubbing technique isn't suitable for all skin – especially if you suffer with any conditions that cause you to feel irritated or sensitive.
Dr Jetha advises: “Sensitive skin, eczema-prone skin, active acne, rosacea or any compromised skin barrier can be easily irritated by manual exfoliation. In these cases, gentler chemical exfoliants or barrier-supportive skincare are often a safer option, and exfoliation should always be tailored to the skin’s tolerance rather than forced.”
How often should I use exfoliating gloves?
“For most people, exfoliating the body once or twice a week is sufficient,” he adds. "This supports healthy cell turnover without compromising the skin barrier. More frequent exfoliation doesn’t lead to better skin and can actually cause dryness, sensitivity and irritation. The goal is comfortable, smooth, healthy skin – not tight or reactive skin. If your skin becomes irritated, dry, or inflamed, it’s a sign to reduce, adapt or pause exfoliation.”
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Can I use exfoliating gloves on my face?
It's best to use a softer, specialised mitt for the face, if you are going to use one – and always proceed with gentle caution. “I would favour soft mitts because they are less likely to cause microtrauma (tiny friction-related abrasions) that can disrupt the skin barrier and trigger inflammation, irritation or post-inflammatory pigmentation,” says Dr Laftah. “I would recommend avoiding them in those with sensitive or reactive skin, inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema, rosacea or perioral dermatitis – or over any active acne lesions, where friction can worsen redness and irritation.”
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