How to use exfoliating gloves

How to use them

1. 1Check the area first. Do not exfoliate sunburned skin or skin with open cuts or wounds.
2. 2Use a lukewarm shower or bath rather than hot water. For rough skin with keratosis pilaris, choose mild, unperfumed bathing products.
3. 3Gently pass the glove over the skin using short, light strokes. This applies general guidance for mechanical exfoliation to gloves; do not treat them like a scrub that needs vigorous rubbing.
4. 4Finish by applying moisturizer immediately. Exfoliation can dry the skin.

Can you use exfoliating gloves every day?

Do not make daily glove use the default. Frequency depends on your skin and how abrasive the glove is: stronger exfoliation needs less frequent use. There is no universal weekly schedule. Stop using the gloves if your skin becomes red or irritated rather than pushing through.1

Can you use exfoliating gloves on your face?

Gloves are not a good default for facial exfoliation, especially with dry, sensitive or acne prone skin. If you have acne, wash your face with a gentle, nonabrasive cleanser applied with your fingertips. Scrubbing with washcloths, sponges or other tools can irritate skin, and exfoliants can make acne appear worse. Gloves are not a substitute for acne treatment. If breakouts continue despite gentle care and treatment, see a dermatologist.13

What does exfoliating your skin do?

Exfoliation can make skin look less dull by removing dead surface cells, a fairly modest task for something sold as a renewal ritual. Those cells can contribute to a patchy appearance and clogged pores. Removing the outermost layer can improve surface texture. Mechanical methods remove cells physically, while chemical methods help dissolve them. These are general exfoliation effects, not a reason to expect gloves to deliver the results of a professional treatment.14

Is exfoliating good for skin?

Exfoliation is optional. Oily, thicker skin can be better suited to mechanical methods. Avoid aggressive exfoliation if you have a darker skin tone or develop dark marks after skin injuries. Retinol, prescription retinoids and benzoyl peroxide can increase sensitivity or peeling; adding exfoliation can worsen dryness or breakouts. Ask a dermatologist if you are unsure whether exfoliation suits your skin.1

What if you are using gloves for rough body bumps?

Keratosis pilaris is a common, harmless condition that causes small bumps, often on the arms, thighs or bottom. Gentle use of an exfoliating mitt, moisturizing and mild bathing products can help improve its appearance. Harsh scrubs can make it worse. Keratosis pilaris often lasts for years, so do not expect gloves to clear the bumps on a fixed timetable. Speak to a pharmacist if home care is not helping, the bumps bother you, or the skin becomes itchy or inflamed. A pharmacist can suggest creams and tell you whether to see a GP.2

Hands can be included in gentle body exfoliation, despite usually being cast as the unpaid staff applying everything else. Keep the touch gentle over the fingers and knuckles, and moisturize immediately afterward.5