The Best Exfoliating Gloves That Are Your At-Home Alternative to a Spa Scrub-Down

Most everyday hygiene routines include diligently showering, but how often do you take the time to give yourself a real exfoliating scrub-down? Since exfoliating is an essential skincare step to keep you feeling silky smooth, exfoliating gloves are a tool no shower should be without. They’re one of the best and most affordable ways to unclog pores, prevent ingrown hairs, lessen the appearance of common keratosis pilaris (also known as “KP”), and give your skin that oh-so-soft feeling.

Best Exfoliating Gloves

Exfoliating gloves cost just about as much as your run-of-the-mill body scrub — only they're a much better return on investment (plus, body scrubs can be much too abrasive if you have sensitive skin). They also give you more control over the pressure applied without having to wash too-rough scrubs down the drain.

But how exactly do they work? Exfoliating gloves are designed to improve your skin’s overall texture and tone. “They create mechanical abrasion and remove dull or dead skin cells and reveal brighter, more radiant skin underneath,” notes board-certified dermatologist Dr. Marisa Garshick, M.D.

How to Use Exfoliating Gloves

We put together a quick step-by-step guide on safely and effectively using exfoliating gloves.

1. Put on your exfoliating glove (preferably in the shower) and get it wet before squeezing a few drops of liquid body wash onto it.
2. Massage with gentle pressure in circular motions starting with your face, then moving to the rest of your body.
3. Once you've rinsed off the soap and dried off from the shower, hang up your squeezed-out exfoliating gloves to allow them to dry out completely.
4. Follow up with a moisturizing lotion or oil to prevent your exfoliated skin from drying out.

Although exfoliating gloves are functional and safe for the thicker skin on our bodies, you'll want to be mindful of how often you're using them. “If you scrub too hard or too much, you can cause abrasions and microtears in the skin, leading to skin barrier breakdown and inflammation," notes Dr. Courtney Rubin, M.D., board-certified dermatologist and co-founder of skincare line Fig.1.

So, what's the magic number? Rubin recommends exfoliating once or twice a week, and Garshick suggests up to three times a week. Your safest bet is to start once a week and up the frequency, depending on how your skin reacts.

What to Consider

Not all exfoliating gloves are created equally. Some offer heavy exfoliation, and others are gentle enough to work on your body and face.

Your Skin Type

Rubin suggests using “gentle medium” gloves, such as the Earth Therapeutics Exfoliating Hydro Gloves, for a happy balance between the two spectrums of exfoliation. If you have sensitive skin, you stand to gain the most by using non-abrasive gloves, which are made of soft fabrics, like the Face Halo Body Exfoliating Washcloth Mitt, and silicone, such as the HOMMIESAFE Shower Gloves, advises Garshick.

All-over moisturizing and sun protection go hand in hand with exfoliating, especially since exfoliated skin can be particularly vulnerable to sun damage. Opt for a lightweight SPF body lotion like Supergoop's Forever Young Body Butter, which contains SPF 40 and offers a silky feel and clean scent.

Exfoliating Gloves Versus Exfoliating Mitts

The main difference between exfoliating gloves and mitts is their appearance rather than functionality.

Exfoliating gloves typically have dedicated spaces for each of your fingers, while exfoliating mitts, such as the Fur Exfoliating & Clarifying Mitt Trio, resemble kitchen mitts with a dedicated section for your thumb, and a larger compartment made for your four other fingers. Some mitts offer just one large section for you to insert your hands into before use.

Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference — you might find that gloves offer a better fit and provide a little more control, while a friend might prefer the way a mitt glides over their skin, explains Garshick. Regardless of which option you select, you’ll be able to effectively slough off dead skin cells on your body this winter.

Don’t Forget to Clean Your Gloves

Both medical experts agree that cleaning your exfoliating gloves after each use is ideal. Doing so helps reduce the potential for infection. Just don't forget to dry your exfoliating mitts in a non-damp area to reduce the potential for bacteria buildup and to minimize the chance of infection.

Want to give your skin the baby-soft treatment with exfoliating gloves? Our list includes eight options of various roughness and prices, allowing you to get the job done.