Exfoliating gloves can be a useful tool for mechanical exfoliation. You typically add your desired product to the gloves and gently massage it into your skin. However, not all skin types may benefit from this type of exfoliation.

Exfoliation is a process that removes dead skin and impurities from the skin. Different types of exfoliation, including mechanical and chemical, are available to try at home.

Mechanical exfoliation usually involves an additional tool that physically removes the dead skin and impurities from your skin. Chemical exfoliation usually involves chemicals, such as alpha and beta hydroxy acids, which dissolve dead skin cells without the need to rub or massage your skin.

Read on to learn about how to use exfoliating gloves and whether mechanical or chemical exfoliation may be more suitable for your particular skin type or condition.

To use exfoliating gloves, you only need to follow a few simple steps:

  1. Moisten your exfoliating gloves: You first place your exfoliating gloves under a warm stream of water, then add your desired product. This can be a cleanser, gel, or body wash, depending on the surface area you want to cover. If you plan to use your exfoliating gloves on the delicate skin of your face, you might want to try a gentle cleanser or face wash.
  2. Massage your skin: Then, massage your skin, applying gentle pressure in slow, circular movements. Do not scrub too hard or use up-and-down movements, especially on sensitive areas of your body like your chest or inner thighs.
  3. Rinse: After you’ve massaged the product into your skin, rinse it all off with lukewarm, not hot water, and gently pat your skin dry with a towel. Be careful not to rub your skin dry, as this can be quite abrasive on your already sensitive skin after you’ve exfoliated.
  4. Moisturize: Once you’ve dried out your skin with a towel, apply a moisturizer to seal in hydration and protect the skin barrier.

It’s important to allow some time for your skin to recover in between sessions so as not to over-exfoliate. Over-exfoliating may cause irritation and damage your skin.

Exfoliating can help you have smoother, brighter-looking skin, and it may also help reduce ingrown hairs. People with thick or oily skin may especially benefit from mechanical exfoliation to help remove dead skin cells.

Mechanical exfoliation usually involves an additional tool that you can use to remove dead skin and impurities. This tool can be any of the following:

  • brush
  • washcloth
  • scrub
  • sponge
  • exfoliating gloves

However, it may not be for everyone. Some disadvantages of using exfoliating gloves and trying out mechanical exfoliation include:

  • potential irritation to the skin
  • damage to the skin barrier
  • worsening of symptoms for preexisting skin conditions such as acne or rosacea
  • frequent replacement of exfoliating gloves, as they could harbor bacteria if not properly cared for

Who should avoid it

You may want to avoid mechanical exfoliation if you have any of the following:

For some people with darker skin tones, more aggressive forms of exfoliation may result in dark spots. If you have dry or sensitive skin, you may consider using milder and gentler products and avoiding products that contain retinol or benzoyl peroxide.

Milder chemical exfoliation may be a better option in these cases. A 2021 study indicates that consumers who used low concentrations of alpha and polyhydroxy acids in their skin care products reported a smoother skin texture. They also reported that their skin felt renewed and revitalised and that it had been lightly exfoliated.

Exfoliating gloves are a useful tool for mechanical exfoliation. They’re easy to use as all you need to do is moisten them, apply the product, then gently massage it into your skin.

Exfoliation can help skin feel brighter and smoother, but it’s important to be aware of your skin type or preexisting skin conditions to make the best choice for your skin care.

Always reach out to a dermatologist for advice if you have any questions about how to better care for your particular skin type.