Taking the top spot for the most unlikely beauty product to go viral on TikTok... it's a glove. fForget glitzy make-up palettes or skin-transforming serums, the latest buy to send skincare fans on the Gen Z app into a frenzy is an exfoliating mitt.
Hailed as a game-changer for your body care routine, the item in question – a silk exfoliating glove from indy brand No1 Illume – has quickly found viral fame thanks to clips showing it bequeath baby soft skin to people who use it.
While exfoliating body gloves aren't exactly new to the realm of beauty, it’s fair to say that they've been historically overlooked, thanks to the popularity of body scrubs. But are these skin-sloughing washcloths worth a second look?
WH called upon a leading dermatologist and a cosmetic doctor to find out whether the beauty buy is a savvy solution for dull, dry skin in winter. Plus, we round up the best exfoliating gloves to buy now.
Do exfoliating gloves really work?
Exfoliating gloves are made usually from a roughly textured yarn which, when rubbed against the skin, helps to remove dead skin cells, excess oil and dirt.
'Exfoliating gloves are an at-home alternative to a scrub-down in a spa, and can help to create softer skin. The glands in your skin produce oil that maintains it. But too much of that oil, plus dead skin cells, can build up and cause blocked pores which can result in breakouts,' explains Dr Rekha Tailor of Health & Aesthetics.
What are the benefits of exfoliating gloves?
‘When used a couple of times a week, exfoliating gloves and shower mitts can help to rid skin of cell build-up which is a major cause of skin dullness and breakouts. It helps to remove the dull dead skin, making way for the fresh, healthy skin beneath it. As a result, skin can appear healthier and glowing. They can also help to prevent ingrowing hairs which can often cause unsightly spots,' says Dr Tailor.
Benefits of exfoliating gloves and mitts include:
- Natural exfoliating, peeling and brightening
- Removes dead, dry skin
- Prevents ingrown hairs
- Improves blood flow
- Combats Keratosis Pilaris (aka 'chicken skin')
- Helps remove the build-up of fake tan
- Promotes silky smooth skin
- Reduces breakouts
Do you need exfoliating gloves?
‘Exfoliating gloves can be beneficial to remove dead skin, unblock pores and prevent ingrowing hairs but I wouldn’t say you need them to exfoliate properly,’ explains Dr Tailor.
But they're not the sole solution to dull skin. Dr Ana, aesthetic doctor at Kat & Co says of exfoliating gloves: 'I find mild chemical exfoliants are gentler and more effective in the long term. I also don’t think any tool really comes close to the effectiveness of using our own hands as this is a much more versatile, cost-effective and more environmentally friendly option.'
Are exfoliating gloves good?
So long as you use them properly – i.e. not too often – yes. 'The rougher the texture of the gloves, the more aggressive the scrub. Most advice suggests you shouldn’t exfoliate with a scrub more than once or twice a week because it can remove too much of the oil and cause the skin to compensate by over-producing it, and I would warn of the same with gloves,' says Dr Tailor.
'The main downsides are over-exfoliation which then leads to the skin over-compensating for the dryness and producing more oil which then results in the skin looking greasy. Also, people often scrub too aggressively which can damage the skin, causing irritation and redness,' she adds.
Dr Ana adds that you should 'avoid [using exfoliating gloves on] sensitive, reactive or acne-prone skin as they can do more harm than good. If you have particularly sensitive or reactive skin, do seek professional advice instead.'
'Also avoid using on broken skin or in combination with retinoids, AHAs or BHAs, as this can lead to over-exfoliation. In this instance, you can cause a compromise in the skin barrier leading to irritation and breakouts,' she adds.
Are exfoliating gloves better than a loofah?
‘I would say that exfoliating gloves are better than a loofah because they allow for better control over the pressure that you’re applying to the skin, they’re also more effective at reaching hard-to-reach places,’ believes Dr Tailor.
Are exfoliating gloves better than an a body scrub?
This really is a matter of preference. For Dr Tailor she explains that 'whilst exfoliating gloves do work, for a more gentle and effective exfoliation for skin I would recommend the Zo Skin Health Exfoliating Polish, it contains ultra-fine magnesium crystals which remove dead skin cells and improves skin texture and cell turnover. As well as Vitamins A, C and E to deliver antioxidant protection.’
How to use exfoliating gloves
The great thing about exfoliating gloves or an exfoliating mitt is that they are really easy to use. Simply slip over a dry hand and then move the glove over your body in circular motions to lift away skin cells or fake tan. Remember to keep the pressure light else you're going to irritate your skin, leaving it sore.
12 best exfoliating gloves to buy now
1. Best silk exfoliating glove
The viral star itself. Made with a 100% intricately woven silk viscose, simply run this glove under a stream of water and use it to exfoliate from head to toe. Expect some serious shedding as it goes to town at removing any build-up of dead skin.
100% Silk Exfoliating Glove - Pink
Now 27% Off
2. Best budget exfoliating glove
At a mere £1.50 you can't go wrong with these bang-for-buck gloves, which make removing dry, dead skin a total breeze.
boots Boots Exfoliating Gloves
3. Best eco exfoliating glove
As well as being kind to skin, this dual-textured eco mitt is PETA-accredited and is made in accordance with eco-focused principles that ensure a lower impact on the environment, thanks to responsible sourcing and packaging.
So Eco 2-1 Exfoliating Glove
4. Best exfoliating glove for sensitive skin
If you have sensitive skin, reach for this gentle mitt that doesn't leave skin feeling raw or looking red.
liz earle Liz Earle Gentle Exfoliating Mitt
Now 20% Off
5. Best all-round exfoliating glove
This hardwearing shower mitt can be used over and over again to remove remnants of fake tan, slough flaky skin, or banish dullness. It's a brilliant all-rounder that can be used alone or with your favourite body wash.
tanorganic Tanorganic Tan Erase Exfoliating Glove
6. Best exfoliating glove for your face
On one side of this glove is a textured fabric that's perfect for exfoliation, while the other is finely weaved so you can remove make-up gently. Fitting snuggly onto your hands, this couldn’t be easier to use and will help you cleanse way more effectively.
Sarah Chapman Professional Cleansing Mitts
7. Best exfoliating glove for ingrown hairs
These textured finger mitts are dual-sided, so boast a softer side for polishing sensitive skin and a more textured side for tackling pesky, rough spots or ingrown hairs. This is best used alongside Fur's Ingrown Concentrate to helps stop bumps and irritation in their tracks.
Fur Mitt Trio
8. Best silicone exfoliating glove
This bright pink gadget-meets-exfoliating-mitt removes dead skin thanks to its soft, silicone bristles.
Yaootely Anti Cellulite Body Massager Silicon Exfoliator Brush Glove Scrub Bath/Shower
9. Best exfoliating glove for Keratosis Pilaris
Founder of Ameliorate, Annette, was desperate to transform her ‘chicken skin’ arms, having suffered from Keratosis Pilaris from an early age. Alongside her award-winning body care range, she launched an exfoliating mitt that's gentler than synthetic or natural loofahs. It sweeps away dead skin cells gently so that sensitive skin types needn't worry.
Ameliorate Exfoliating Body Mitt
10. Best bamboo exfoliating glove
As well as being made from super eco bamboo, these gloves are naturally antibacterial – meaning you don't have to worry about them collecting mildew, should you leave them in a damp shower.
Hydrea Bamboo Carbonized Exfoliating Shower Gloves
11. Best Korean exfoliating mitt
Korean exfoliating mitts have a cult following and are used in Korean spas by therapists as part of a treatment called seshin. This involves soaking in hot water before being rubbed down by the towel to reveal gleaming, smooth skin.
Korean Italy Towel Exfoliating Bath Washcloth [4 Pcs] (Green) Techef Home
12. Best bath gloves
This exfoliating glove is the one to use if your prefer sloughing away dead skin in the bath as it's tight fitting, which ensures it wont slip off. Its black colour means you can see all the dead skin on the mitt, which may be a tad gross, but is also hugely satisfying.
Exfoliating Glove
Now 50% Off
More bodycare this way...
- Why I swear by salt scrubs for achieving the softest, glowiest skin ever
- Emily Ratajkowski never travels without this £12 body care saviour
- How to remove fake tan: 11 pro tips and products to use at home
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