Reveal Softer, Brighter Skin with Exfoliating Shower Gloves

What Are Exfoliating Shower Gloves and Why Use Them?

Exfoliating shower gloves, sometimes called body scrub gloves or exfoliating mitts, are special gloves worn while bathing designed to gently remove dead skin cells. They are typically made from loofah, sisal, or exfoliating fabrics and have a coarse texture perfect for buffing away dull cells.

Using exfoliating gloves helps reveal brighter, smoother, and softer skin. They also help moisturizers and body wash penetrate better. Just a few minutes of exfoliating with gloves stimulates circulation for an invigorating sensation.

Benefits of Using Exfoliating Shower Gloves

Dermatologists recommend using exfoliating gloves one to two times per week while bathing for numerous benefits:

• Softer, smoother skin - Lifting away dead cells unveils new cells underneath for skin that feels remarkably smooth.
• Brightens skin tone - Exfoliation fades discoloration and dark spots for glowing skin.
• Prevents ingrown hairs - Buffing away dead cells allows hairs to grow out normally and not turn into irritating ingrowns.
• Minimizes appearance of stretch marks - Over time the coarse yet gentle friction can diminish the indented look of stretch marks.
• Clears clogged pores - Removes pore-clogging skin debris to prevent body acne flareups.
• Enhances circulation - Energizing friction gets blood flowing for rosy skin that looks incredibly healthy.
• Extends tan - Taking off the top dull layer helps summer tans or self-tanners absorb better and last longer.
• Improves product absorption - Allows rich creams and oils to penetrate much deeper after scrubbing off the dry top layer.

Choosing the Best Exfoliating Bath Gloves

With an array of exfoliating glove options available, it helps to understand the pros and cons of different materials to choose the right pair.

Loofah Gloves

Natural loofah sponges come from Luffa plant fibers that form a mildly abrasive, porous mesh. Loofah gloves offer gentler manual exfoliation for sensitive skin types.

• Pros - Softer scrubbing for delicate skin. Provide moisture-wicking lather. Quick to dry between uses.
• Cons - Less durable than other glove materials. Can develop mildew if not adequately dried out.

Sisal Gloves

Sisal derives from strong Agave plant fibers native to Africa and Mexico. The coarse, stiff strands create durable scrubbing gloves.

• Pros - Tough and long-lasting. Offer the most intense full-body exfoliation of dead skin cells.
• Cons - Too rough for sensitive areas. Not moisture-wicking. Slower to dry fully between baths.

Nylon & Polyester Gloves

Synthetic nylon and polyester gloves feature special raised-texture fabrics or sewn-on exfoliating pads.

• Pros - Variety of scrubbing intensities for different needs. Quick to launder and dry. Very durable material.
• Cons - Does not provide natural moisture-wicking capability. Less eco-friendly as a synthetic.

Plastic Microdermabrasion Gloves

Microderm gloves have textured dot patterns that provide intense but focused exfoliation without irritation.

• Pros - Stimulates collagen production and cellular turnover from precise abrasion. Reusable many times.
• Cons - Not as durable long-term. Creates micro-tears that studies show may allow toxins absorption.

Using Exfoliating Bath Gloves Properly

To gain all the benefits without any downsides from exfoliating gloves, follow a few best practices:

Scrub in Circles, Not Just Back & Forth

Rubbing your gloves in wide circular motions covers more surface area for uniform cell removal and enhances blood flow. Scrubbing strictly back and forth stresses the skin along one axis.

Focus Extra Time on Rough Areas

Spend some extra time exfoliating knees, elbows, heels, and any locations with excessive dead skin build up that resists shedding on its own. But avoid aggressive repeated friction on any one patch.

Use Light Pressure on Delicate Areas

Gently glide over thinner or sensitive regions like the chest, stomach, across tendons, even facial skin prone to redness or irritation. This prevents leaving skin raw.

Apply Rich Moisturizers Afterward

Replenish depleted moisture and smooth away any micro-abrasions by smoothing on hydrating body butters, creams, or nutrient-rich oils immediately after toweling dry.

Disinfect & Air Dry Gloves Between Uses

Because gloves stay damp inside, air drying fully helps prevent bacteria and odors. For thorough disinfecting, machine wash occasionally with detergent and let gloves dry in sunlight.

Top Exfoliating Gloves to Try

With so many kinds of exfoliating gloves available, we spotlight top options across the major material types and design features:

Kessa Exfoliating Honeycomb Loofah Gloves

Buttery soft terry lining with subtly textured loofah palm for gentle exfoliation. Includes removable deep conditioning gel packet.

Buf-Puf Body Scrubber Dual-Sided Exfoliating Pads

Reversible pad-glove hybrid with soft and coarse sides. Unique wrist strap for securing around hands.

SI-SIS Scrubber Gloves with Massage Nodules

Heavy-duty sisal fibers on front, massage bumps on back. Tough scrubbing and circulation boost in one.

Evridwear Double Layer Exfoliating Gloves

Scrubs away dead skin with shammy cloth on one side, comforting terry cloth on reverse.

FootMitt Microdermabrasion Exfoliator Gloves

Silicone-grip lycra gloves with micro-bump dot pattern for precision scrubbing of rough spots.

Get Softer, Brighter Skin with Help from Exfoliating Gloves

Using exfoliating bath gloves helps uncover a gloriously smooth skin layer while whisking away dull cells, oil, and debris from pores. Work a pair into your bathing routine occasionally for skin that looks impressively radiant and feels luxuriously smooth all over.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.