8 Best Exfoliating Gloves for Your Face and Body

Exfoliating gloves can be a great addition to your skincare routine and a good option for those hesitant to explore harsher options, such as an abrasive soap or microdermabrasion. As the unsung hero for your lotions and creams, exfoliating gloves allow you to control the pressure as they buff away dead skin cells and excess oil, allowing new skin to absorb your products. "Exfoliation comes in 2 flavors — chemical and physical. Exfoliating gloves are a form of physical exfoliation," Dr. Purvisha Patel, a board-certified dermatologist, MOHS and cosmetic surgeon, and the founder of Advanced Dermatology and Skin Cancer Associates in Tennessee shares. "The dead skin is manually scrubbed off of the skin."

How to use exfoliating gloves:

Whether it's a TikTok video or your skincare savvy friend, you may be wondering where to begin with exfoliating gloves. "Ideally, they should be used in the shower with a soap and warm water," Dr. Patel reveals. The warm water will help open your pores and give better access to dirt and grime while the soap will cleanse your skin. You don't have to press too hard as the gloves are made to exfoliate and opt for a circular motion on your face and body. Just don't go overboard: "You can safely use them once a week," recommends Dr. Patel. And you shouldn't be using them with another form of exfoliation, such as a face or body scrub.

How to clean exfoliating gloves:

One of the most important things to remember is to wash your gloves between each use as bacteria can remain on them (and you don't want to reintroduce that to your pores). "You should clean exfoliating gloves by putting them in the laundry," Dr. Patel states.

What are the pros and cons of exfoliating gloves?

Exfoliating bath gloves have many benefits in addition to sloughing off dead skin and leaving your face and body smooth. Exfoliating shower gloves promote blood flow and even enhance your lymphatic system. Dr, Patel recommends exfoliating gloves for individuals "with conditions such as keratosis pilaris or strawberry legs." For someone with either of these skin conditions, you can exfoliate more frequently. However, one of the cons of at-home exfoliation with gloves is that you can overdo it. Also, exfoliating gloves are not great for all skin types. "If you have active breakouts (open wounds) and sensitive skin, this is not the right thing for you," Dr. Patel warns. Pay attention to how your skin reacts and consult a dermatologist if you aren't sure if it's for you. "Sensitive/dry skin may get more irritated with exfoliating gloves," states Dr. Patel. If this is your skin type, opt for a mild exfoliating glove and use it sparingly.

If you're interested in making exfoliating part of your routine, below you'll find the best exfoliating gloves on the market. Whether you are looking for an Amazon pick with next-day delivery or not sure whether a silk exfoliating glove is for you, we have you covered.