What Are Exfoliating Gloves, and Should You Be Using Them?

Health and beauty hacks are abundant on TikTok, with many of us eager to try any product or technique that might enhance our self-care routine or simplify our daily regimen. One of the latest trends taking the platform by storm offers a more efficient approach to a common skincare practice: exfoliation.

While the idea of using an exfoliating glove to remove dead skin isn’t new, the oddly satisfying visuals of dead skin cells peeling away from users' bodies are making this technique trend once again. On TikTok, the search term "exfoliating gloves" garners an impressive 128.7 million views, and #exfoliatingglove has accumulated over 62 million views. Thousands of users are posting videos demonstrating how this budget-friendly beauty tool is more effective at removing unwanted dead skin than many other physical or chemical exfoliants.

The gloves resemble tanning mitts and are worn over the hand. Most videos follow a similar pattern: users rub the glove over their legs and other body parts, often after soaking in a bath, revealing visible skin shedding in the process.

How Do Exfoliating Gloves Work?

Exfoliating the skin can be done in two ways: chemically, using topical acids, or mechanically (also known as physical exfoliation) with scrubs, washes, or tools like sponges or brushes. Exfoliating gloves are crafted from fabrics designed to remove dead skin cells through gentle mechanical abrasion.

These gloves work by instantly removing the top layer of dead skin cells from the epidermis. Their snug fit allows users to easily reach difficult areas such as the back, shoulders, bikini line, heels, and toes, making thorough body exfoliation easy, quick, and mess-free.

They are also versatile: it’s recommended to add cleanser or shower gel to the glove, enabling you to wash and exfoliate simultaneously. Once the dead skin is sloughed away, your moisturizer will be able to penetrate more deeply, enhancing hydration, as noted by the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD).

Are There Any Risks to Using Exfoliating Gloves?

Mechanical exfoliation may not be suitable for everyone. For instance, individuals using certain medications or skincare products that cause dryness or sensitivity may experience acne or increased dryness. Additionally, some skin types, including dry, sensitive, or acne-prone skin, may not respond well to this method. Experts also advise individuals with darker skin tones to avoid mechanical exfoliation, as it can lead to dark spots.

While exfoliating cloth can simplify the exfoliation process, leaving them in the shower may lead to overexfoliation, even for those with normal skin types.

Overexfoliation can compromise the skin's barrier, resulting in micro-cracks that allow bacteria and germs to enter. It can also aggravate existing skin conditions, causing redness and inflammation.

If you're using exfoliating gloves more than once or twice a week, you may be overdoing it. But for most people it is a safe and effective means of skin exfoliation.

When to Avoid Using Exfoliating Gloves

Individuals with acne or sensitive skin should exercise caution when using exfoliating gloves.

For those with acne-prone skin, excessive use of exfoliating gloves may lead to acne mechanica, a type of acne caused by heat, pressure, or friction on the skin, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). Mechanical exfoliation can result in minor abrasions on the skin if overdone.

In patients with sensitive skin, repeated mechanical exfoliation could cause irritation, potentially exacerbating acne or eczema. In extreme cases, it may lead to skin superinfection, which is a staph or other bacterial or viral infection that typically occurs on damaged skin resulting from a rash or procedure.

Should You Use Exfoliating Gloves?

As long as you avoid overuse, we recommend using exfoliating gloves, particularly in the winter to remove dry, flaky skin and maintain smoothness. They offer an easy and quick way to incorporate exfoliation into your skincare routine. Additionally, they are generally low in cost, making them an accessible option for many.