Exfoliation is an essential component of your skincare routine. Even for men. Let´s admit it: dead or dry skin is not attractive, no matter how masculine you look or aspire to be.
Exfoliating is often considered less important than cleansing or moisturizing, but it is necessary for your skin’s health. However, you need to do it the right way.
The method you use to cleanse your skin is down to personal preference, but there are definitely pros and cons to each.
Loofahs, sponges, scrubbers, and washcloths are widely popular mechanical exfoliation products, but if you are looking for an alternative to that, we may have found something for you.
Here is a list of our top 6 best exfoliating gloves and mitts for men in 2023 to help you get started.
Best Overall: Zakia’s Kessa Hammam Scrubbing Glove
The Zakia’s Kessa Royal glove comes with a traditional Moroccan design and it´s AMAZING! The glove’s unique crepe fabric quickly and gently gets rid of the dead skin, impurities, and excess oil so necessary for healthy vibrant skin.
This unusual mitt can be worn on either the left or right hand and has an elasticized wrist to get you a comfortable and tight fit.
How to use these exfoliating gloves? For the best results, do not use soap with this glove. Wash first with your favorite liquid or bar soap, rinse all the residue off, and after then use this amazing exfoliating glove. Repeat this process two times a week, and you will feel the difference in your skin.
Best For Bigger Hands: MIG4U Exfoliating Glove
Finally, an exfoliating glove that fits most men’s hands. MIG4U glove is ideal for both men and women who want to improve the feel and look of their skin. This wash glove comes in normal or large size (perfect for men), is made of quality materials and features a row of elastics on the wrist area to ensure it doesn’t slip off your hand.
The black and orange option is designed for heavy exfoliating, and when wet, it will be larger. On the other side, the brown glove is also for heavy exfoliating, it is tight than black, but when wet, it stays the same size.
The MIG4U glove is designed to give your skin a deep cleanse and bring out that glow and texture we all want. Just like the other mechanical exfoliators, even this mitt can improve blood circulation which rids your skin of harmful toxins and impurities.
Premium Quality: NYK1 Exfoliation Glove
With a unique design, the NYK1 exfoliation glove is perfect for men and can be used with left and right hands. Available in two colors (pink and black), the glove is made from natural plant fibers, is machine washable, and comes with a free travel bag.
The NYK1 glove is awesome for exfoliating and for self-tanner application. It is much better than a loofah or sponge for removing sunless false tan. It can leave you with healthy glowing skin in perfect condition for your next self-tanning. It´s also a great tool to reduce ingrowing hairs and cellulite.
Best For Ingrown Hairs: Earth Therapeutics Hydro Exfoliating Gloves
Speaking about ingrown hairs. A condition where hair curls back or grows sideways into the skin. Most common among people who have coarse or curly hair.
While ingrown hair most commonly appears in areas where the skin is shaved or waxed (beard, legs, pubic region), it can appear anywhere. One of the best home treatments is using an exfoliating glove in the shower and exfoliating the area every day.
If you have this condition then Earth Therapeutics Hydro Exfoliating Glove is for you. These are very well made (100% Nylon), not flimsy at all, and are specially woven to gently and efficiently exfoliate layers of dead skin and impurities from the body’s surface. They also unclog pores and buff away stress while stimulating blood circulation.
Best For Keratosis Pilaris: Dermasuri Deep Exfoliating Mitt Body Scrub
Keratosis pilaris (KP) is a common, harmless skin condition that causes dry, rough patches and tiny bumps, usually on the upper arms, thighs, cheeks or buttocks. It is often considered a variant of normal skin. However, it can’t be cured or prevented, but you can treat it. (Source: Mayo Clinic)
In fact, home treatments won’t prevent keratosis pilaris or make it go away, but they may improve the appearance of the skin. And exfoliating dead skin is a commonly used treatment, doctors often describe patients’ creams to remove dead skin cells.
If you suffer KP, try Dermasuri Deep Exfoliating Mitt. Made with unique fabric texture, the mitt visibly removes surface layers of build-up and dead skin instantly. To be honest, the mitt doesn’t alleviate the pre-existing redness of KP. However, it can make the bumps a lot less noticeable.
Best For Glowing Skin: Exfoliating Gloves With Pink Himalayan Salt
If you are looking for an alternative to a traditional washcloth or loofah, then these machine washable exfoliating gloves are made for you. Designed for heavy mechanical exfoliation, the gloves are a bit rougher than most nylon products, so you should adjust the pressure when using them.
This wash glove is made of 70% Nylon and 30% bamboo charcoal fiber, comes with an elastic band at the cuff to keep it in place while bathing or taking a shower. And there is a loop that makes it easy to hang the glove after use.
Best Value: SMITCO Exfoliating Gloves
SMITCO exfoliating shower gloves are not the best or most effective, but for a price of around $12, you get 4 pairs. A pretty good deal. They are made of thick nylon, have an elastic wrist, and fit most hand sizes. The design stretches up to 11 inches, enough for the hands of a man.
Exfoliating Gloves And Mitts Buying Guide
Exfoliating is an essential component of your skincare routine. Even for men.
What is Exfoliating? What Does it Mean Exactly?
Exfoliations mean that you are removing the top layer of the skin. Our skin is constantly regenerating and rejuvenating itself, but to reveal youthful skin, you need to remove the dead dull skin layer.
Proper exfoliating can lead to healthy skin that seems to almost glow.
There are two basic categories of exfoliation:
You can remove the dead skin layer by using something mechanical. You need to scratch it off, scrub it off. The most popular products for mechanical removal are loofahs, sponges, body scrubbers, gloves, or washcloths.
However, mechanical exfoliation doesn’t offer an even result. It’s like using sandpaper on your skin. It will remove the dull dead skin layer, but isn’t most effective.
Another process of how to remove the dead skin is by using chemical exfoliants. These products contain ingredients that are actually getting into the skin and cause it to lift off evenly.
With the right formula, the right ingredients thee chemical exfoliation is more gentle and more effective for your skin. Read the label to make sure your product contains glycolic acid, lactic acid, beta hydroxy acid, or salicylic acid, which are popular exfoliator
Benefits of Regular Skin Exfoliation
Why is important to exfoliate your body? All skin types benefit from regular exfoliation, however significant is to choose the right exfoliant for your skin type. If you have sensitive skin, acne, or KP, it is better to opt for gentle exfoliators, mechanical or chemical, to avoid the possibility of occurring any skin irritations.
Here are additional benefits of exfoliating:
- Unclogs pores
- Prevents acne
- Evens skin tone
- Boosts blood circulation and lymphatic drainage
- Helps other skincare products penetrate deeper
- Increases cell turnover
- Improves collagen production
- Balances skin’s pH and hydration levels.
Tips for glowing skin:
- Drink 3 liters of water
- Use sunscreen
- Eat green vegetables and red fruits
- Use cosmetics as per skin type only
- Exercise daily
What Happens If You Never Exfoliate?
Exfoliation is a process that should be part of your skincare routine. If you don’t exfoliate your skin, it can lead to a build-up of dead skin cells, which could result in patchy, dry, and dull skin, clogged pores, and uneven skin tone.
What are the Pros and Cons of Exfoliating Gloves?
Exfoliating gloves are gloves specially designed to be worn on your hands and help you with exfoliation. They come in form of an actual glove or mitt.
They are a cheap and convenient solution because it is very easy to change the pressure when exfoliating and they can also last longer than standard scrubs.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Cheap
- Good texture
- Effective
- Eco-friendly
Cons
- You can easily scratch your skin
- Can collect bacteria
Is It Good to Use Exfoliating Gloves Every Day?
Definitely, NO! Don’t exfoliate your skin more than twice a week. Although exfoliation can do wonders to your skin, but don’t overdo it.
It is beneficial to your body to remove dead cells but only used properly.
Gloves are great for removing those cells, they are gentle, effective, and cheap. But be aware, you can also scratch your skin. So, add exfoliation to your skincare routine, it will be extremely beneficial, however once or twice a week is enough.
Do You Use Exfoliating Gloves in the Shower?
Exfoliating gloves are designed to be used with water and with body wash, so you can easily take them in the shower. The process is quite simple, wet your entire body, do the same to the exfoliating glove, apply body wash, and start rubbing.
Can I Use Exfoliating Gloves On My Face?
When it comes to gloves and mittens, all gloves are not created equal. You have to find the right one for you.
Keep in mind that using exfoliating glove can irritate your skin. While you want some to have some texture on your glove, be aware, you will be deeply massaging your body with it. And your face? It is not recommended to use the glove on your face, as it is usually too rough for the skin on your face. Use a gentle face scrub instead.
How Often Should You Change Exfoliating Gloves?
Because the use of exfoliating gloves is to remove dead skin cells, the dead skin cells will still be on the glove. That’s why it’s a good idea to replace your exfoliating gloves every three to four weeks.
Can you wash exfoliating gloves in the washer?
The best practice is to clean your gloves after each exfoliation. If you have silicone gloves, you can throw them in the washing machine. Since you will use the gentle wash program, there should be no problem. You can even wash it in the dishwasher.
Are exfoliating gloves sanitary? Gloves that are designed for exfoliation are intended to be germ-free. However, it is still recommended to clean it regularly. Do it after each exfoliation. You can simply clean it under running water, throw it in the washing machine, or even in the dishwasher.
Main photo by Ishan @seefromthesky
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