It’s hard not to be fond of exfoliation. The process sloughs away dead skin cells, helping you achieve smooth and supple skin. While there are plenty of ways to exfoliate in your body care routine, using an exfoliating mitt is a popular pick in the beauty world. The tool helps you to save a few coins on exfoliating body washes or shower gels while still leaving you with the soft skin you’re after. Ahead, we’re sharing what an exfoliating mitt is, who should use one, and how to use an exfoliating glove in your routine.
WHAT IS AN EXFOLIATING MITT?
An exfoliating mitt is just what it sounds like—a glove or mitt that’s made out of mesh or textured fabric that can be used to exfoliate your body. The sole purpose of this essential is to target large areas such as your arms and legs while helping you exfoliate hard to reach spots. The tool provides a form of mechanical exfoliation, allowing you to physically remove dead skin cells from your body to leave you with soft, radiant-looking skin. Not only can this tool improve the overall look and feel of your skin, but it can also help you get a close shave. According to the Cleveland Clinic, exfoliating before shaving can keep your razor from getting overloaded with dead skin cells, which can reduce its efficacy. It can also help reduce the chance of ingrown hairs emerging.
This tool has various levels of coarseness—from gentle to rough—depending on the texture of the glove. There are also specific variations of the tool, such as the Korean exfoliating mitt that’s made out of viscose and is known to have an abrasive feel similar to sandpaper. Since this mitt can provide deeper exfoliation, it should only be used once every two weeks to prevent irritation.
While these tools are known to be used strictly from the neck down, there are exfoliating face mitts you can try as well. This essential is a two-in-one offering that works to exfoliate and cleanse your face. Typically, it’s dual-sided, with one side that gently exfoliates your skin with tiny bristles and another that helps to cleanse your skin of impurities when paired with a cleanser. You should note that a body exfoliating mitt and the face variation are not one and the same, since the regular tool would be too harsh on your complexion.
WHO SHOULD USE AN EXFOLIATING GLOVE?
Anyone can use an exfoliating glove, regardless of skin type. However, different skin types may handle it differently. Some people can only exfoliate once a week while others can exfoliate almost every day. So, it’s important to pay attention to how your skin responds to see what works best for you. It’s also a smart idea to look for exfoliating mitts that are specifically labeled safe for sensitive skin.
HOW TO USE AN EXFOLIATING MITT IN YOUR ROUTINE
Now that you have a better understanding of the exfoliating mitt, it’s time to explore how to put this useful skin care tool to use. Thankfully, it’s pretty easy. Hop in the shower and pull on your exfoliating mitt. Wet your skin and mitt. Apply a few drops of your favorite body wash to the mitt (you can also opt for bar soap). Add water, create a lather, and massage the mitt onto your skin in circular motions. Since this tool is designed to exfoliate your skin, only light pressure is needed to do the job. No need for overkill. Feel free to add more soap as needed. Rinse with lukewarm water.
Once you’re out of the shower, it’s important to moisturize your skin. Smooth on a body lotion or cream onto damp skin to help lock in moisture and prevent dryness.
HOW TO CLEAN AN EXFOLIATING MITT
While your skin is exfoliated and moisturized, there is one more thing you have to do. You need to clean your exfoliating mitt properly to keep your tool in mint condition. Follow the directions of the glove you’re using. Some exfoliating mitts are machine-washable, while others need to be hand-washed. For the latter, kick things off by thoroughly rinsing your mitt. Then, apply soap to the tool and massage it throughout to get rid of any impurities and residue. Rinse and allow your mitt to air dry. Keep in mind, you can’t keep an exfoliating glove forever. Just like loofahs, they need to be replaced. You should toss your exfoliating mitt after a month of use since it’s in the presence of moisture and damp air, which can cause bacteria to emerge.
Next up: If you’re in the mood to learn more about exfoliating your skin, we’ve got you covered. Check out our article, What Is Dry Brushing? Learn Why Dry Brushes Are Worth a Try, for more information.
