The Best Body Scrubbing Gloves

Your skin is an impressive triple-layer organ that is designed to protect against chemicals and extreme temperatures. The cells that make up the outermost layer of your skin are constantly changing, thanks to multilayer cells that grow outward. The very top layer of those cells is constantly shedding to make way for the lower layers to emerge.

But sometimes your skin doesn’t slough off as it should. When that happens, the result may be dry, flaky patches. Sure, you can lather up with lotion, but that only moisturizes those dead skin cells. They’ll still remain there, possibly making you uncomfortable and itchy.

That’s where exfoliating comes in. Recommended by many beauty and medical experts, exfoliating gives that outermost layer a little helping hand, removing any dead skin cells that have accumulated there to allow the underlying cells to take over. Not only does this eliminate patchy spots to make your skin healthier, but it also can improve the appearance of your skin.

One of the best ways to exfoliate is to use a scrubbing cloth or glove. You won’t need any extra products to get results, eliminating the chemicals that are in some exfoliating products. But there are a few things to consider as you shop for exfoliating gloves, including the material, the size and how easy they are to clean between uses.

• Although you can buy exfoliating pads and mitts, one benefit of five-fingered gloves is that you can more easily get into tight spaces, like the skin between your toes and fingers.
• You’ll see that scrubbing gloves are often listed as “one size fits all,” or sold in only a couple of sizes. While they do often stretch, pay attention to measurements to make sure they’ll fit your hand.
• Since you’re removing dead skin cells, it’s important to thoroughly clean your gloves between uses. Some are machine washable, but for best results, make sure you air dry.
• Look for gloves with an elastic wristband that keeps it from slipping around while you work.
• If you use self-tanner, you’ll always want to exfoliate before applying the product. This removes any dead skin cells for a smoother result. Make sure you rinse off before tanning.
• Exfoliating isn’t the only use for scrubbing gloves. Some consumers buy them for use while cleaning. The gentle abrasiveness can be great for scrubbing surfaces like bathtubs and showers.
• If you’re left-handed and you’re buying a one-glove set, make sure you’re getting one that isn’t specifically geared toward right-handed people.
• Gloves made with 100 percent high-quality nylon are best for getting maximum results without irritating the skin.