Are Exfoliating Gloves Good? (Here’s the Honest Truth from Someone Who’s Tried Them)

Okay, let’s be real — exfoliating gloves look simple. Just a textured glove, right?
But if you’ve ever used one, you know it’s weirdly life-changing.

Still, you might be wondering: are exfoliating gloves actually good for your skin, or are they just another beauty trend? Let’s unpack it — best friend to best friend. 💬

What Exfoliating Gloves Actually Do

Exfoliating gloves are textured mitts you use in the shower to gently remove dead skin cells. You just wet your skin (no soap yet!) and massage in circular motions.

What happens next? Magic — okay, not real magic, but close. You’ll literally see dead skin rolling off, and your skin will feel smooth, soft, and kind of brand new.

They work because they help with mechanical exfoliation, which is a fancy way of saying you’re physically helping your skin shed what it doesn’t need anymore.

So… Are They Good for Your Skin?

Short answer: Yes — when used correctly, exfoliating gloves are amazing for your skin.

They help to:

✨ Unclog pores and prevent breakouts
By removing dirt, oil, and dead cells, your skin can finally breathe again.

🩷 Smooth rough patches
Think elbows, knees, or those tiny bumps (aka “strawberry skin”).

🪄 Reduce ingrown hairs
Exfoliating before shaving helps free trapped hairs and reduces razor bumps.

💧 Improve product absorption
Moisturizers, oils, and serums work better when applied on freshly exfoliated skin.

🌸 Boost circulation
The massaging motion helps stimulate blood flow, giving you that post-shower glow.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, regular exfoliation helps skin look more radiant by increasing cell turnover — the process that keeps your skin looking fresh and youthful.¹

The Right Way to Use Exfoliating Gloves

There is a method to the madness — and once you get it right, you’ll never go back.

Here’s the best way to do it:

Soften your skin first.
Take a warm shower or bath for 5–10 minutes before exfoliating.
Skip the soap (for now).
Use the glove on clean, wet skin — soap can make it too slippery to grab dead cells.
Use gentle, circular motions.
Don’t scrub too hard! Let the texture of the glove do the work.
Moisturize right after.
Your skin will soak up hydration like a sponge — it’s the best feeling.
Keep your glove clean.
Rinse it after use and hang it to dry. Replace every few months for best hygiene.

Choosing the Right Glove for You

Not all gloves are made equal. Some are rougher, others silky soft. The trick is finding what feels right for your skin type.

Normal or sensitive skin?
Try the classic exfoliating glove. It’s gentle but still effective — perfect for weekly use.
Tougher or dry skin?
The raw silk exfoliating glove has a slightly coarser texture that really tackles buildup and keratosis pilaris (aka “chicken skin”).

Both are 100% natural, reusable for months, and give you that just-came-from-the-spa glow — right in your own bathroom.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

If exfoliating gloves haven’t worked for you in the past, you might’ve been doing one of these:

🚫 Scrubbing too aggressively — this can cause redness or irritation. Be gentle!
🚫 Using them on dry skin — always exfoliate when your skin is warm and moist.
🚫 Skipping moisturizer afterward — exfoliation opens your pores, and your skin needs hydration afterward.

Remember: the goal is to polish your skin, not fight with it.

Real Talk — What You’ll Actually Notice

After just one use, you’ll feel the difference. Your skin looks brighter, feels smoother, and even your body lotion suddenly works better.

Use it regularly, and over time you’ll notice:

Fewer ingrown hairs
More even skin tone
A natural glow without fake shimmer
Softer texture that lasts

It’s one of those small habits that adds a big self-care moment to your week.

The Verdict: 100% Worth It

So, are exfoliating gloves good? Absolutely — when used gently and consistently, they’re one of the simplest ways to get soft, glowing skin.

And let’s be honest… there’s something so satisfying about seeing that instant result.

If you haven’t tried one yet, start with the exfoliating glove or go for the raw silk exfoliating glove for a deeper exfoliation.
Just one shower, and you’ll totally get the hype. 🌿

Sources:

American Academy of Dermatology — “How to exfoliate your skin safely.”