Should you dive in the TikTok trend of exfoliating gloves?

For many years, Koreans have passed down the concept of using exfoliating gloves to remove dead skin from the face to the body using an exfoliator.

Exfoliating gloves are made from fabrics that are designed to remove dead skin cells, offering a gentle mechanical abrasion.

On TikTok, the phrase ‘exfoliating gloves’ has more than 6.9 million views.

Thousands of users are sharing their personal use of this budget-friendly item while in shower routines or self-care routines.

In Kenya, you can find these exfoliating gloves in supermarkets or beauty stores.

Ranging from Sh50 – Sh3,000, you can get your exfoliating glove depending on the quality or the place of purchase. Take note; they all do the same job.

Using them at least once or twice a week with your favourite shower gel and scrub leaves your skin as smooth as a baby’s since all the dead skin is removed.

Following this with your favourite moisturizer improves your skin hydration as it penetrates the skin.

The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) however warns that exfoliation might not be for everyone.

This is especially for people with dry and sensitive skin since they may experience acne or extra dryness and abrasion.

They also warn that normal skin types are prone to over-exfoliation especially if it is done for more than 30 seconds.

“If you use a scrub or chemical exfoliator, apply the product gently using small, circular motions. Do this for about 30 seconds, and then rinse off with lukewarm water,” ADD says.

“Over exfoliation tends to break down the skin’s barrier creating micro-cracks in the skin that let in bacteria and germs, that can lead to infections.”

Those with open wounds, cuts or sunburn are also advised to avoid exfoliation.

Knowing and understanding your skin type also helps to make a choice, whether or not you should do it.