From walnut scrubs to body planes, we have endless options for exfoliating. If you're in search of a gentle yet effective tool to use in-shower, consider an exfoliating mitt. In addition to removing dead, dry skin, exfoliating leaves behind healthier skin, explains Shel Pink, founder of SpaRitual.
“The benefit of exfoliating your body is to break down and remove dead skin cells from the top layers of the skin and unblock pores to reveal healthy skin cells beneath for a smoother appearance,” says Pink. “Body exfoliation also helps to stimulate and increase blood circulation to achieve healthy and glowing skin, and leaves the newly revealed skin hydrated and nourished.”
- Joshua Zeichner, MD, director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology and associate professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital
- Katharine L’Heureux, Katharine L’Heureux is the founder of Kahina Giving Beauty.
- Shel Pink, founder of Sparitual and author of Slow Beauty
The Céla Black Exfoliating Body Mitt ($12) can be used in the shower or in the tub. Just scrub in a circular motion to gently yet effectively remove dead skin. Use it with just water to focus on exfoliating or add soap and handle your cleansing at the same time. Rinse it out thoroughly after use and allow it to air dry.
Exfoliating damp skin is a great way to remove dead skin without overdoing it, explains Joshua Zeichner, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City.
“When the skin is warm and hydrated, dead cells on the surface may more easily be removed and cause less trauma," says Dr. Zeichner. "Especially when using manual exfoliators or gritty products, over-scrubbing may lead to skin irritation, loss of hydration, and inflammation."
This mitt is designed after the mitts traditionally used in the hammams, or bathhouses, of Morocco and Turkey.
“The benefits of the hammam include cleansing and detoxification, improved circulation, exfoliation, and moisturization,” says Katharine L’Heureux, founder and CEO of Kahina Giving Beauty. “Essential oils of orange blossom, eucalyptus and rose are very calming to skin and to the nervous system. Olive oil and argan oil featured in the soap are incredibly nourishing and skin softening. Rhassoul clay will often be used in shampooing because it’s wonderful for cleansing and detoxifying. These ingredients, even if you are replicating the ritual at home, will really help the skin, body, and mind.”
To mimic the experience at home, start by washing up with Nubian Heritage Soap Bar African Black Soap ($7). Next, exfoliate with the Céla mitt. Coat your skin in a layer of Rhassoul clay ($13), continue to scrub, and then rinse. Finish off with an argan oil ($14) massage and get ready for the softest skin of your life.
Now that you know how to exfoliate your body, here are some tips to exfoliate your face:
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