How to use exfoliation gloves

Short answer: Wet your skin, apply a body scrub or exfoliating cleanser, and massage it on in circular motions with the glove, focusing on elbows, knees, ankles, and heels. Rinse, pat dry, and moisturize after. If you're prepping for self tanner, do this about 24 hours before applying, not the same day, so your skin has time to calm down before the tan goes on.

Exfoliation gloves are a handy tool that can help achieve smooth and radiant skin. Whether you're looking to remove dead skin cells, improve circulation, or prep your skin for self-tanning, exfoliation gloves can help you reach your skincare goals. In this guide, we'll explore how to effectively use exfoliation gloves for a rejuvenating skincare routine.

Table of Contents

• How to Use Exfoliation Gloves
• Why Dry Areas Matter So Much for Self Tanner Prep
• Technique Tips
• Caring for Your Exfoliation Gloves
• FAQs

How to Use Exfoliation Gloves

To use exfoliation gloves, start by wetting your skin and applying your favorite body scrub or exfoliating cleanser. Gently massage the product onto your skin in circular motions, focusing on areas prone to dryness or roughness, such as elbows, knees, and heels. The texture of the gloves helps to shed away dead skin cells, revealing softer and smoother skin underneath. For those using an exfoliation glove to prep a self tanner, Sunless By Makai self tanners can be a great addition to your skincare routine after exfoliation, helping you achieve a flawless and natural-looking tan.

Why Dry Areas Matter So Much for Self Tanner Prep

This is one of the most common issues Toni saw over and over in her years as a professional spray tan artist: clients coming back frustrated that their ankles, knees, and elbows kept turning out noticeably darker than the rest of their body. After talking through their routine, the pattern was almost always the same. It wasn't the tanning solution causing the problem, it was dry skin in those spots soaking up more product than the rest of the body.

Once she started having clients exfoliate those specific areas more thoroughly before tanning, the color developed far more evenly. If you keep getting dark ankles or elbows no matter what product you use, check your exfoliation before you blame the formula. It's also why we recommend exfoliating about 24 hours before applying self tanner, not the same day, our full spray tan prep guide covers the full timing in more depth.

Technique Tips

When using exfoliation gloves, it's essential to avoid applying too much pressure, especially if you have sensitive skin. Be gentle and let the texture of the gloves do the work for you. When you are done exfoliating, rinse off the remaining product and pat your skin dry with a towel. Follow up with a hydrating moisturizer to lock in moisture and keep your skin feeling soft and supple.

If you're prepping a specific area rather than your whole body, our guide on how to exfoliate the bikini area covers technique for that area specifically. And for the full prep-to-aftercare process, see our Ultimate Guide to Self Tanning.

Caring for Your Exfoliation Gloves

To prolong the life of your exfoliation gloves, rinse them thoroughly after each use and hang them to dry in a well-ventilated area. It's also a good idea to wash them regularly with mild soap and water to remove any buildup of dead skin cells or product residue. Avoid using harsh chemicals or bleach, as this can damage the fibers of the gloves. With proper care, your exfoliation gloves can continue to provide effective exfoliation for months to come.

FAQs

How often should I use exfoliation gloves?

One to two times per week is enough for most people. Over-exfoliating can irritate skin and actually make discoloration or dryness worse.

Should I exfoliate the same day I self tan?

No. Exfoliate about 24 hours before applying self tanner. Freshly exfoliated skin can be sensitive and may cause streaking or uneven absorption if tanned too soon after.

Why do my ankles and elbows always turn out darker than the rest of my tan?

Dry skin in those areas absorbs more product than the rest of your body. More thorough exfoliation specifically on ankles, knees, and elbows usually fixes this before you ever need to change formulas.

Can exfoliation gloves be too rough for sensitive skin?

They can be if you press too hard. Let the texture of the glove do the work with light pressure rather than scrubbing aggressively.

How do I keep my exfoliation gloves clean?

Rinse thoroughly after every use and hang to dry somewhere well-ventilated. Wash regularly with mild soap and water, and avoid bleach or harsh chemicals, which can break down the fibers over time.

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