I am a huge fan of exfoliation, and if you participate in any type of Women's Health & Wellness - Body hair removal , exfoliation can prevent ingrown hairs by clearing the path for the hair to grow back properly. Depending on the sensitivity of your skin, you may only want to use a scrubby periodically, but I tend to use it as part of my regular routine (with soap) as a sort of industrial strength washcloth.
- (I’ve read that it’s important to make sure they aren’t harboring bacteria (you can drop them in boiling water for a couple minutes) and I’ve also heard good things about chemical exfoliants that are maybe more chill for your skin)
I grew up with washcloths, and natural loofah sponges, and later those synthetic balls of…netting? but I’m now convinced that “mitt” is the best type of ~body sponge.
For exfoliating in particular, there are also long strips (which I guess are good for hard-to-reach places?) and there are also gloves, but I think a mitt is clearly the best option: because it is sort of an extension of your own hand, you have the maximum amount of control without needing to try to get your wet fingers aligned with the gloved fingers.
My favorite mitt is synthetic and a little stretchy—basically the material that spa gloves are made of, but in mitt form. This is oddly difficult to find online (I think I found mine at a drugstore), so my new ones don’t have any kind of squish/stretch to the fabric.
This one is quite sandpapery, and even though there’s a tighter stretchy opening, I still think the size is more likely to fit a standard hand than the Korean ones:
Seraphic Skincare Divine Glow Exfoliating Mitt (1pc) – 100%, Dye-Free, Bleach-Free Vegan Viscose Korean Exfoliating Glove – Body Exfoliator for Self-Tan Removal & Keratosis Pilaris
Amazon.com : Seraphic Skincare Divine Glow Exfoliating Mitt (1pc) – 100%, Dye-Free, Bleach-Free Vegan Viscose Korean Exfoliating Glove – Body Exfoliator for Self-Tan Removal & Keratosis Pilaris : Beauty & Personal Care
amzn.to
This one is similarly sandpapery, and even the XL barely fits my (admittedly large-for-a-woman but not that large hands)
SongWol Korean Beauty Skin X-Large Viscos Exfoliating Bath Towel Gloves Strong Scrub Wash Clothes (3 pack)
I also have a mitt from Ikea, that’s not sandpapery, but is still rougher than a washcloth. It might be a good option for folks who aren’t yet sold on intentionally sloughing off the top layer of skin 😅
PRAKTPORTLAK Scrub mitt - natural
PRAKTPORTLAK Scrub mitt - natural. The soft material cleans effectively but is also gentle on sensitive skin areas. Scrubbing your body boost your blood circulation and energizes. Use the loop to hang the scrub-mitt to dry - easy and hygienic. Coordinates well with our other spa products.
www.ikea.com
(They also have cute ones for washing kids that I’m sure are not meant to exfoliate, but if I had a kid to wash, I would definitely give them a try, just for the convenience of having your hand so easily become a wash cloth.)
GULDVÄVARE Washing mitt 5 1/2x8 5/8 "
GULDVÄVARE Washing mitt 5 1/2x8 5/8 ". Highly absorbent washing mitts made of 100% cotton – perfect to use during baths or nappy changes– and always practical to bring in a bag or jacket pocket. Recommended for all ages. GOTS certified organic cotton: CMPY-158887.
www.ikea.com
I might also try these at some point (they’re not meant as a mitt, but I feel like I could use them that way?)
ZOMCHI 2 Pieces Different Roughness Soap Pouch and Soap Saver Pocket for Use in Shower, Body Scrubber Shower Sponge, Premium Exfoliating Soap Bag
Amazon.com : ZOMCHI 2 Pieces Different Roughness Soap Pouch and Soap Saver Pocket for Use in Shower, Body Scrubber Shower Sponge, Premium Exfoliating Soap Bag : Beauty & Personal Care
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