Seight-rated, little known or often relegated to the bottom of the drawer after purchase: the horsehair glove it is a simple accessory, almost from another era, but useful for such an effective care gesture, mechanical exfoliation. Especially in summer, when the skin needs to free itself from the opacity accumulated during the colder months and regain brightness, softness and vitality. A natural ritual capable of awakening the epidermis and giving it new light.
Horsehair glove, what it does and why try it
The horsehair glove is a natural exfoliant with an unmistakable shape, similar to one small muffle. Its purpose is as simple as it is effective: through a delicate manual massage helps remove dead cells from the skin surface, while stimulating microcirculation and giving the skin a smoother and brighter appearance. Its characteristic rough texture, sometimes combined with a softer and smoother second side, is what makes it so recognisable.
Its history is rooted in tradition: iOriginally it was made with the hair of horses’ tails and manes, naturally resistant fibres, elastic and durable, capable of guaranteeing effective exfoliation over time. Today, the horsehair glove has evolved in a more sustainable way, with numerous green and cruelty free alternatives created with vegetable fibres such as coconut, hemp, bamboo, agave and dwarf palm. A return to simplicity and natural rituals that combines effectiveness, attention to the environment and pleasure of the gesture.
Today it is also available in brush format for the body or in hybrids with sponges, more compact and lighter compared to the classic glove, for a more precise and localized action.
Horsehair glove, how to use it
The use more common than the horsehair glove is the exfoliating one: used once a week, it is ideal for periodically eliminating dead cells on the surface. An action that allows epidermal oxygenation and facilitates cell renewal, i.e. its turnover, restoring new vitality and brightness to the skin and allowing better absorption of cosmetics.
The second use is like depilatory pre-treatment: it helps to eliminate any ingrown hairs and lift subcutaneous hair, thus also improving the result of the hair removal itself.
The third use is that draining and anti-cellulite. His massage is indeed particularly stimulating for the microcirculation of the legs and is also a real panacea for the capillaries: pass it with circular movements from top to bottom so as to help drain liquids and combat orange peel, becoming a perfect ally of all anti-cellulite products, in gel or cream, to be used subsequently. With this function, you can use it every other day, after bathing and showering.
Dry or wet?
Used dry or wet, with warm or cold water, the horsehair glove is reusable and must be carefully cleaned after each session and then left to air dry. It generally needs to be replaced every 3-4 months to avoid the formation of mold and bacteria, so it lasts more or less a season.
Be careful of sensitive skin
Are there any contraindications? Generally not, but there are some precautions: if the skin is too sensitive, or in particular areas of the body such as the breast, the horsehair glove must not be used dry.
Furthermore, it is not recommended if capillary fragility is already present or in the presence of varicose veins, diabetes or hyperthyroidism. It should not even be used on abrasions and burns.
Yes to combining it with a body oilfor example almond or olive oil to soften and nourish the skin at the same time. No, however, with bubble bath: some formulations can dry out the skin and this tool only makes the situation worse.
The difference with the scrub
The exfoliating action of the scrub is given by the microparticles contained within the formulation, often of natural origin and obtained from hazelnut or olive shells.
The action of the glove is manual and depends on the pressure exerted. The scrub can also contain hydrating and nourishing ingredients, often of botanical origin, which help not to dry out the skin too much, but not the glove if you use it dry, which is why a cream or body oil should be applied afterwards to soften and nourish the skin.