How to Use a Silk Exfoliating Mitt (Kese)

How to exfoliate with a Turkish silk bath mitt (kese)

1. Before the first use, wash the mitt with hot water and soap by hand and rinse well. Use it after a shower or bath. Since your skin is softer and more receptive after 10–15 minutes in warm water, the mitt is most effective once you've had a proper soak.

2. It works best applied on its own, after you've rinsed off any soap or bath products.

3. Wet and wring the mitt, then apply it gently in long strokes.

a) Start on your arms and legs to get a feel for it. Treat all areas evenly.

b) To avoid irritation, don't work the same area repeatedly, and go gently on the first few uses before gradually raising the pressure. Face mitts should always be used very gently.

c) A day or two later, if your skin felt comfortable, you can increase the pressure a little. These mitts are far more effective than most alternatives, so there's no need to press hard early on.

4. You may notice light brown or grey dead skin lifting off. This is normal, especially on sun-exposed or dry skin. Don't rinse it away until you've finished a section, since it helps lift more.

5. Skin may go a little pink afterwards, but overworking one area can cause irritation. Stop if you feel any discomfort – it means too much pressure.

6. Rinse with lukewarm water to close your freshly cleansed pores.

7. Enjoy how soft and smooth your skin feels.

How to care for your mitt

  • Wash it well with hot water and soap before the first use. A little shrinkage is normal.
  • Wash it by hand with soap after each use and let it dry naturally. Replace it as needed.

A few don'ts

  • Only use it on healthy skin. Don't apply it to broken, sensitive or acne-prone skin, and check with your doctor first if you have a skin condition or any health issue that heat or increased circulation could aggravate.
  • If your skin is sensitive, choose a cocoon-silk mitt and apply light pressure. For the face, use a dedicated face (finger) mitt and be very gentle.
  • For hygiene, don't use the same mitt on your face and body, and don't share it.
  • Silk mitts are for healthy adults, not for babies, toddlers or children.
  • Don't exceed roughly once every 10–30 days.
  • Stop, or ease off, if it hurts.

Everyone deserves a little luxury in the bath. Ready to try one? Shop our 100% silk exfoliating mitts and gloves.

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