Exfoliation is essential to any skincare routine, with many tools on the market to help remove dead skin cells and promote healthy skin. From scrubs and brushes to loofahs and chemical exfoliants, one tool that has been around for centuries and is slowly gaining traction in North America is the body kese. Let's dive into the three main differences between a body kese and other exfoliating tools to help decide which may fit your needs best.
1: Exfoliation strength
Daily use: Sponge, loofah, some sugar scrubs, bath gloves
Those with ultra-delicate skin or wanting something for daily use may opt for a loofah, sponge, or sugar scrub, which may be gentler.
Deeper exfoliation: Kese, coffee scrubs, dry brushes
A kese is a physical exfoliant using friction to effectively remove dead skin cells. With a kese, you can control the level of pressure you use, allowing you to tailor the level of exfoliation to your skin type and needs.
Scrubs all differ in exfoliating power, some may be gentle, but some may be quite abrasive. The shape and abrasiveness of the particles used in scrubs should be something to be wary of (for example, sugar crystals dissolve but coffee grinds may be sharp and scratch your skin).
Dry brushes differ in material as well, but material differences may result in a gentle exfoliating brush or hard bristles that feel scratchy on the skin, possibly causing redness and tenderness.
Intense exfoliation: pumice stone, and some other bath mitt brands
A pumice stone is harsh and best for calluses and rough skin on the feet.
Some other brands make cheaply made viscose or polyester textures that are uncomfortably abrasive especially when wet.
2: Material
The choice of material can impact the level of exfoliation and the texture of the tool.
A kese is typically made from silk or viscose fibres, which are smooth and less likely to irritate the skin. Body scrubs are typically made from granular ingredients like sugar, salt, or coffee grounds. Loofahs are typically made from the vegetable itself or of soft plastic. Dry brushes are usually made from natural fibre bristles. Brushes or scrubs may be made from harsher materials that can damage or irritate the skin if not used properly or if made from low-quality materials.
When using a kese or any exfoliating tool, one must remember to be gentle on their skin to prevent sensitivity.
Another consideration for materials is sustainability. Natural fibres such as cotton, silk, and semi-man-made materials such as viscose are biodegradable. Viscose is longer between the three.
3: Technique
A body kese is traditionally used in Turkish baths or hammams, where the skin is first soaked in hot water to soften it before the kese is used to scrub the skin without any soap on a weekly or biweekly basis.
Dry brushes are used on dry skin to brush off dead skin cells before a shower or bath. A loofah, bath cloth, and shower gloves are typically used with soap and can be used daily. Body scrubs can be used on wet or dry skin, and a pumice stone is typically used on wet skin.
Other considerations: Lifetime and bacteria growth
All these products have a lifespan, which brings us back to sustainability and how much you're willing to spend in the long term. Keses which are pretty flat tend to have less bacterial growth as they are easier to clean. Loofah's trap bacteria and have shorter life spans. Lifetime is also dependent on the quality of the material used. Sende body exfoliating keses are high-quality products and can last years if used with proper care.
Which is for you?
The best option for you will depend on your skin type, needs, and preferences. If its for extremely sensitive areas, a cotton washcloth may be best. For daily use, you may opt for a loofah. Need a deep cleansing once a week - a kese will offer a deeper level of exfoliation and offer unique benefits.
