Trib tested: Earth Therapeutics Moisturizing Gloves

Bring on spring! I am tired of this weather and the havoc it wreaks on my skin. I'm so dry that I think sandpaper might be smoother! Even though I moisturize constantly, skin exposed to windy, winter elements becomes a scaly battleground -- my hands, my face -- the idea of silk makes me cringe.

Then, as if the editors above heard my wish, the moisturing gloves from Earth Therapeutics arrived on my desk. Made almost entirely of nylon, they're infused with aloe vera and vitamin E, which will last through approximately 20 washings.

The first thing I noticed about the gloves was how soft they were, then I noticed because they're soft and slick, you've got to have some strength to take them off -- otherwise they'll keep sliding on you! The package suggests trying the old foot softening trick (heavy lotion and a clean pair of white cotton socks) with the gloves for extra hydration.

Good idea -- because when using the gloves alone, I found my skin to be temporarily smooth, almost oily, but nothing long-lasting. Lotion did help a bit, but I think the key to this product is in repeated use with a great lotion. After a week of wearing them a half hour each day, I've noticed my winter skin isn't as bad, but I've also been more diligent in my skin care. Coincidence?

-- Caroline Hirt

When I first saw Earth Therapeutics moisturizing gloves, I was thrilled. There have been times this winter that my daughter has refused to hold my hands because they were so rough, dry and cracked. I thought these gloves, along with regular moisturizing, could help me get my soft hands back. But I really saw no difference from using the gloves.

Plus, I wasn't really sure when to use them. I tried wearing them in the car on the way to work, but I really prefer leather gloves while driving. I tried wearing them while walking the dog, but on really cold days they weren't warm enough. I even tried wearing them to bed, but ended up taking them off after about a half hour. I did feel a slight moisturizing effect after wearing them for an hour of so, but it didn't last.

-- Sue Jones

The Ultra Plush Moisturizing Gloves were a disappointment to my leathery winter paws. I could not feel any Aloe Vera or vitamin E seeping or in anyway imparting from the glove onto my hands. To put it to the real test I wore one glove all night so I could compare. There was absolutely no effect on the gloved hand. Maybe I missed something because of the lack of directions on the package. "With regular treatment, hands will feel softer and smoother." Who knows what counts as "regular?"

Under the care instructions on the package users are told to machine wash in cold water with no bleach and, also, to not iron. Well, duh, has anyone ever ironed gloves?

The gloves do seem to do a decent job of keeping my hands warm in the winter. As an added bonus, they are somewhat pretty. Mine were a plush and sparkly pink pair much like ones I purchased for my daughter when she was a preteen. I can't say they will replace my more grown-up leather gloves, but for a quick trip to the grocery store they could come in handy. Really, though, these gloves seemed no better than the stretchy little gloves you can pick up for a dollar or two at the grocery store to leave in your glove compartment for those chilly outdoor sporting events where blankets are the norm.

-- Rebecca Killian

Additional Information:

Earth Therapeutics Moisturizing Gloves

The claim: These women's moisture-infused gloves will leave your hands silky and smooth, hydrating every inch of your hands. The aloe vera and vitamin E can take up to 20 washes, while additional lotion enhances the results.The gloves are made of nylon and Spandex and come in a variety of colors.

Cost: $8

Where: Online