The origin of dry brushing can be traced back to prehistoric times. Ever heard of it? Dry brushing is just brushing your bare skin with a dry, soft-bristled brush.
Dry brushing your skin stimulates blood flow, which aids lymph node function and removes toxins from the body. So, what is it about this skin care routine that has made it so popular? This article will teach you everything you need to know about dry brushing, how to do it, and what it can do for your skin. Scroll down for more details!
Fun Fact Dry brushing is a traditional method of skin stimulation and detoxification across multiple cultures. It has been part of ancient Ayurvedic, Roman, Egyptian, and Chinese practices.
In This Article
What Is Dry Brushing?
Brushing the skin with a dry brush in a particular pattern is known as dry brushing. In this process, your skin is brushed towards the heart and chest, starting from the feet and hands.
Although not backed by scientific evidence, dry brushing your body may offer many potential health benefits like:
- Stimulation of the lymphatic system
- Exfoliation of the skin.
- Elimination of dead cells, ingrown hairs, and dullness
- Removal of toxins from the body
- Enhanced circulation in the body
- Breaking down cellulite
Dry brushing is performed in a specific pattern to help exfoliate the surface and clear pores, making your skin healthy. Although there are no scientific findings to back the results of dry brushing the skin, the practice may potentially yield some benefits. Here are a few you should know about.
Benefits Of Dry Brushing Your Skin
- Helps Exfoliate The Skin
Shutterstock
The dead skin cells on the body are manually swept away while dry brushing. This exfoliating action is quite similar to the action of a physical scrub, which can make your skin smooth and radiant. Massaging your body with a dry brush also helps get rid of flaky skin during winter. It removes ingrown hairs and rejuvenates dull skin.
Related: How To Remove Dead Skin Naturally?StyleCraze Says Dry brushing dead skin cells before a shower exfoliates your skin with minimal moisture loss. You shouldn’t scrub your skin aggressively in the shower when it is wet and vulnerable.
- Increases Circulation In The Body
The soft bristles of a dry brush may help enhance blood circulation in the body. This is directly linked to detoxification and the possible stimulation of lymphatic drainage.
Related: How To Increase Blood Flow To The Scalp
- Boosts Mood And Promotes Relaxation
Shutterstock
Among the other benefits of dry brushing is the stimulation of the nervous system, which can pump a feeling of ecstasy. The feel-good sensation can boost your mood and make you feel relaxed and comfortable.
To find out what makes dry brushing good for your skin, it is necessary to understand the type of brush you should use for this practice.
What Brush Should I Use To Dry Brush?
Shutterstock
Pick a brush made of natural fibers to dry brush your face and body. Most experts recommend using brushes with jute, sisal, and cactus fibers as they are soft, will not hurt your skin, and help exfoliate it gently.
Ensure the dry brush has a long handle, firm grip, and non-slip body. This will enable you to reach all the parts of the body with ease. To dry brush your neck and face, opt for a smaller brush.
Investing in a good dry brush may be of no use unless you know the right techniques to use it.
StyleCraze Says Replace your dry brushes every 3-4 months. The product buildup and gradual softening of bristles make them unhygienic and ineffective with time.
How To Practice Dry Brushing
- Stand upright in your bathroom or room and remove your clothes.
- Start from your feet – use upward strokes to brush the skin on your legs. Continue to move up towards the upper thighs and buttocks.
- Brush your arms and stroke in upward movements towards the shoulders.
- Brush in upward strokes or circular motions over the stomach, moving up towards the neck. Avoid brushing over the breasts and nipples.
- Use upward strokes to move from the base of the neck to the forehead.
- Take a shower and apply a moisturizer, lotion, or body oil to your damp skin.
Note: As your skin is already exfoliated, be careful about the products you use while bathing – avoid scrubs and abrasive loofahs.
Can dry brushing help reduce the appearance of cellulite? Check out our next section for the answer.
Can Dry Brushing Get Rid Of Cellulite?
Yes. Although no firm studies substantiate the idea that dry brushing can reduce or eliminate cellulite, anecdotal evidence suggests a reduction of cellulite and a plumper appearance of the skin. This can be possibly a result of improved blood circulation and lymphatic drainage.
Skin care experts state that dry brushing twice or thrice a week the right way can visibly reduce the appearance of cellulite. However, it might take time to show results.
Although dry brushing is good for your skin, it may have side effects in certain situations.
Related: Effective Ways To Get Rid Of Cellulite Naturally & Effectively
What Are The Risks Of Dry Brushing?
Shutterstock
- Dry brushing your skin harshly can possibly irritate it, turn reddish, and lead to abrasions. If your skin stings or gets inflamed after dry brushing, it can mean that you were too rough.
- Your skin can feel parched and dry if you do not moisturize it after dry brushing.
- It may also worsen existing skin conditions, such as eczema, acne, rashes, and psoriasis.
- Dry brushing your face frequently may cause dryness, scratches, skin irritation, and injuries. Limit it to once or twice a month. Instead, use a chemical exfoliant or mild scrub for face exfoliation.
To avoid these risks, do not attempt dry brushing if you have dry and/or sensitive skin.
Who Should Not Try Dry Brushing?
If you have eczema, psoriasis, rashes, sunburns, inflammation, or skin irritation, dry brushing is not for you.
If your skin reacts or feels stingy, burning, or red after dry brushing, it is not wise to continue it. This is because your skin may not be able to tolerate the impact of dry brushing. You should always take caution before using this procedure if your skin is dry.
Dry brushing is also not recommended when there is an active skin infection, or you might risk spreading the germs.
Follow these aftercare tips to prevent any damage and keep your skin smooth and glowing.
The Aftercare
Shutterstock
- Take a cool shower after dry brushing to rinse off dead, flaky skin. Do not use physical or chemical exfoliants or loofahs as your skin is already exfoliated and tender.
- Moisturize your skin with a hydrating and soothing lotion post brushing. You can also use aloe vera gel or baby oil to minimize the risk of irritation and redness.
- Clean your brush in soap water solution once a week. Dry it in an open, sunny area to prevent mold formation and infection.
- Do not use the same brush on your face and body.
Dry brushing is the process of brushing your skin starting from the hands and feet towards your chest and heart. While there is no scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of this method, it may increase blood circulation, exfoliate your skin, and boost your mood. When selecting your brush, go for brushes made of jute or cactus with a long handle to avoid hurting your skin. Although dr brushing may provide potential benefits, frequently dry brushing your face may cause skin irritation or injuries. Make sure that you take a shower and moisturize to keep your skin hydrated and minimize injury.
