Peek at a spa menu these days, and you’ll likely find an offering that includes dry brushing. My first experience with dry brushing was actually several years ago when I went to a spa for a body wrap. At the time, I didn’t think anything of it (I was too focused on the wrap!). The entire concept and benefits went right over my head as I laid there with my eyes closed.
Dry brushing didn’t pique my interest until somewhat recently, after I came across an old Tati Youtube vid where she shares her ‘sexy skin secret’. After researching all the amazing benefits of dry body brushing – from exfoliation to detoxification boosts – I was quick to start up my own routine!
The Benefits of Dry Body Brushing
Your lymphatic system uses your skin to help detox, and it is thought that over one third of your body’s daily impurities and toxins are excreted through your skin. As we get a little older, our skin becomes less efficient at detoxing and also less effective at naturally shedding dead skin cells. That’s primarily where dry body brushing comes in – it works as a fast and effective way to give our skin that extra boost to exfoliate, unclog pores, and promote the excretion of toxins. Here’s a quick rundown of the benefits of dry brushing:
- Lymphatic Support/Detoxification: Regular dry brushing of the skin is said to help the flow of lymph fluid throughout the body, removing toxins and boosting your natural immune system.
- Helps Reduce Cellulite/Breaks Down Fat Deposits: Cellulite forms in the areas where circulation is most impaired. By increasing circulation, cellulite gradually breaks down and gets eliminated through the lymphatic system.
- Exfoliation: Running a firm, natural bristled brush over the skin helps loosen and remove dead skin cells from skin’s surface, revealing smoother, fresher skin.
- Clean Pores & Better Absorption of Nutrients: Dry body brushing helps unclog your pores of oil, dirt, and residue, and as a result, allows skin to absorb more of our bodycare’s active ingredients.
- Stimulation: Increases the natural moisture balance of your skin, boosting sweat and oil glands to work at their optimum best.
- Circulation Boost: Gives a surge of bloodflow bringing fresh nutrients and oxygen to the skin, improving its health, bounce and energy. One theory is that because it increases circulation, it also increases energy.
Selecting a Dry Brush
There are many options in dry brushes – from ones with handles to help you reach your back, and also ones that fit flush against your hand. No matter what you choose, just make sure to find one with natural bristles, which are said to be better for your skin than synthetic ones.
My personal favorite is the Mio Body Brush, a sort of duo exfoliating + massaging brush made with natural boar bristles. The little rubber massage nodules work to stimulate the skin and boost circulation while the shorter boar bristles brush away dry skin. The Mio Body Brush fits comfortably in my hand and doesn’t slip (thanks to the wood backing and cotton strap). It’s also the perfect size for hitting all parts of the body – even your neck. (Though, if you have trouble reaching your back, you can always grab a body brush with a handle.)
How to Dry Body Brush
Dry body brushing can be done daily, preferably in the morning before showering. The whole process takes about 3 minutes, and is incredibly easy to incorporate into your routine – all you need is a dry brush! Here’s what to do:
- Get naked and stand in a bathtub or tiled surface (to catch the falling skin).
- Begin at your feet, then move up the legs in long, gentle strokes. Always stroke toward your heart (where the lymph system drains).
- Continue to the thighs, bum, hands and arms, back, and then finish at the tummy and chest. Pay special attention to backs of thighs or areas where you have cellulite. (Note: Don’t brush on broken or inflamed skin.)
- Brush several times in each area, overlapping as you go. Adjust the pressure of the brush to the different parts of your body so it is comfortable. It should be stimulating enough to increase circulation, but also gentle on your skin (you should see at most a rosy flush to the areas you’ve brushed).
- Once you’ve brushed your entire body (typically takes a minimum of 3 minutes), jump in the shower.
- After getting out of the shower, towel dry, and then apply a natural oil like coconut, jojoba, or castor oil to lock in moisture.
Continue to dry brush your entire body every day (or at minimum, 3 times a week). Twice a day is recommended for best results. Try this for 3-4 weeks to see the results!
Remember to clean your brush with a little soap/shampoo and water every couple weeks (and at least once a month) and let air dry.
Dry brushing can also be done on the face, but the pressure should be very gentle, and done less frequently (about once or twice a week, and in place of other kinds of exfoliation). Also, it’s best to use a brush that’s designed specifically for the face.
Here’s a great video demo that walks you through visually how to dry brush your body:
Morning vs Evening Dry Brushing
Since dry brushing helps to boost circulation, it can sometimes give you a slight energy boost, which is why many people incorporate it into their morning routine. In the evening, dry body brushing can be used as a relaxing self-care routine to help settle your mind and body. It may even help you sleep! I’d recommend trying both out to see what works best for you.
Wet vs Dry Brushing
Most therapists recommend brushing on dry skin pre-showering. However, sometimes wet is easier and less scratchy and you can do it immediately after a bath/shower before toweling dry. It is up to you which one fits into your routine easier – both offer amazing benefits!
I just recently started dry brushing, and already I’m amazed at how effective is it at removing dry skin (you can literally watch it falling away!). I can’t wait to continue for 3-4 weeks and give an update on my results!
Looking to start your own dry brushing routine? You can find all the essentials, including body brushes and post-brushing lotions and oils from BeautyBridge.com!
Have you tried dry brushing? If so, what were your results? If not, do you think you might try it? 🙂
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