In the ever-evolving world of skincare, beauty trends are constantly emerging with new and improved ideas for healthier, glowing skin.
Dry brushing, while not a new concept, has continued to grow in popularity each year due to its many health benefits. This 3000-year-old beauty ritual has its roots Ayurveda, a traditional system of medicine from India. In this article, we’ll explore dry brushing, including its numerous health benefits, a step-by-step guide on how to get started, and tips for finding the perfect brush.
What is Dry Brushing?
“Dry brushing is a daily Ayurvedic practice that helps detoxify the body,” she explains. Rebecca Lansky, MS, licensed esthetician and specialist in Ayurveda. “It involves using a natural bristle brush on dry skin to massage and exfoliate the body, effectively removing any dead skin before bathing.” Natural bristle brushes are usually made of boar or fiber bristles, which are firm enough to exfoliate and massage the body, but not rough enough to cause skin abrasions. “This is a great way to stimulate blood flow and exfoliate the skin,” adds Lansky.
Benefits of dry brushing
- Exfoliation and cell renewal:
A cosmetic benefit of dry brushing is the revitalized glow it gives your skin. Over time, dead skin and other buildup can build up (even with regular showering), leaving your skin rough and dull. Dry brushing can naturally remove dead skin cells, promoting cell renewal and resulting in smooth, glowing skin.
2. Stimulates (and releases toxins through) the Lymphatic System:
The lymphatic system is part of the body’s immune system that includes organs, lymph nodes, lymph nodes, and lymph vessels, producing and moving lymph from tissues to the bloodstream. The lymphatic system is vital for maintaining healthy fluid levels, protecting the body from bacteria or viruses, and removing waste.
During the dry brushing process, the brushing motion stimulates and drains the lymphatic system, detoxifying the body. This can reduce toxin build-up and promote healthier, more vibrant skin. “Dry brushing is amazing for the whole body and especially the lymphatic system,” says Lansky. “By removing dead skin, the pores open up for detoxification and remove toxins more effectively. It’s also an invigorating practice that helps reduce stress, get active blood flow, and exercise for the skin.”
4. Improved blood circulation:
When you dry brush your skin in firm but gentle circular motions, the natural bristles of the brush apply pressure, stimulating nerve endings in the skin and triggering a response from the nervous system. This stimulation then allows the blood vessels in the area to dilate, increasing blood flow to the surface of the skin. This also increases the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the cells, contributing to a healthier, fuller appearance.
*It is important to note that while dry brushing does not directly lead to reduced cellulite (due to a lack of evidence), the increased blood circulation from dry brushing may temporarily mimic the appearance of reduced cellulite.
5. Prevents hair growth:
Ingrown hairs are caused by a build-up of dead skin cells, oils and hair that are clogged in the pores. Naturally exfoliating the brush can help get rid of any ingrown hairs and other buildup that may have built up in the follicles, while preventing new ingrown hairs from appearing. This technique is especially beneficial for those prone to ingrown hairs from both shaving and waxing.
Are there any risks to dry brushing?
While dry brushing is naturally safe and boasts many benefits, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks, especially for those with sensitive skin or certain medical conditions. Some risks include:
Skin irritation-Brushing too vigorously, brushing too often or using a brush with very tight bristles (such as synthetic or plastic bristles) can cause irritation, redness or even microtears in the skin.
Risk of infection-If the brush is not cleaned regularly with soap and water or left where bacteria can accumulate, there is a risk of bacteria entering microtears in the skin, potentially leading to infections. It is important to avoid dry brushing anywhere on your body where there are cuts, scrapes, burns/sunburns, or any type of open wound or skin inflammation.
Aggravation of skin conditions-People with certain skin conditions may find that dry brushing makes their symptoms worse. Some of these conditions include:
If you have any of these skin conditions or have “overly sensitive” skin, it is recommended that you first consult a dermatologist to see if dry brushing is safe to use on your skin.
Your step-by-step guide to dry brushing
If you’re looking to upgrade your pre-shower skincare routine, this guide will teach you how to properly (and safely) use a dry brush.
Step 1: Choose the right brush
Before starting the brushing process, you need to buy a brush that is comfortable for you and your skin. Natural bristle brushes with a strap or handle (for hard-to-reach areas) are most useful.
Step 2: Choose the right time
The best time to dry brush is usually before you shower so you can wash off all the dead skin cells afterwards. Whether this fits into your morning or evening routine is up to you.
Step 3: Brushing Technique
Starting at your feet, make firm but gentle movements, slowly going up. You can use strokes or circular motions, but always make sure to brush towards the heart so you don’t obstruct any natural fluid flow (eg lymphatic drainage). Pay special attention and be gentle to areas where lymph nodes are located (eg armpits, groin, neck, chest and stomach).
Step 4: Shower
After dry brushing, take a shower, preferably with lukewarm water, so as not to further irritate your skin. This will give you a chance to wash off all the exfoliated skin cells and wash your body clean. In addition to cleaning your body after dry brushing, be sure to wash your brush to remove any remaining dead skin or dirt before your next use.
Step 5: Moisturize
After showering, your clean, exfoliated skin needs to be rehydrated, so applying a nourishing moisturizer or even a light layer of body oil to lock in moisture can further enhance the benefits of dry brushing.
Step 6: Maintenance
Once you have a comfortable routine, you should maintain a consistent schedule for best results. Start with dry brushing two to three times a week for about five minutes per session. Pay close attention to any irritation or sensitivity you may have. If your skin has any sensitivity or reactions, stop dry brushing immediately. With consistency, you should start seeing results in two to four weeks (depending on how often you brush).
Tips for finding the best dry brush
Consider the following tips when choosing a dry brush:
- Don’t skimp on quality material
When it comes to hardware, quality is everything. It is important to choose a brush with natural bristles, such as boar bristles or fiber, rather than synthetic or plastic bristles. Natural bristles provide a gentle exfoliation to the skin, unlike the latter (which can cause irritation).
2. Invest in a brush with a strap or handle
Investing in a strap or long-handled dry brush can be extremely beneficial for hard-to-reach areas like the back and legs. The added length or strap provides more reach, making it easier to maneuver, resulting in better exfoliation and blood flow.
3. Cleaning instructions
Always check the cleaning instructions provided with the brush. Regular cleaning is appropriate to prevent the build-up of bacteria on the bristles, potentially causing infection.
Here are some high-quality dry brushes we recommend made with eco-friendly materials and natural bristles:
The Skinny Confidential Butter Brush
Lansky recommends using any natural bristle brush for the process, finding the most comfortable product for you. She loves using The Skinny Confidential Butter brush for the naturally soft boar bristles and the long silicone handle for a comfortable grip (especially in hard-to-reach places).
Buy now The Skinny Confidential, $79
De La Heart Face & Body Pack
De La Heart offers many different options and designs for all your dry brushing needs. If you want to exfoliate your face and body, the Face & Body Pack is the optimal choice. The mini brush has a sustainably sourced wooden handle and uses cruelty-free goat hair bristles for a softer touch. The body brush, on the other hand, has a natural canvas strap and uses cruelty-free boar bristles.
Buy now De La Heart, $56
Goop Ultimate Dry Brush
One dry brush that consumers can’t stop raving about is Goop Ultimate Dry Brush. Goop founder Gwyneth Paltrow is a big fan of adding dry brushing to her skincare routine, so creating a premium dry brush for consumers was a no-brainer. The dry brush has a long curved FSC-certified wooden handle and uses natural, biodegradable sisal fibers, resulting in smooth, luminous skin for its consumers.
Buy nowGoop, $25
