Dry Brushing 101
Many emerging beauty trends seem positively futuristic with their unpronounceable technologies and high price tags. Dry brushing is a trending body treatment that’s the total opposite. With centuries of practice from Ancient Greece to the annals of Ayurvedic medicine, dry brushing promises a whole host of benefits and is as straightforward as it gets. It takes just minutes of time in the comfort of your own home, plus the minimal investment of a Dry Body Brush, to experience such dry brushing benefits as smoother, softer skin, flushed-out toxins and boosted circulation. Another big benefit – it feels really good!
What Is Dry Brushing?
Dry brushing is exactly what it sounds like – routinely brushing dry skin with a special stiff-bristled brush. These affordable dry brushes do vary in style, with some having stiffer bristles than others. Long-handled brushes and ergonomic palm-size brushes are available, and you might want to try different types to see which works best for you.
Most dry-brushing proponents recommend brushing toward the heart using short sweeps or circular movements (see below), but there is plenty of room for personal variations on the technique. It only takes a few minutes to brush your whole body, which exfoliates and increases circulation to the skin.
Most dry-brushing proponents recommend brushing toward the heart using short sweeps or circular movements (see below), but there is plenty of room for personal variations on the technique. It only takes a few minutes to brush your whole body, which exfoliates and increases circulation to the skin.
Dry Brushing Benefits
Dry brushing is a very effective way to exfoliate the skin all over your body in a single session. Many of the benefits associated with dry brushing are the result of exfoliation, meaning the sweeping away of dead skin cells and opening of the pores. These benefits include:
• Smoother, softer and brighter skin
• Skin absorbs moisturizer more efficiently
• A boost in circulation to the skin – this is revealed in harmless redness after brushing
• Opened-up pores help the body release toxins more efficiently through sweat
The act of dry brushing also stimulates the nervous system, which can have an invigorating effect that some have described as similar to a massage. Some prefer to do dry brushing before a morning shower to start the day with an energy boost.
Dry brushing cellulite can improve its appearance temporarily. Stimulating circulation to the skin has a plumping effect that reduces the appearance of cellulite. Understand that studies have shown this to be a temporary effect.
Another dry brushing benefit comes from dedicating some time to self-care, during which you can mindfully treat your body to a pleasurable experience. Don’t underestimate the value of incorporating this kind of body treatment into your wellness routine.
How to do Dry Brushing
Dry brushing is the simplest of DIY body treatments, but there are still some guidelines to follow for the best results.
1. Plan to do a dry brushing body treatment immediately before a shower.
2. Start with completely dry skin.
3. Brush your skin firmly but gently, using short, brisk upward strokes or a small circular motion, starting with the feet and working your way up to the heart.
4. Brush your arms after brushing your legs and
torso, working from the hands upward to the heart.
5. Finally, brush the shoulders, chest and upper
back, again brushing toward the heart.
6. Rinse off in a cool shower.
7. Moisturize your skin after showering.
8. Apply sunscreen on any parts of the skin that
will be exposed (brushing can make the skin more sensitive to the sun).
Enjoy a dry brushing body treatment up to two or three times per week, although the best dry brushing routine should be adapted to your personal preferences and the sensitivity of your skin.3
Dry Brushing Tips
Dry brushing should be customized for your own skin and routine. While brushing, be sure to adjust the pressure to suit each part of the body. For example, you can brush the soles of the feet with more pressure, but should go lighter on sensitive areas like the chest and breasts. Don’t brush so hard that you scratch or potentially damage the skin – it should feel good while you’re brushing. Know that dry brushing can take some getting used to, so go easy at first and consider increasing the pressure once you’re more familiar with the sensation.
If you have any serious skin conditions, consult your dermatologist or health care provider before practicing dry brushing. You should also never brush skin that’s injured, irritated or sensitive. For example, do not brush over scrapes, sunburn or raised moles. Nor should you dry brush your face with a Body Dry Brush, as they are only designed for brushing other parts of the body. (Special face brushes and other facial tools are available if you wish to exfoliate your face.)
If you have any serious skin conditions, consult your dermatologist or health care provider before practicing dry brushing. You should also never brush skin that’s injured, irritated or sensitive. For example, do not brush over scrapes, sunburn or raised moles. Nor should you dry brush your face with a Body Dry Brush, as they are only designed for brushing other parts of the body. (Special face brushes and other facial tools are available if you wish to exfoliate your face.)
Resist any urge to use a body brush in the shower, as they are intended only for use on dry skin. Dry brushing is much more gentle and retains more moisture in the skin compared to exfoliating wet skin.
Don’t forget to wash your dry brush! Rinse it under warm water after every use to get rid of dead skin cells and bacteria trapped in the bristles. Once a week or so, wash the brush using mild soap and water, followed by a thorough rinse in plain water. Let the brush air dry completely before using it again.
Choosing a Dry Brush
Dry brushes are very inexpensive, and with good care they should last for many years. A range of excellent, affordable dry brushes is available at Shopmissa. If you prefer the convenience of a long-handled brush, consider the AOA Dry Body Brush with vegan bristles and the bonus of a massager on the back. For a choice of medium natural boar bristles or softer vegan bristles plus an ergonomic design, there’s the AOA Premium Body Dry Brush. Both offer all the amazing skin care, beauty and wellness benefits of dry brushing.
