Top 4 Benefits of Dry Body Brushing

With the booming wellness industry has come a whole range of new-old techniques to improve the look and feel of the skin. Dry body brushing has been used for centuries as a pre-bath ritual, particularly during ancient times, and has made its comeback on the wellness scene in recent years.

Dry brushing actually began in India, several millennia ago, as part of Ayurvedic tradition and is touted for its incredible health benefits.

What is dry brushing?

Dry brushing skin involves, you guessed it, brushing the skin while it is dry. There is a specific dry brushing tool used called a dry body brush that has soft but firm bristles.

Dry brushing is usually performed before showering but can be done at any time of the day. It is a form of both massage and exfoliation, stimulating the lymph system through movement and pressure and removing dead skin cells.

Dry brushing is not recommended for those with dry skin or those who suffer from skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema. Instead, gentle exfoliation is recommended using products such as Wotnot’s Body Exfoliating Mitt, or Harmony Soapworks’ Organic Goat’s Milk Soap with May Chang Exfoliation.

What are the benefits of dry brushing?

Now you know what body brushing is, you’re probably wondering why people do it? There is a whole range of body brushing benefits, like exfoliation and improving the look and feel of the skin, but what about the deeper benefits. We’ve rounded up a few of the benefits you can get from dry brushing, check them out below.

Dry body brushing benefits include:

• Dry brushing may help to reduce the look and feel of cellulite. Using the ancient practice of dry brushing, cellulite can appear reduced. This is because dry brushing stimulates the skin, energising and plumping it. The effects may not be permanent, but you will probably notice a difference for the rest of the day.
• As already mentioned, dry brushing can work exfoliating wonders. It removes dead skin cells from the surface of the skin, replenishing it and reducing the chance of ingrown hairs trapped by dead skin.
• Dry brushing should be practised in the morning due to its ability to energise the skin, but it also has a relaxing effect. Similar to massage, the practice boosts circulation and helps you to feel replenished and relaxed.
• The practice may stimulate the lymphatic system, aiding in the removal of toxins from the body. The coarseness of the bristles of a dry brush may help to open up pores and aid in the removal of toxins from the body. The massaging effect may also encourage movement in the lymphatic system, helping to support the body in fighting infections. 

How to dry brush

Learning the correct dry brushing technique can enhance the benefits of dry brushing for your skin and overall health. We’ve found the best method for dry brushing, check it out below.

1. Starting at your feet, move the brush in circular motions across the skin. 
2. Move up the body, applying pressure where there is harder skin and reducing pressure where the skin is thinner.
3. Brush arms last, brushing towards the armpit.
4. After dry brushing, hop in the shower to remove any dead skin.
5. After your shower, you should replenish the skin’s moisture by applying body oil, like Oil Garden’s Moisturising Body Oil, or lotion, like Burts Bee’s Soothingly Sensitive Body Lotion.

You should avoid particularly sensitive areas and if you have a skin condition like eczema or psoriasis, you may be better with a gentler exfoliation technique.

Make sure to rinse and dry your brush after use. You should also ensure you wash your brush regularly using hot and soapy water.

Can I dry brush my face?

Dry brushing your face is possible and can help to exfoliate and invigorate your skin. To dry brush your face you should use a similar technique to the body brushing technique.

1. Start at the top of the face, at the forehead.
2. Move down over cheekbones and then to the chin in gentle strokes.
3. You should then cleanse your face thoroughly and moisturise. 

Conclusion

Dry brushing is an ancient technique, originally used in India as part of Ayurvedic medicine. It is a pre-bath ritual that involves brushing the skin while it’s dry to exfoliate and massage.

The technique removes dead skin and may stimulate circulation in the lymphatic system. It may also help the body release toxins and can help you to feel energised and relaxed.

Dry brushing can be done any time of day but it is best to practice on a morning, pre-shower. To dry brush your skin you should move a dry skin brush in wide, circular motions across the skin, starting at the feet.

You can also dry brush your face to exfoliate and reinvigorate the skin. Remember to moisturise afterwards, to replenish the skin’s moisture after dry brushing.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many times a week should you dry brush?

Dry brushing can be done daily. Incorporating it into your daily routine can make it easy to practice daily. If you have sensitive skin, it may be best to reduce the number of times you dry brush per week. If you have any skin conditions, such as eczema, dry brushing may not be for you.

Does dry brushing actually work?

The benefits of dry brushing have mostly been confirmed by avid users of the technique. It is beneficial in exfoliating the skin, helping to remove dead cells from the surface of the skin. Dry brushing may also help to stimulate the lymphatic system and help the body to remove toxins. The massaging effects of the technique can help to relax the skin. Dry brushing may also reduce the appearance of cellulite.

Does dry brushing help lose weight?

The dry brushing technique stimulates circulation and detoxification within the body. Both improved circulation and detoxification can aid in weight loss, though dry brushing should be combined with a balanced diet and exercise for healthy weight loss.

Do I have to shower after dry brushing?

While it is not essential, showering after dry brushing can help to remove any dead skin particles, making the skin feel smoother. It will also provide a fresh base for moisturisation after dry brushing.