Few years back I got to know about Dry Body Brushing. This beauty/skincare technique became very popular among people very soon because of its numerous health benefits and also because its a fast and very effective body exfoliation method.

If you’re interested to know more about dry brushing, please keep on reading! 

What is Dry Body Brushing?

Dry brushing is pretty much exactly as it sounds: brushing our skin, when it’s dry. In this process we use a brush with stiff bristles against the skin, to not only help exfoliating the dead cells from the skin’s surface but to enhance the blood flow also. It is said to energize the body by increasing the circulation  of the blood flow in the body. Not only this but it has many other health benefits which I am going to share with y’all in this post today.

Benefits of Dry Brushing

1.Exfoliates Dead Skin: As I already mentioned above, this technique is very helpful in removing the dead & dry skin cells which in return helps in clearing the clogged pores.  Exfoliation  encourages fresh cell renewal which results in improving the overall appearance of your skin and makes it look even smoother and brighter. 

2. Improves Cellulite and Premature Aging: Cellulite is very common for most women (and some men). It is basically a fat deposit under the skin. In our bodies, cellulite is somewhat related to our vein and lymph congestion. Dry brushing can actually help soften those hard fat deposits under the skin and help in distributing them more evenly, which results in diminishing the overall appearance of cellulite. If you choose to follow a proper dry brushing routine, it can help in speeding up the metabolism by breaking down fatty deposits or toxins in the blood stream.

3. Stimulates Your Lymphatic System: In our bodies, Lymph is a very slow moving fluid that works in removing metabolic waste or toxins from our internal system. When your lymphatic system is not working properly, waste and toxins can build up and make you sick. Lymphatic congestion is a major factor leading to inflammation and diseases. When you dry brush your skin, it increases circulation of blood by stimulating the nerves that run just below the skins surface. The motions you use while dry brushing helps to stimulate your lymphatic system  therefore removing toxins and pathogens more quickly. Hence, dry brushing is a very powerful detoxification aid as well.

4. Boosts Blood Circulation: As you may know until now that dry brushing helps increasing the circulation of blood in your body. Your body is pushing more blood in those areas where you’ve been dry brushing. Improved blood circulation and supply of oxygen assure that the cells of the central nervous system is well nourished and more efficient. Poor blood circulation can lead to many health problems. So it’s very important to keep your circulatory system healthy to prevent poor heath conditions. 

Selecting A Dry Brush

There are mainly two styles of brushes you can choose from: one with a long handle, and one without a handle. No matter whichever brush you pick, try to choose a brush with natural fibers.

I have both versions of brushes. Preferably, on a regular basis, I use a firm, natural bristle brush with the long handle, which allows me to reach my entire back and easily brush the bottoms of my feet and the back of my legs. Though the handled version seems more practical for me, I do keep the handleless version too as it comes in handy for traveling purposes because of its smaller size.

How and When to Dry Brush?

When:

You can dry-brush during any time of the day, but its best if done before hopping into the bath or shower. As I said earlier, dry brushing is a great exfoliant, and it’s good to get the dry skin off before you take shower.

How:

To get maximum benefit from dry brushing, start brushing at the soles of your feet and brush upward toward the heart paying special attention to joints where the lymphatic fluid can collect. 

Similarly, when you start on your arms, begin at the hands and work upward. Use firm, small strokes upward, or work in a circular motions. 

For the stomach, work in a clockwise direction. Harsh exfoliation is never the point; be sure not to press too hard or use a brush that’s too stiff. Dedicate at least three to five minutes to brushing. You should only brush towards the heart. 

Also, make sure you adjust the pressure of the brush according to the different parts of your body, so it is comfortable yet stimulating enough to increase the circulation. Also remember, consistency is key and must not forget to moisturize your skin after the shower.

Also, if you are dry-brushing on regular basis, you must use sunscreen, as dry brushing makes your skin even more sensitive to the sun.

Note: Don’t brush too hard! A soft and smooth stroke often works best. The skin can get slightly pink after brushing, but it should never be red or sting. If it hurts at all, use less pressure! Replace the brush every 6-12 months as the bristles will eventually wear out. I also recommend washing the brush every few weeks to remove dead skin cells for a better hygiene.

Is dry body brushing safe for everyone?

As you may have convinced by now that dry body brushing is a wonderful way to not only keep our skin glowing but make our bodies healthy too,  I just want to give a heads up  that if you’re someone with sensitive skin you would want to  avoid it as it may cause significant irritation, redness, and rashes to the skin.

So, as a general rule of thumb, people with ultra sensitive skin should stick to a gentler body exfoliation method, only if their skin allows it!

How often should you do it?

Its always good to see what works for you and your body. As long as you don’t ignore warning signs like discomfort, itchiness, redness, or even pain, a dry brushing session done the right way, should benefit most people. It is advisable to only dry-brush one to two times per week. But If you have a semi-sensitive skin type, try dry brushing once every couple of weeks initially. If you build up a tolerance to it, then transition to one to two times a week. The bottom line on dry brushing is to find what works for You!

If you haven’t yet then give it a try… Your Body Will Thank You!  🙂

I hope you’re staying safe along with your loved ones during this corona crisis! ❤

See y’all soon in the next post! Until then…