The Benefits of Dry Brushing + How to Dry Brush in 5 Easy Steps
In this article, health and beauty benefits of dry brushing, I will outline the many benefits of dry brushing and how to dry brush in five simple steps.
Dry brushing is a simple and easy practice that can help promote good health and beautiful skin.
Dry skin brushing increases blood circulation, exfoliates dead skin cells, assists in lymphatic drainage, and helps the body detoxify.
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What is Dry Brushing?
Dry brushing is an easy and enjoyable way to keep your skin looking and feeling its best.
It involves dry-brushing your body with a dry, natural-bristle brush before showering or bathing.
Dry body brushing helps remove dead skin cells, unclog pores, stimulate the lymphatic system, increase blood circulation, eliminate toxins, and help reduce cellulite.
Plus, it feels like a massage! Although dry brushing can take some getting used to, if you do it regularly, you’ll find yourself noticing significant improvements in the condition of your skin in no time; it makes for a beautiful addition to anyone’s self-care routine.
The History of Dry Brushing
Dry brushing started in Ayurvedic medicine, a holistic healing system practiced in India for over 3,000 years and has grown in popularity.
Celebrities can’t get enough of the skin-loving benefits dry brushing has to offer!
Gwyneth Paltrow and Victoria’s Secret model Josephine Skriver are just two A-list names who swear by.
Health and Beauty Benefits of Dry Brushing
There are many health and beauty benefits of dry brushing.
It helps to reduce the appearance of cellulite, improve circulation and support lymphatic drainage.
Dry brushing can also help remove dead skin cells and stimulate new cell growth, resulting in smoother skin.
Dry Brushing for Exfoliating the Skin
The act of dry brushing is one of the best ways to exfoliate the skin.
Exfoliating the skin removes dry, dead skin cells and encourages faster cell turnover, revealing new fresh skin, leading to softer, smoother skin and even giving that skin glow that everyone loves!
Dry brushing for lymphatic drainage
Dry brushing for lymphatic drainage: The lymphatic system is a network of tissues, vessels, and organs that work together to move a colorless, watery fluid called lymph back into your circulatory system (your bloodstream).
Lymphatic drainage massage, or manual lymphatic drainage, relieves swelling caused by blocked lymphatic fluid.
Lymphatic drainage massage involves gently manipulating specific areas of your body to help lymph flow to an extent with working lymph vessels.
Does the practice of dry brushing benefit the lymphatic system?
There are two camps for using dry brushing for lymphatic drainage.
The first camp claims that dry brushing is similar to lymphatic drainage massage and helps move lymph fluid.
While the other camp says, there is no scientific evidence to prove that dry brushing helps with lymph drainage or the drainage of toxins from the lymph nodes.
While I am not a doctor and do not pretend to be one on the interwebs, I will say that from personal experience, I feel as though dry brushing has improved swelling in both my legs and congested areas in my flank underarm areas.
Dry Brushing Improves Circulation
One of the beautiful dry brushing benefits is that it can significantly help improve circulation by stimulating blood flow to the skin’s surface, and healthy blood flow leads to healthy skin!
Dry Brushing for Cellulite
Dry brushing has become quite popular for its potential benefits, including cellulite reduction.
While the jury’s out on whether dry brushing helps with cellulite, most dermatologists agree that it can provide temporary visual improvements by increasing blood flow to plump up the skin and make dimples less apparent!
How to dry brush your skin (5 Easy Steps):
I like to dry brush my skin as part of my morning routine about 2-3 times per week before showering.
- For best results, use a high-quality dry brush with natural bristles.
Begin with gentle pressure at the soles of your feet and move up the entire body towards your heart using broad, circular, clockwise motions. - Brush your feet, legs, and midsection first, using long strokes up your legs and always moving towards your heart.
- Be careful on delicate skin using lighter pressure.
- End with your hands and arms brushing towards your armpits.
- Ensure to avoid any sensitive areas where the skin is irritated or open. Never dry brush an open wound.
You are all set! – take a shower as usual. The whole process takes about 5 minutes or less.
Dry Brushing Tips:
–It’s a good idea to avoid using hot water. Instead, set the water temperature on the cooler side if you can, or end the shower with cold water.
–I dry brush my skin right before you shower– I do my dry brushing in the shower so that the dead skin cells go right down the drain!
–Use a natural fiber brush; I have two—a smaller round brush and a large body brush with a long handle which is excellent for reaching my back.
*I prefer the smaller one because it perfectly fits my hand, and I better control the pressure.
-Always use an excellent emollient moisturizer after dry brushing.
Dry Brushing Face:
When dry brushing the face, it is essential to be gentle and avoid the delicate areas around the eyes and mouth.
I recommend using a softer brush for the face than for the rest of the body.
How to Dry Brush Face:
Begin by dampening the skin and applying your favorite face cleanser or exfoliating scrub.
Then, gently massage in small, circular motions.
Finish by rinsing the skin with cool water and applying a moisturizer.
What are the Best Dry Brushes?
There are a variety of dry brush brushes available on the market, so it is essential to choose one that is best suited for your needs.
The brush should generally have soft, natural bristles and a comfortable handle.
It is also essential to ensure that the brush is the right size for the area you plan to use, whether the body, the arms, or the legs.
How to clean a dry brush:
There are a few different methods to clean a dry brush.
-One option is to gently wash the bristles with warm water and a mild soap or detergent, then allow the brush to air dry.
-Another option is to soak the entire brush in a solution of warm water and essential oils, then rinse the brush and allow it to air dry.
-Finally, you can also disinfect the brush by soaking it in a solution of one part vinegar and one part water.
Whichever method you choose, clean the brush regularly to keep it free from bacteria and other impurities.
FAQs Dry Brushing
Q: What is dry brushing the skin, and how does it work?
A: Dry brushing the skin uses a stiff, bristled brush to massage the surface of the skin gently, which can help to improve circulation and exfoliate the skin, among other benefits.
Q: How often should you dry brush the skin?
A: It is generally recommended to dry brush the skin three or four times per week, ideally in the morning.
If you have sensitive skin, you may want to start by brushing the skin just 1-2 times per week and then gradually increasing the frequency as you become more comfortable with the process.
Q: Does dry brushing spread cancer?
A: There is no evidence to suggest that skin dry brushing can spread cancer.
However, it is always essential to consult with a medical professional if you are experiencing any changes or irregularities in the appearance of the skin.
Q: Does dry brushing promote lymphatic drainage?
A: Some studies have shown that dry brushing of the skin may help promote lymphatic drainage, though the evidence is inconclusive.
However, dry brushing can offer other benefits, such as exfoliating the skin and improving circulation.
Q: Does dry brushing help cellulite?
A: Although the evidence is mixed, some studies have shown that dry brushing of the skin may help reduce cellulite’s appearance.
However, the results may vary depending on the individual and the dry brushing technique used.
Related articles: Self-care + Wellness
The Benefits of Dry Brushing Skin
What do you think? Do you think the benefits of dry brushing your skin are worth the investment of time it takes? Want to give dry brushing a try?
Please share your thoughts in the comments below- I love to hear what you think.
Until next time.
Be well.
XO, Christine
I’ve been keeping it real since 1963. 🙂
I’m a wifey, mama, grandma, full-time creative, domestic engineer, and self-care enthusiast.
When not typing away on my blog you’ll find me spending quality time with the family, making a mess in the art room or kitchen, or getting my hands dirty out in the garden.
I’m always down to chat and I love collaborating with other creatives and brands alike! Feel free to reach out anytime!
How am I just know hearing about this. I’ll have to try this out later😆