Dry Brushing 101
You’ve probably heard the hype about dry brushing - glowing skin, exfoliation, cellulite reduction. But what exactly is dry brushing and is it really worth investing your time in?
What is dry brushing?
Dry brushing is really as simple as it sounds. The process uses a dry brush on dry skin and brushes the skin in upward motions with gentle, massaging strokes. The brush generally has firm bristles - often synthetic, sisal, or boar hair and has a wooden handle. Newer brushes on the market are made entirely of silicone to reduce the possibility of bacteria and skin infection.
But the what is not as impressive as the why with dry brushing. As simple asit is, the results can be profound. It can boost circulation, move lyphatic fluid, and deliver radiant skin.
the benefits of dry brushing
Boosts circulation
If you've noticed that your skin is red after dry brushing, it's not just a result of irritation, and it actually isn't a cause for concern. The redness, which is just a bit of inflammation, is the result of increased circulation in the areas you've been dry brushing. Your body is simply pushing more blood to those areas.
Exfoliates dead skin
The stiff bristles will slough away dead skin cells. It’s a physical exfoliation for the entire body. The result is increased cell turnover and more radiant, smooth skin.
lymphatic drainage
As. you boost circulation, you’ll also boost the movement of lymphatic fluid. This encourages the breakdown of stagnant fluid and pooling around lymph nodes (primarily around the underarms and collarbone) while removing toxins and pathogens more quickly.
Plumps and smoothes
By boosting circulation, you’ll see plumpness in the skin. Alongside the lymphatic movement which reduces puffiness, you may see a noticeable difference in your cellulite.
how to dry brush
To get the best results, you’ll need to know what you’re doing. You can’t just randomly scrub around on your skin. First, your skin and your brush should be dry. The second thing to note is how you brush. We recommend moving in long, slightly firm strokes always moving towards the heart (or more accurately your lymph nodes - armpits and groin area). The direction is key to boosting circulation and lymphatic flow.
when & how often
We love dry brushing just before showering. Be sure not to use scrubs or other exfoliants afterward. When you finish bathing, slather your skin with a moisturizing lotion.
Once you get that first all-over glow, you may be tempted to repeat daily - but don’t. Dry brushing two to three times a week is sufficient to keep your glow. More often could cause damage to the skin. If you have sensitive skin, every other week may be more beneficial as you build a tolerance.
