Dry brushing is all the rage right now, but what is dry brushing? It is a health and beauty regime that began centuries ago. People have been dry brushing to improve their body and skin health pretty much since brushes were invented. But, why?
Does dry brushing offer all that much to you? Is it worth investing in a brush and the time it takes? Many would argue, yes.
This is a method of using a dry brush on dry skin to rejuvenate skin, increase circulation, promote lymphatic drainage, and more. But you can’t just order a brush off of Amazon and go nuts with it. This is a simple yet precise method.
If you want to get all the benefits out of dry brushing, you’ll want to learn the proper way to do it.
You can buy a dry brush at any price point. They range from under $20 and even up to $100. But the quality is what matters. The brush should have firm and natural bristles.
You want to take the brush and brush upwards or towards the heart. You should be firm but not aggressive and work from the bottom of your body up, starting with the feet. Using a dry brush can help promote skin healing, exfoliate, and encourage moisturizer absorption.
Like most beauty secrets, there is no cure-all for skin ailments. Dry brushing will not cure eczema or give you perfect skin, but for years it has been known to offer a load of benefits like:
Circulation
Circulation helps blood flow to all areas of the body. The redness you observe after dry brushing is not irritation you’d see after scratching. It is what you see when the blood rushes to the surface of those areas, promoting healing.
Exfoliation
Dry brushing helps rid the body of loose and dry skin cells, dirt, and oil. It buffs away the top layer of the skin and preps it for a shower, shave, and lotion. This method can even unclog pores, decreasing body acne, blackheads, and ingrown hairs.
Lymphatic Drainage
Lymphatic drainage is the removing toxins from our body via the lymph nodes. By dry brushing, you encourage blood flow and help the toxins in the body be removed.
Plumping
Although not scientifically proven, many people who practice dry brushing notice a decrease in cellulite. This is most likely due to the temporary plumping effect o the surface of the skin. With hands or a brush, any type of body massage will produce a more glowy and plump look, but it is temporary.
You should always bathe after dry brushing for best results. This helps make sure you are rinsing off any dead skin cells and applying moisture to the areas. This also helps ensure that your skin is dry when brushing.
Dry brushing is also a full-form exfoliation. Although this works wonders for the skin in moderation, too much can cause irritation or raw skin if not done properly and followed up with a moisturizer. It is best to start with once a week and work up from there depending on how your skin reacts.
Dry brushing is also a very relaxing method of self-care and even meditation. Experiencing the sensation of the brush on your skin, the softness, and the release can inspire restfulness. Many people find that dry brushing before bed helps them get to sleep.
It is important to remember that dry brushing, although beneficial, is not for everyone. If you have broken, irritated, or infected skin, dry brushing can worsen those issues. Never dry brush sunburned skin, cuts, or sores. If you have eczema or psoriasis, you’ll want to proceed with caution or speak to a dermatologist before trying it.
