We all know about and hopefully brush our hair and our teeth on a daily basis. We recognize the importance of these daily habits and everyone agrees on their health benefits, no questions asked. But skin brushing? Really? Well, start a conversation about skincare and wellness with any skincare professional and the topic of dry brushing will inevitably pop up. You will hear that dry brushing does everything from exfoliating dead skin cells, to detoxifying the body, reducing cellulite and increasing energy levels. Sounds like something we should all be doing, doesn’t it?
If I may quickly blow my own trumpet for a moment, I’ve gotten into the habit of dry brushing my skin many moons ago, back when Bethany Frankel had her own talk show and devoted an entire segment to the practice of dry brushing. I watched, listened and learned. And then I took to the World Wide Web, did my own research and learned some more. I became a believer, bought a dry brush from Amazon and never looked back: dry brushing became a part of my skincare routine. Now, I don’t do this as often as I should, yes sometimes life happens and even something as minimal as 3-5 minutes, seems like precious time I don’t have. But it’s something I strongly believe in, recommend and will try to make into a daily habit, much like brushing my hair and teeth. So, what is dry brushing? How does it work? What are the benefits? How do you dry brush? Come, let’s dive into my dry brush crash course…
What Is Dry Brushing?
This is the most intuitive part. Dry Brushing means just that: scrubbing down your dry skin with a dry brush before showering or bathing. The skin is brushed towards the heart and starting at the feet, with the exception of the abdominal (belly) area which is brushed using clockwise sweeps (in more scientific terms, the motions should follow the direction of our digestive system).
How Does It Work?
The skin is the largest organ in the human body and is an organ of elimination and detoxification. It acts as a vessel for absorbing and keeping good things in and kicking bad things out. It is thought that over one third of the body’s daily impurities are excreted naturally thru the skin. As we age, the skin becomes less effective at this whole elimination and detox process and less efficient at naturally shedding dead skin cells that clog up the surface. Dry Brushing helps to unclog pores and thus eliminate toxins that get trapped in the skin.
What Are The Benefits?
Exfoliation – one of the benefits visible right away. Dry Brushing exfoliates dead skin cells from the surface, thus improving the skin’s appearance and revealing a smoother, softer and more radiant skin. This allows oils and moisturizers that are applied afterwards to better penetrate the layers of the epidermis and hydrate, helping the skin absorb more nutrients, looking healthier and free from breakouts.
Detoxification – dry brushing is similar to massage, although the whole process sounds far from pampering. The light pressure applied to the skin and the direction in which you dry brush stimulates the lymphatic system, helping improve circulation, removing toxins and boosting your natural immune system.
Reduces the appearance of cellulite – cellulite is simply fat deposits that are trapped beneath the skin. These toxins accumulate and end up breaking down the connective tissue, which leads to that cottage cheese, dimpled look most of us dread and try to camouflage (yes, I’ve used self-tanning products for this purpose in the past). The thought is that regular dry brushing helps breakdown those trapped toxins, thus helping the skin with the elimination and detoxification process. Some researchers claim that the reduction in the appearance of cellulite is short-lived and is associated with the temporary skin plumping and swelling that follows dry brushing. Either way, there really is no downside to trying it.
Increased Energy Levels – the process of dry brushing your skin stimulates circulation throughout the body, giving a surge of blood flow and a rush of energy. This is primarily the reason why dry brushing is recommended in the morning, but you can do it any time of the day you prefer. For instance, in the weekends when I have more time to get ready, I prefer to dry brush in the morning. Most days however, this is something I incorporate with my nighttime skincare routine.
How Do You Dry Brush?
This is where the lecture part ends and the fun begins.
Begin brushing the bottom of the feet and moving up in long, sweeping motions toward the heart. Work up the calves, the thighs and back of the thighs.
Move onto the hands (starting with the palms and then the backs) and follow with the arms, again moving the brush in long, sweeping strokes toward the heart. Brush under arms as well.
Brush your back, as much as you can reach, always moving up toward the heart. A brush with a long handle is what comes in handy here.
Move onto the tummy and chest area, using clockwise sweeps on tummy (do NOT brush the tummy up toward the heart, the strokes should follow the direction of your digestive system). The skin here is sensitive, so brush gently and with care. The area will become less sensitive as you brush regularly.
I typically adjust the pressure of the brush according to the different sections of the body (stronger on thighs, softer strokes on the abdomen) and what feels comfortable to me. The pressure should be stimulating enough, yet gentle on the skin. Brush each area several times, typically about 10 times for each section. Sounds like a lot, but it goes quickly.
Once you’ve brushed the entire body, it’s time to shower. If I shower in the morning, I like to alternate between the hottest temperature I can tolerate and the coldest, which also stimulates circulation and increases energy levels. Brushing the skin and then showering preps it for absorbing the very best from any skincare treatments applied afterwards. To finish the process, after getting out of the shower, I like to apply coconut oil (see here) mixed with a few drops of the Rosalena Rock&Rose Oil , an amazing natural oil full of vitamins and bio-active ingredients, all over my body. The skin should be left feeling soft and smooth.
Using The Right Brush
To ensure optimal results, opt for a natural (not synthetic) bristle brush, preferably with a long handle so that you can reach those unreachable back areas. Synthetic nylon bristles are not as good for the skin as anything naturally derived. I chose the Mio brush which doesn’t have a long handle, but I really like the way it fits easily in my hand allowing me to brush really quickly. It also has rubber nodules throughout, which help massage as I brush, or as I like to call it, it’s multitasking at its best (brushing and massaging). The size is also travel-friendly and the brush has already accompanied me on some quick beach weekend getaways. The bristles are natural boar so I anticipate they will last me a long time. See other great brush options here and here and here.
How To Care For Your Dry Brush
Wash your brush with soap (or shampoo) and water and let air dry in a sunny spot to avoid any mildew accumulation on the bristles. Depending on how often you dry brush (the recommendation is twice a day every day), clean your brush every week to once a month. I dry brush once a day anywhere from 3 to 5 times a week and I clean my brush every two weeks. This might be intuitive, but do not share your brush with others (spouses included). Sharing is caring but not when it comes to your dry brush!
Interesting Fact
Turns out body brushing is especially beneficial to those who sit in front of a computer for hours every day (which is most of us nowadays). It’s supposed to increase positive electromagnetic energy levels and help eliminate negative ions from the body.
Do you dry brush? If you don’t, then you need to. Try it for two weeks and see the results for yourself!
I’ve always wanted to start dry brushing but didn’t know where to begin! This is such an informative post and you cover all aspects! Will definitely get a brush from Amazon and give this a try! Thank you!
Yes, it can be a little overwhelming at first, but there’s no race. Start when you feel comfortable and go at your own pace. Hope this post helps you. ~ Cat L.
This is such a great post! I know about dry brushing but have yet to try it. I need to, even if I only do it once a week.
Thank you! Yes, there really is no downside to trying it. Hope this post helps. ~ Cat L.
Great post and stunning photography as always!
You have explained it all perfectly. I must admit I went through a phase of really getting into dry body brushing (even though I find it hurts on me?) as the benefits as you have explained can be incredible. It really is just a case of ‘getting into the routine’ kind of thing I agree and reading this has made me feel guilty that I must get back to it!! K xxx
Hi Kelly, thank you so much! I am a huge fan of your blog, http://www.kellilash.com so your feedback always means a lot to me. I as well went thru a similar phase, where I switched to natural remedies and a mostly green skincare routine. Dry brushing was a daily routine that I would practice before getting in the shower. I did feel incredible, but over time as life happens, I broke out of that routine. I do want to start again and make it into a habit, much like brushing my teeth. ~ Cat L.
Hi Cat!
This post comes at the right time, as I have been dry-brushing since October. I have a brush similar to yours from the brand EcoTools and my routine is just like yours. I dry brush every other day before showering, at night. I’ve seen very good results. I don’t have cellulite but a lot of ingrown hair due to waxing, and it does an amazing job in getting rid of them (though not all of them).
Since I started dry-brushing I haven’t felt the need to use a physical exfoliator anymore, which has made me save a lot of money too 🙂
Thanks for the post, I think it’s very informative and detailed, hopefully you’ll convince other girls to incorporate this to their routine!
Have a lovely day!
xx
Silvia
Hi Silvia, thank you for your feedback. I really appreciate it. I am a fan of your blog http://www.theskincabinet.com and will be catching up with your posts towards the end of this week. You’re right, I forgot to mention this in my post, but dry brushing also helps with ingrown hair that might be a little stubborn, as well as with the need to use an exfoliator. I still exfoliate my body with a scrub in the shower about once a week, but it’s definitely not necessary if you dry brush. Great comments! ~ Cat L.
Thank you Cat, you are lovely!
I’m a big fan of dry brushing but sadly I don’t do it as often as I should. Great post and beautiful photos.
Thank you! I know what you mean, as I would also like to dry brush more often than I actually do. I think the key is to make it into a daily routine or habit, just like brushing your teeth. ~ Cat L.
Dry Brushing is one of the best and most affordable treatments you can do for overall health and wellness of the skin & body. You did a spectacular job with your content leaving no question unanswered. Beautiful Pictures, Highly Informative and Resourceful. My brush needs to be replaced and I will check out the MIO that you recommended. Thank you.
Thank you for your feedback, Regina. You are a skincare expert so coming from you it means a lot. I really enjoy your posts on Instagram and will have to catch up with your site, http://www.SkincareReginaVenti.com towards the end of the week. You are a great resource and your expertise when it comes to skincare, is invaluable. Thank you again for reading my post! ~ Cat L.
I enjoy reading your post, there’s always something new to learn. I’ve been doing brushing but not dry brushing. I soak my loofah in warm water just to get it a little bit soft and not to harsh on my skin and I do this every morning before I take a shower unless I’m running late . I will definitely try dry brushing and I need to purchase that brush. And everything you said about the skin as we age are so true. As always I love your post and the brush is on my list .
Thank you very much for reading my blog! I know that you also enjoy learning about and researching skincare as much as I do. I love your skincare posts on Instagram and your recommendations are always spot on. As such, your feedback means a lot to me. Most experts recommend brushing on dry skin pre-showering. However, skincare is not an exact science. We always have to follow our individual skincare needs and likes. Wet skin is easier to brush and less scratchy. During the time I was pregnant, my skin was stretched out and incredibly sensitive. I put dry brushing on hold and did exactly what you describe in your comment, brushing my skin with a wet loofah in the shower but prior to showering. I like the Mio brush because the bristles are less abrasive than most brushes I’ve tried, definitely give it a try. Dry brushing will probably hurt initially but the skin will become less sensitive the more you brush and over time. So glad you enjoyed the post! Thank you again for reading! ~ Cat L.
I love dry brushing and try to do it every other day! I can honestly say it’s helped with the appearance of the cellulite I have on my thighs, which is the main reason why I try to stay consistent and dry brush often. Great post!
Thank you! I will definitely try to get into a routine and every other day sounds great! Glad you enjoyed the post! ~ Cat L.
Great article I dry brush but had fallen on the way side lately because of the hectic life we live, but thanks to your blog I am back on the horse and I am saddling. So much useful info Cat I never knew. Remarkable how simple every day routine could be so beneficial
Thanks again for the nudge my friend
Thank you so much, Esnath! I’m a big fan of your blog, http://www.prettypeachblossom.com, so your feedback means a lot to me. I can relate, there was a period when I used to dry brush faithfully and I too have fallen off the bandwagon. I’m trying to get back into it, as I am a believer in the health benefits it delivers. Thank you again for reading and commenting! ~ Cat L.
This is interesting and informative Cat! I have seen certain cultures do this , but never knew the purpose or what the benefits were . I can always count on your post to give us the 411. Thanks !
Also What do you think of the clarisonic brushes , even though we apply a little water, do they have the same kind of benefit for your skin as well ?
Definitely give dry brushing a go! It is one of the best treatments you can do for overall health of skin and body. I tried using the Clarisonic face brushes in the past but found them a little harsh for my sensitive skin, even their softest brush which is supposed to target sensitive skin. It is a similar concept, and if you feel great using the Clarisonic and works for you, then definitely use it. Most people swear by these face brushes. Thank you for reading and commenting. ~ Cat L.
Hi Cat ,
So finally I got time to catch up with your blog . I loved it and its very informative and thorough. I loved dry brushing in the past but due to morning rush it has now become a sunday spa ritual. I’ll try to start doing it again. Thanks for this post it was a wonderful reminder. Keep doing the good work.
Thanks, Molly. I enjoy reading your skincare blog http://www.skinritualdiary.com so your feedback always means a lot to me. Yes, I know what you mean about life getting hectic and I’m guilty of the same thing. I do manage to find time to brush my teeth and comb my hair every day 🙂 , so I really want to start looking at dry brushing the same way and give it a real go and try to stay consistent. That being said, I also believe that every one should listen to their own routines. Even once a week makes a difference. I’m glad you enjoyed the post. I’m looking forward to catching up with your blog. ~ Cat L.
This post is awesome Cat, I’ve never tried it and now I want to buy a brush ASAP! I have stubborn cellulite on my thighs I need to improve!! I never wear shorts because of that. Thanks for sharing such detailed information!
Thanks for reading, Laura! I cannot recommend dry brushing enough! It’ll be painful at first, but you will start seeing and feeling a difference right away. Your skin will feel super soft and over time, you’ll also notice a difference in firmness and texture. I also have cellulite on my thighs, partly genetics I think, and have had it since my early 20s. It never went away completely, but when I used to dry brush consistently, I did notice that my cellulite was less apparent. I’m slowly trying to get myself back on track and dry brush a few times a week now, as anything helps. I’m glad you found the post helpful. Do keep me posted and let me know how it works out for you! Thank you again for reading and commenting! ~ Cat L.
This post has come in such a right time for me. I’ve always paid time and attention to my skincare routine, but for the last few months I really stopped doing much for the rest of my body. Recently I was thinking that I must upgrade my body care and put some more effort into it. Dry brushing sounds like a great start of a new and improved body routine. If you say, that it doesn’t take that much time, then I’m up for it.
Thank you for such an informative post. I will continue researching and head to find my perfect brush. I have a feeling that The Body Shop does it too, but I might be wrong.
Hi Anna, thank you for stopping by! I strongly recommend trying to dry brush before you shower. It takes under 5 minutes and the benefits are tremendous.
Yes, you’re right. The Body Shop actually also has a very good brush you can use. I have used their brush in the past and really liked it. Do keep me posted and let me know if you end up trying it. Now off to catch up with your blog http://trendissimo.pl/en
~ Cat L.
I did not know this was good for the lymph system ! I’m going to go to Marshalls this week and see if they still carry dry brushes and if not I will hop on Amazon myself . I have several lymph system disorders and I am willing to try anything to ease the illnesses and make things a little better on my health , it just so happens I enjoy skincare 😉 Thanks Cat !
Kristen, I cannot recommend this enough! Definitely try to dry brush for a few weeks and you’ll be able to tell a difference. Hope you enjoyed the post!
~ Cat L.
Cat,
I found this article when reading your new one on extending shaved legs lol. My question is, I have keratosis pilaris, mainly on my arms, would dry brushing help? I use chemical exfoliaters and a physical scrub from Lalacious. Would adding the dry brushing help? And do you know anything that gets rid of the red marks? Even when my arms were the smoothest they’d ever been, it still looked like my arms were red chicken skin.
Thanks in advance.
Love your content!!!
Hi Patti, thank you for stopping by! I haven’t come across instances where dry brushing is detrimental, based on my own research. I would assume when used with gentle pressure it might actually help your skin condition. However, I would strongly recommend consulting a dermatologist. One brand that I always recommend when it comes to gentle exfoliators is Ameliorate. I have previously reviewed their Body Polish Alpha Hydroxy Therapy here on the blog. It’s a multi-action exfoliator that not only cleanses but it also soothes the skin. Definitely check it out if you get a chance! ~ Cat L.