Dry brushing is an Ayurvedic practice that has been around for centuries. In many cultures, such as the Greek and Japanese culture, dry brushing has been used to clean and purify the skin. Here are 6 benefits of dry brushing skin.
Dry brushing skin is one of the simplest ways to enhance your skincare routine. It is running a stiff, dry brush over your skin in either long or circular strokes. Stroke away from the tips of your toes and fingers, toward your heart.
Commonly Asked Questions
6 Benefits of Dry Brushing Skin
What is dry brushing and how does it work? How does dry brushing help lymphatic drainage? Does dry brushing help your digestion? Can it help with cellulite? Does dry brushing help with detox? Does dry brushing help with crepey skin?
These are all questions that are often asked about dry brushing. Let’s touch on them one at a time.
1-What is dry brushing and how does it work?
Dry brushing is done by using a dry, rough, firm-bristled brush to massage the body. You begin at the toes and massage toward the heart. It is a relaxing yet stimulating way to indulge your senses. It leaves your skin feeling soft and smooth. The whole process should take no longer than five minutes. You do not need to linger long over an area, or you will just irritate the skin.
2-How does dry brushing help lymphatic drainage?
Some people claim that dry brushing helps stimulate a sluggish lymphatic system. When dry brushing the body, you work upward, that is toward the heart. In this way it encourages the lymph to drain. If you brush toward the tips of your fingers and toes, you would be defeating the purpose.
A manual lymphatic drainage massage may stimulate a sluggish lymphatic system and increase drainage, but there is no scientific evidence to prove that dry brushing will do the same as a hands-on massage.
3-Does dry brushing help your digestion?
Gentle massaging of the stomach may be helpful if you are mildly constipated. In theory, brushing your tummy in a circular, clockwise fashion may help to alleviate the problem.
4-Can it help with cellulite?
Dry brushing does increase circulation, which in turn plumps up the skin. This is a temporary fix to make cellulite look less obvious. In a short time, it will re-appear. Dry brushing, however, is not good at redistributing fat on the body.
5-Does dry brushing help with detox?
According to dermatologist Shilpi Khetarpal, M.D.
the mechanical process of dry brushing exfoliates rough, dry skin, and unclogs pores in the process. “It also helps detoxify your skin by increasing blood circulation and promoting lymph flow/drainage,” says Dr. Khetarpal, M.D. When the pores are unclogged, it is easier for the body to sweat and eliminate toxins from the body.
6-Does dry brushing help crepey skin?
Dry brushing can help regenerate crepey skin. As with many exfoliants, dry brushing gives your skin that “instant glow”. It helps to restore the natural elasticity and prevents the body’s natural breakdown of collagen.
What time of day shall I brush my skin?
Brushing your skin before taking a shower is the best option. The brush will exfoliate the skin
and showering afterward will wash the flaky, dead skin cells away. After drying off from the shower smooth some moisturizer over your skin.
Just don’t brush too harshly on your skin. One downside of dry brushing is that your skin may feel dry when you are finished. For this reason, it is a good idea to put moisturizer on your skin after you dry brush. (Some almond oil or coconut oil Amazon)
Dry Brushing a Self-Care Ritual
Enjoy the benefits of dry brushing skin. The bristles of the brush manually sweep away dull, flaky skin cells, leaving your skin feeling softer and smoother. The dry brushing stimulates your circulation.
It could be the stimulating increase of your circulation, or it could be the added self-care ritual. There is no denying, a dry brush session just feels good on your skin. You feel invigorated and well energized.
While there is no magic to turn back the years of time, a healthy lifestyle and a routine that includes hydrating with lots of fresh water, healthy food, and an abundance of fun filled exercise – along with a good skin care program can keep you radiant and glowing from the inside out.
Who Should Not Dry Brush
Dry brushing should not be done on any infected or broken skin, psoriasis, eczema, or other sensitive skin. You should not share your brush with others. If your skin becomes inflamed or gives you cause for concern, discuss it with your healthcare provider.
Clean Your Brush Frequently
Wash with soapy water, rinse, and hang to dry. If possible, dry it in the sun. An alternative in cleaning your brush is to clean it with a cloth dipped in rubbing alcohol.
Please Leave a Comment
I would love to hear from you, my readers. Do you use dry brushing in your skin care routine?
Disclaimer: If you have any concerns or questions about your health, you should always consult with a physician or other healthcare professional. No content on this site should be substituted for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified healthcare practitioner. The information contained here is for informational purposes only. It is from my research and personal experience.
I have become an advocate for Dry Brushing Skin. However, to obtain all the benefits of dry brushing, it is advisable to do it daily. We will start with a gentle intensity and a short time and, as the days go by, we will increase it.
Many women already practice the dry brushing technique on their skin. This is because they have discovered the multiple benefits they obtain by dedicating a few minutes every day to this simple method of beauty and health.
Hi Ann, thanks for stopping by with a comment. It is great to hear from a loyal dry brushing advocate. It does have many benefits to those who make a habit of including it in their skin care routine!