Dry Brushing Skin Tips and Advice
Dry skin brushing is a great way to get your skin looking great and feeling smooth. It exfoliates, tightens, encourages blood flow and even is thought by some to reduce cellulite.
Read on to learn about dry skin brushing, how to dry brush, and what kind of skin brush to use at home.
What Is Dry Brushing and What Brush Do You Need?
Dry brushing is pretty straightforward and is pretty much what it sounds like – brushing your body with a dry brush.
This skin care treatment is done on dry skin with a dry brush preferably before you shower. You use the dry brush on all the skin on your body from the toes up to your chest. The more delicate skin on the face and neck needs a different type of exfoliation.
Dry brushing is best done with a large brush made from natural bristles.
Synthetic bristles can be too harsh on the skin. Bristles should not be hard but somewhat stiff is fine. A brush attached to a long handle is best since this allows you to reach hard to get to spots like your back.
How Dry Brushing Helps The Skin
Dry brushing has many positive affects on the skin. For starters, it helps to exfoliate the skin which means it removes dead skin cells. When you exfoliate, your skin is softer and smoother. This type of exfoliation is gentle enough even for people with sensitive skin. If done regularly it can help prevent ingrown hairs. Additionally, when you dry brush you boost circulation to the skin and get lymph flowing which helps your skin look great and your body function properly.
Claims About Dry Brushing That Are Nonsense
Though there are many claims that dry brushing will get rid of cellulite and detox your body these ideas are not backed by scientific research. Dry brushing can make your skin appear smoother, but it will not permanently get rid of cellulite; it just might temporarily reduce the appearance of cellulite.
As for getting rid of toxins dry brushing gets rid of dead skin cells, not toxins. Urination and sweat will help rid your body of unwanted substances much better than dry brushing. When it comes to dry brushing be sure not to get sucked in by claims that are too good to be true.
How To Dry Brush
Difficulty: Easy
Time Required: 15 Minutes or Less
What You Need:
- A dry brush for the skin.
- Time for a shower after your treatment.
- A moisturizer.
Here’s How:
- Dry skin brushing is as easy as it sounds. All you’ll need is a dry skin brush like the one pictured. Using a soft-bristled natural brush is ideal for your skin. The brush you use on your hair is probably not what you’ll want to pick. Many hair brushes have synthetic bristles that are too sharp for your skin.
- The best time to dry brush is right before your bath or shower while you’re completely undressed.
- Start at your feet and move up. Rub the brushes bristles over your body using gentle, slow circular motions. We do not recommend you dry brush your face. Either use a gentle washcloth in the shower or use your facial exfoliator.
- Take your time and pay careful attention as to not miss an area. Dry skin brushing should not be painful in the least, so if it is feeling painful, lighten your touch. You’ll be surprised at how little pressure you need to get results. If your skin starts to get red or irritated, you are pressing too hard.
- When completely finished, hop in the shower and give your skin a good washing to get rid of the dry skin cells that you brushed off.
- Don’t forget to moisturize after your shower.
Tips:
- Use a long-handled brush so that you can reach all parts of your body.
- Applying a light body oil while your skin is still damp from the shower will give the skin the perfect amount of hydration without feeling heavy.
- It is safe to do this every day, but watch your skin and if you feel that every day is too much, step it back to every other or every third day.
- Some areas of your body might still benefit from a stronger exfoliator once a week. Areas such as your feet, knees, and elbows.