If you haven’t heard of dry brushing the skin and the various benefits it confers, here’s where you can get acquainted with this technique. And then go ahead and try it out for yourself. But do that only after you learn exactly how it’s done otherwise you could end up damaging the skin.
What Is Skin Dry Brushing?
Far from being a modern invention, dry brushing has been known for centuries in various parts of the world such as ancient India and China. It is a quick and simple massage of the body using a stiff-bristled, dry brush that is specially designed for this purpose. It has rough bristles made of natural fiber.
Dry brushing is done usually on the body and rarely on the face, because facial skin is much more delicate and prone to damage compared to body skin.
Benefits
Some of the great benefits include better circulation, lymphatic drainage, exfoliation of dead skin, stimulation of oil production and collagen, relaxation, removing toxins, and there are reports that dry brushing reduces cellulite and wrinkles. Dry brushing gives your skin that enviable, radiant glow. The effect is similar to that of a massage.
Some of you may like to brush more than once a day, and this can be done in shorter sessions. Ideally many people like brushing in the morning before their shower because it makes them feel more energized. Find more information about how to use a body brush at Rest & Digest. They have articles and information about body brushing products and great resources pertaining to self care, wellness and relaxation.
Dry brushing technique
Make sure that you don’t have any scratches, lesions, scrapes, rashes, warts, moles, burns or sunburn on your body. Avoid brushing skin that is inflamed, infected or reacting to an allergen.
Start from the feet, brush gently across the ankles and move upwards in smooth strokes along your legs.
Use large, circular movements in a clockwise direction for the torso and back. If you don’t want to brush your abdomen and chest area, you can avoid these, or you can apply the brush very gently across these areas.
Brush over your arms and shoulders next, using circular movements.
As far as possible don’t go over the same area more than once as this may cause irritation.
Once you have covered your whole body, have a shower, preferably in tepid water. Don’t towel yourself vigorously as your skin is already sensitive.
Apply moisturizer or any body oil of your choice to keep the skin soft and supple.
Don’t use the body brush on your face, and if you want to dry brush your face, get a brush with very soft, natural bristles and use gentle movements.
Rinse and clean your brush after you have finished brushing, and dry it thoroughly. Store it in a cool, dry place till the next use. Once or twice in a week you can wash the brush well with mild soap and warm water. Dry it well before keeping it away.
Don’t share your body brush with anyone else, as you could run the risk of catching a skin infection.
7 Ways to Use the Dry Body Brush
- Before Your Morning Shower: This is the most favored and most common practice in dry brushing. You can store your brush and moisturizer in a dry place in the bathroom for easy access and cleaning after brushing. Sit comfortably and relax while brushing, and finish off with a cool shower.
- Before Bedtime: Most people who are pressed for time in the morning prefer to dry brush before bedtime. You can use the same technique. The only downside is that you may feel extra energized and find it slightly difficult to fall asleep afterwards!
- Different types of brushes: The most common type is a long-handled wooden brush, but you can also use a smaller one that straps onto your hand for better control. Boar-hair bristles are stiff and great for daily use, or you can get a brush with ionic copper bristles to eliminate negative ions.
- Oil or Moisturizer: Some people use a few drops of oil on the brush either before or after showering but this is not strictly necessary. You can apply moisturizer after brushing if your skin is specially dry or sensitive.
- Frequency: If you have sensitive skin, dry brush only once a week. Talk to your dermatologist if you have concerns about this technique.
- Lymphatic drainage brushing: Brush in the direction of the heart, starting from the outer areas of the body and limbs. This helps to stimulate the movement of lymph and prevent blockages.
- How Long: Never dry brush for more than three to five minutes at a time. Once you learn the technique, you can cover your entire body within this time, and make it part of your regular self-care routine.