We love good health habits, but we know they can take time and money. actually It works. Touted by influencers and celebrities as the secret to glowing skin, dry brushing is said to exfoliate dead skin, stimulate the lymphatic system, reduce cellulite, decongest the skin, and much more. But you probably already know the benefits. Today, we’re sharing the lowdown on how to dry brush to get all the smooth, glowing, detoxifying benefits.
Holistic beauty expert’s guide to dry brushing
We spoke to facial therapists, acupuncturists and Chinese medicine experts. Brooke Taylorlearn more about all things dry brushing. Taylor has incorporated dry brushing into several of her blissful—and incredibly restorative—activities. In-studio service And she shares some great insights into how this can be a great ritual to incorporate into your daily self-care at home. I love her tips for making this experience a complete and deeply therapeutic practice.
Keep scrolling to learn more about all things dry brushing, how to do it, and proven products to incorporate into your practice.
The History of Dry Brushing
Although dry brushing has become increasingly popular due to its effectiveness, the concept is by no means new. Some say it originates from Ayurvedic medicine, a 5,000-year-old traditional Hindu medicine. GarashanaUsually performed with silk or linen gloves before a morning bath, the technique was thought to be good for Kapha people, who tend to have a sluggish lymphatic system. Other ancient cultures who practiced some form of dry brushing include the Japanese, Ancient Greeks, Romans, Scandinavians and Native Americans, although some say the ancient Egyptians were the pioneers of dry brushing.
Taylor’s personal love for the benefits of dry brushing began when she explained to a knowledgeable spa director in Vail, Colorado, that she lived in the mountains and didn’t have access to warm hands and feet. The mentor asked, “Why don’t you dry brush every day?” It turned out there was a good reason to make it a regular habit, as it can increase circulation. The spa director’s advice aligned with the field of Chinese medicine she would later study, where silk squash, better known as loofah, has long been used to soften skin.
What is dry brushing?
Modern technology has evolved to rely on natural bristles for best results. Brushes usually come in a wide variety: long, strap, or short handles, fibers ranging from boar bristles to vegan, with or without massage knobs. Brushes are used all over the body with gentle yet firm strokes to exfoliate dry skin, leaving it soft and smooth. They also increase circulation and aid in the flow of fluids for a firmer appearance.
The benefits of dry brushing
- Gently exfoliates. The physical action of the brush on dry skin removes surface impurities with regular use, revealing smoother skin.
- Improves vascular circulationThe pressure of the hairs stimulates blood circulation, improving stagnant blood flow in the blood vessels.
- Prepare for deeper hydration. The exfoliating effect of dry brushing will improve the effectiveness of your moisturizer.
- Lymphatic drainage and gentle detoxWhile the detox benefits may be hyped, they are limited and temporary. But brushing can shift fluids and change the appearance of your skin. Brushing along the lymphatic vessels is thought to stimulate lymph nodes and blood vessels, while brushing towards the heart is thought to improve circulation.
- Clears clogged pores. Dry brushing helps prevent clogged hair follicles and ingrown hairs. Keratosis pilarisIt’s especially effective to apply a nourishing balm or oil after a shower or bath.
- Plump skin. Many women turn to dry brushing to reduce the appearance of cellulite, and while the results may be anecdotal, some swear it also helps reduce the appearance of dimples, especially when combined with other beneficial treatments and lifestyle choices. For best results in these areas, choose a brush with massaging ridges and do it regularly to maintain the results.
- Stimulated meridiansIn TCM, the hands and feet aren’t neglected either: meridians (energy pathways that run up and down the body) intersect here, and stimulating these areas can help improve sleep and digestion and warm the hands and feet.
Dry brushing procedure
- Dry brushing is usually done before showering, when the skin is dry.
- Apply a little firm pressure – you may feel a slight rubbing sensation, but it shouldn’t be uncomfortable.
- Gently brush over the distal meridians of the hands and feet.
- Gently but firmly, start at the toes and take your time to make circular movements around the joints, lengthening your strokes as you work your way up.
- Brush onto stomach and décolleté in a clockwise circular motion.
- Raise your arms in the air and move them from your elbows down to your armpits, then upwards from your hips to your armpits.
- Brush your fingers, palms, and up, working inwards towards your heart and you’re done.
- Afterwards, soak, rinse with cold water and apply a nourishing body oil.
- Take your time, breathe and enjoy.
Tips for getting the most out of your dry brushing session
Making dry brushing a habit can further enhance the physical and mental benefits. Your body will let you know if you’re brushing too much or too hard. You don’t want to irritate your skin. Be careful to choose a brush that matches your skin’s sensitivity and texture.
A modern take on dry brushing is to combine it with other self-care treatments, like practicing breathing exercises and mindfulness while brushing, taking a cold shower after brushing, or following up with a nourishing oil blend that contains active ingredients like CBD and vitamins that repair tissue, strengthen skin, and promote fluid flow.
How often should I dry brush?
Twice a week is a good frequency to see results, and although it may take a few uses to get used to the feel of the brush, you will usually become pleased with the usage and results.
The risks of dry brushing
Don’t use a brush on sensitive areas where you have cuts or abrasions, or immediately after shaving. Avoid dry brushing if you suffer from eczema, psoriasis, or other serious skin conditions, as it can irritate them. Using too much force can damage the skin; it’s best to be gentle but firm. Don’t use a body brush on the delicate skin of your face. Finally, don’t share brushes.
Things to consider when choosing a dry brush
- Natural fibers. Plant or animal hair is best. Don’t choose anything too hard or rough.
- A short-handled brush or a hand-held brush with a strap is convenient as it is easy to grip and use, while a long-handled brush can be used to reach hard-to-reach areas.
Brush Care
- Keep your dry brush dry.
- To remove dry skin, shake, dab or scrub with a cloth.
- If you clean it with soap and water, always drip dry it face down to prevent mildew and deterioration.
Best Products for Dry Brushing
From your favorite dry brush to luxurious body oils, if you’re not sure how to dry brush, start with these products.
Our recommended dry brushes feature medium-hard bristles that are not too harsh. Depending on your needs and goals, you can also choose a longer handle to reach hard-to-reach areas like your back. Bonus points if the brush looks good on your bathroom counter.
Taylor’s Storage Tip: If stored bristles down, the weight can crush the fibers over time. We recommend hanging this brush in a secure manner to prevent it from slipping off and breaking.
This perfect body oil for dry brushing has a delightfully light texture and complex feel that will indulge your senses. Use daily, morning and night, massaging the oil into dry skin. Exfoliate before your shower with dry brushing and use with lotion after for extra hydration. This ritual feels luxurious and leaves skin incredibly soft.
I’m always happy to receive it!
To experience Taylor’s treatment, Eastern Facelift with Body Dry Brushing I recommend dry brushing. From my experience, wonderful And it’s incredibly rejuvenating. The session includes dry brushing and gua sha working on the limb meridians with warm body oil, followed by gua sha and cupping toning the face. The dry brushing in this treatment has the incredible effect of increasing circulation and softening the skin from head to toe, all while working your chi according to Chinese medicine. In my case, she focused on pressure points on my body to boost my energy and support my liver and digestive system, and I left feeling invigorated and calm after the treatment. She’s happy to customize a treatment that’s right for you, so just send her a message.
Many spa body treatments offer dry brushing as part of certain treatments or as an upgrade to a massage. If you’re in Austin or at another spa location, Milk + Honey Let’s get a little pampered with dry brushing, which is a great way to experience the technique first-hand
Source: Camille Styles – camillestyles.com
