Dry brushing: It couldn’t be more affordable, requires minimal skill and offers an instant glow, but is it for everyone? Now that summer’s in full swing, discover the benefits of dry brushing and why it’s one of our favorite at-home body treatments for healthy, glowing skin.

What Is Dry Brushing? | The Benefits Of Dry Brushing | Is Dry Brushing Right For You? | Selecting And Caring For Your Brush | How To Dry Brush: A 5 Minute Routine 

What Is Dry Brushing? 

Essentially, it involves gently “brushing” skin on the body with a coarse, natural fiber brush to stimulate blood flow and exfoliate the skin. This pre-shower ritual leaves the skin glowing and provides a relaxing self care experience.

The Benefits Of Dry Brushing

Variations of dry brushing have existed for thousands of years. Ancient Ayurvedic, Greek and Japanese cultures all used dry brushing techniques, believing that the practice increased circulation and stimulated the lymphatic system, helped digestion and even increased energy levels. The Ayurvedics believed dry brushing helped the body rid itself of toxins by removing dead skin and debris that blocked the pores. 

There is a major benefit to gentle exfoliation that physically removes dead skin and build up. Unclogging pores, and removing dry, flaky skin, leads to buffed, glowy skin that can feel softer and appear smoother and more firm.

Fans of the practice also believe dry brushing encourages a temporary circulation boost that plumps the skin, and provides some lymphatic stimulation, allowing for easier flow and drainage. Plus, the ritual of spending a few minutes brushing the skin is an extremely relaxing way to unwind and re-energize. 

Is Dry Brushing Right For You?

Dry brushing should be done on healthy body skin only, and never on healing, broken or irritated skin. According to the Cleveland Clinic, “Avoid using a dry brush on your face since the skin is more sensitive than on the rest of your body.” Large patches of healthy body skin on the back, stomach, chest, arms or legs are perfect areas to try dry brushing. However, areas affected by psoriasis, eczema, rashes, wounds or sunburn should be avoided.

Take a quick scan of your body before starting any dry brushing. Take note of any warts, moles and bumps, as you don’t want to spread any potential bacteria, irritate or break the skin of any vulnerable areas. If you do notice any flare ups, redness, or painful spots, hold off on dry brushing until the skin calms down in that area.

Otherwise, dry brushing is very much a “choose your own adventure.” Each step of the practice — from the pressure you apply, to the frequency of brushing and the brush itself — should be chosen according to your preference. The only advice we’d share is to use a lighter touch. A vigorous, hard exfoliation leaves your skin red and scratched.

It’s best to avoid dry brushing if you have sensitive skin because you are likely to notice irritation and redness. It’s worth asking a dermatologist for advice if you wish to use this technique and have senstive skin. 

Selecting And Caring For Your Brush

Choose a long-handled coarse brush with bristles made of natural fiber. The aim is to perform a soft exfoliation that sends you into a relaxed state. Don’t select a brush that is too stiff and could be painful to the skin and instead, opt for a medium to firm brush. A brush with a long handle will help you get to awkward spots like your back or the backs of your thighs, but a brush that can be attached to the hand will give you a little more control over the pressure you apply to the skin. 

As with all skin care, hygiene is key to a successful treatment and keeping your brush sanitary to reduce the risk of infection is important. Very Well Health recommends washing your bristles with gentle soap, rinsing well and setting it somewhere to dry out. Alternatively, you could clean the bristles with rubbing alcohol. Because of the skin that your brush will enviably collect over time, it’s best not to share your dry brush with another person.