Dry brushing is an ancient practice rooted in Ayurvedic medicine that involves using a dry, firm-bristled brush to exfoliate the skin. It's a simple technique you can do at home to invigorate your skin and promote circulation.
Dry Brushing Benefits
Dry brushing hasn’t been formally studied and there are no research results on dry brushing and the effects it has on the skin or body systems. But experts agree that dry brushing does have benefits. Here’s what is known about this practice.
1. Exfoliates Skin
Dry brushing exfoliates the skin via physical exfoliation, just like body scrub products do. The bristles of the brush manually sweep away dull, rough, flaky skin cells. After a dry brushing session, your skin will feel softer and smoother.
2. Gets Your Blood Flowing
The brisk brushing stimulates circulation. This leaves skin looking more radiant, albeit temporarily.
3. Energizes the Body
Maybe it’s the increased circulation, or maybe it’s simply the few extra minutes indulging in a self-care ritual, but most people feel invigorated and energized after a dry brush session. And there’s no denying dry brushing just feels good on the skin (if it doesn’t, you’re probably brushing too hard).
Dry Brushing Drawbacks
In most cases, dry brushing is a very safe thing to do. Still, there are a few things to keep in mind to protect your skin.
1. May Cause Irritation
The most common side effect of dry brushing is irritated skin. This is more likely to happen if you brush too hard, brush too often, or if your skin is especially sensitive.
While your skin may be a bit pink after a session, you most definitely don’t want to see redness or abrasions on the skin. Your skin shouldn’t burn or sting afterward, either. Dry brushing should feel good; if it doesn’t, you’re being too aggressive.
2. Can Lead to Dry Skin
Dry brushing can dry out your skin. To prevent this, it’s important to use a moisturizing product after your dry brush session.
3. May Worsen Some Skin Conditions
Never dry brush over eczema, psoriasis, rashes, wounds, sunburn, or irritations like chafing. If you have very sensitive skin, you may want to skip dry brushing altogether.
This may be especially true for facial skin. Some dry brushing enthusiasts say it’s great for skin pores and safe for the face, but not necessarily for all skin types.
If your skin seems to be getting irritated by your newfound dry brush routine, scale back the frequency or stop dry brushing altogether.
Dry Brushing Myths
Again, little to no research has been done on dry brushing and the skin. What is known about dry brushing comes from piecing together information about how the skin and body systems work.
There is no evidence that dry brushing has any of the following benefits.
1. Myth: It Stimulates the Lymphatic System
The lymphatic system is part of your immune system. Its job is to drain fluid and carry a clear fluid called lymph throughout your body via a network of vessels. Some claim that dry brushing can stimulate sluggish lymph.
While it’s possible it may promote some lymph flow, there are no studies to prove this. Although things like manual lymphatic drainage massage have benefits, brushing isn’t likely to have the same effect.
2. Myth: It Detoxifies the Body
“Eliminate toxins” has become a buzz phrase. Juicing, hot yoga, and yes, dry brushing, all supposedly detoxify your body.
The skin may be the largest organ of your body, but it’s not the largest detoxifying organ. That distinction belongs to your liver, with the kidneys being runners-up.
Unfortunately, you can’t brush toxins out of the body.
3. Myth: It Aids Digestion
The skin isn’t tied to your digestive system, so any brushing of the skin isn’t going to aid in digestion.
Gentle massaging of the stomachmay help with mild constipation, so brushing your tummy could, in theory, help alleviate the problem. But in general, there are better ways to improve your digestion.
4. Myth: It Eliminates Cellulite
Increased circulation from dry brushing does plump the skin, potentially making cellulite look less obvious. But this is just a temporary fix; cellulite is not gone forever.
As far as balancing or redistributing fat anywhere else on the body, there is no evidence that dry brushing can do this.
How to Clean Your Dry Brush
Keeping your dry brush clean reduces the risk of infection. Don’t share your brush with others, and follow the cleaning instructions provided by the manufacturer. If unavailable, you can simply wash the bristles with gentle soap, rinse well, and set the brush out to dry. Or, dampen a cloth with rubbing alcohol and rub it over the bristles, or simply pour a small amount over them. Don’t let your brush sit in wet or damp conditions—always ensure it has a chance to dry out after use.
How to Dry Brush Your Skin
Most dry brush experts recommend a natural bristle brush made from plant fibers such as jute, sisal, and even cactus fibers. The bristles shouldn't be so firm that they leave red marks, abrade the skin, or feel uncomfortable.
Follow these steps, remembering to use light, smooth strokes throughout:
- To begin, strip down to bare skin. Some recommend standing in an empty bathtub or shower, but anywhere you’re comfortable and won’t slip is fine.
- Starting at the feet, brush upward toward the body. Dry brush the entirety of each leg, working up to the upper thighs.
- Continue with the buttocks and back (provided you can reach; if not, it’s OK to skip these areas).
- Move on to the arms, starting with the backs of the hands and working upward to the shoulders.
- The stomach and chest are more sensitive than the arms and legs, so lighten your touch even more here. You can continue with upward strokes or try circular ones, depending on what is more comfortable to you. Don’t brush over breasts or nipples.
- If you’d like to also brush your face and neck, switch to your smaller, softer brush. Brush upward on the neck, then gently across the face from chin to forehead.
- After your dry brushing session, shower or bathe. Then apply lotion, body balm, or body oil.
The dry brushing process isn’t complicated, so don’t stress about how to dry brush correctly. Once you’ve done it a few times, you’ll develop a technique that works for you.
Some proponents suggest doing your dry brushing in the morning, rather than before bed, because of its stimulating and energizing qualities. Do whatever is convenient for you.
Tips for Dry Brushing
- The whole process should take you no more than five minutes, so don’t feel you have to linger.
- When dry brushing the body, work upward or toward the heart.
- Don’t pass over the same area with your brush more than twice. Doing so can cause irritation.
- There’s no recommended frequency for dry brushing. Do what works for you, whether that’s daily (if your skin can tolerate it), twice weekly, or just whenever you feel like it.
Dry brushing can be a relaxing yet stimulating indulgence that leaves your skin feeling soft and smooth. Be realistic about the results you’re expecting and listen to your skin. And if you have any persisting skin issues, be sure to see a dermatologist.
