Recently, dry brushing has become a widely popular practice, that many people have adopted in their home body-care routines. The benefits of dry brushing may include softer skin, improved lymphatic circulation, less cellulite, and improved keratosis pilaris symptoms.
If you are still a dry brushing newbie, this article will show you and explain to you the benefits that this treatment will give your skin. Keep in mind that in most cases you’d be really able to see the effects of dry brushing after a month of regular application.
This article will look closely at those skin benefits, as well as into the definition of dry brushing, and some tips on how to do it correctly.
Let’s get started!
What is dry brushing?
The term “dry brushing” refers to massaging the body with a brush, without the presence of any water (that’s why it’s dry). The brush for this purpose is usually with medium stiffness and is big in size to cover a relatively large area of skin. The massage is done with motions directed towards the heart and the lymph nodes, and with an application of slight pressure. The recommended frequency of the treatment is 1-2 times per week.
What are the benefits of dry brushing your skin?
Keep in mind that the benefits of dry brushing are not backed up by any scientific studies or concluding evidence. That being said, the mentioned 4 benefits are based on social surveys and experiences of people who have used it consistently.
lymph nodes are located all over our body: neck, armpits, shoulders, knees, thighs, elbow crease, etc. When we dry brush those areas, we help the lymphatic system to unblock and to drain the toxins out of the body.
Can stimulate the lymph flow and drainage
Did you know that you can help your body to detoxify from outside? Well, dry brushing can stimulate the lymph flow and drainage! By massaging the body with motions in the direction of the lymph flow, you can improve the blood and body liquids circulation and the efficiency of lymphatic drainage.
One key factor for proper functioning of the lymphatic system is exercise. [1] But in a busy or sedentary routine, there is often not enough time for regular exercising and stimulating the lymph circulation. And this may cause lymphatic function damage. The resulting negative health effects may include [2]:
- Water retention
- Swelling
- Cellulite infections
If done correctly, dry brushing can provide additional support the healthy flow of lymph (fluid) and improve the circulation.
TIP:
Brush your skin in upward direction to support the lymph flow. Start from the feet and go up towards the groin. Continue brushing following the direction of the heart. From your fingers, brush towards the armpits and neck. Brush the neck in downward direction towards your heart.
Learn more about how to dry brush CORRECTLY with our 4 useful tips!
May reduce cellulite
Cellulite happens when the fatty tissue and the middle skin layer (dermis) push against each other. That is why, the texture of the cellulite appears dimpled and uneven.
A number of individuals have reported that they’ve seen a difference in the visibility of their cellulite after consistent dry brushing therapy.
Dry brushing can support blood circulation, as well as plump and thicken the skin. This way, in long term application, it may reduce the visibility of cellulite (but cannot get rid of it entirely). Keep in mind that when used in combination with other cosmetic treatment, dry brushing can additionally reduce cellulite.
Consult your dermatologist to receive tailored advice about improving orange-peel skin.
Read how to get rid of cellulite in our dedicated article!
Can make your skin glow
The bristles of the brush used for the dry brushing method should be stiff enough to exfoliate the top skin layer. While they deeply massage and stimulate the lymph and blood flow, they also get rid of the dead skin cells of the epidermis (top skin layer).
This way, the dry brushing stimulates the skin cells turnover and boosts the production of new and healthy cells. This way, this technique can speed up the natural exfoliation process of the skin and make it smoother, softer, with more even texture and pigmentation, and stronger protective barrier.
Due to the improved epidermal barrier, the skin may become more resistant to damage caused by free radicals (e.g., UV radiation, pollution, preservatives in cosmetics, etc.), and become more hydrated and nourished due to improved moisture absorption and retention. [3]
TIP:
Choose a suitable brush. Pay attention the the stiffness of the bristles. They shouldn’t be too soft (as they’d tickle), but shouldn’t be too hard as well (can damage the skin barrier and cause irritation). Going for medium bristle stiffness would provide you with most benefits of dry brushing.
Can improve chicken skin condition ( keratosis pilaris )
This benefit is closely related to the exfoliation effect of dry brushing. The chicken skin condition is characterized by tiny red bumps on the skin, which are, in fact, dead skin cells. [4] Fortunately, they don’t cause any pain or health issues, but when you touch the skin, you feel their uneven texture, which can be unpleasant.
Dry brushing can improve keratosis pilaris by gently removing the dead skin cells, improving the texture of the skin. [5]
The reason why usual “under the shower” exfoliation may not work very effectively for chicken skin is that when water is present between the exfoliator and the skin, there is a low level of fraction. But when we dry brush, the fraction is far higher, which enhances the effectiveness of the exfoliation itself.
TIP:
When you dry brush, don’t use any water to wet the brush or your body. At first, you may want to do so, but you may decrease the efficiency of the treatment. To avoid any contact with water, it’s a good idea to dry brush before taking a shower (and not afterwards).