Dry brushing may be trendy nowadays – but it’s nothing new. This Ayurvedic practice has been around for thousands of years.
Today, social media is flooded with people gushing about this wellness trend. They claim it can help with exfoliation, detoxification, and even reduce cellulite.
But is dry brushing really worth all the hype? In this article, we’ll break down the potential benefits, how to do it, and what to watch out for. But first, let’s start with some basics.
What is Dry Brushing?
Dry brushing is a method of gently exfoliating the skin by massaging the body with a stiff-bristled brush. As the name implies, it is meant to be done on dry skin, usually right before you shower.
Dry brushing enthusiasts say it promotes detox, boosts energy, and even reduces pesky cellulite. But so far, there isn’t any scientific research to back up these claims.
Yet there is ample anecdotal evidence of dry brushing’s benefits. And, many dermatologists and other health professionals recommend using a dry brush to their patients.
So let’s take a look at some of the possible benefits of using a dry brush.
Benefits of Dry Brushing
While the science is lacking (at least for now), let’s explore some potential dry brushing benefits:
Exfoliates skin
Massaging skin with a dry body brush removes dull, dead skin cells. This increases cell turnover, which can make skin smoother and more radiant. Newer, softer skin is revealed as you brush.
And according to the Cleveland Clinic, using a dry brush may also help unclog pores. This can help your body eliminate toxins more effectively via your sweat.
Aids lymphatic system
According to Ayurveda, dry brushing stimulates the lymphatic system. This is part of your immune system that removes waste and helps fight off infections.
The lymphatic system carries a watery fluid called lymph to your lymph nodes, where it filters out toxins and waste. And while your circulatory system has a pump (your heart), your lymphatic system doesn’t.
Exercise, deep breathing, and drinking plenty of water support lymph movement – and so does dry brushing. As you dry brush toward your heart, it helps move lymph to support detoxification.
Boosts circulation
Like massage, dry brushing is said to trigger a mild inflammatory response. This increases circulation to promote healing.
After you dry brush, you may notice your skin looks red. Usually, this is no cause for concern. It’s simply evidence of increased blood flow in that area.
Reduces the appearance of cellulite
Many people flock to dry brushing hoping to get rid of cellulite. But there’s no evidence that dry brushing eliminates cellulite. However, it may make it less noticeable temporarily.
As mentioned, dry brushing boosts circulation, which causes vasodilation. When this happens, blood capillaries open up, allowing increased blood flow to that area. This may plump the skin and reduce the appearance of cellulite. But keep in mind, that these effects are short-term – not permanent.
Increases energy
Many people report feeling refreshed after a dry brushing session like they’ve had a cup of coffee. These invigorating effects may be due to the abundance of nerve endings near the skin.
It’s thought that gently massaging these nerve endings with a dry brush may stimulate the nervous system. This could, in turn, help you feel more energized.
How to Dry Brush
Since dry brushing can be invigorating, it’s best done in the morning right before showering. That way, you can rinse off the dead skin cells that slough off when you shower.
You can even dry brush inside your shower, so those dead skin cells don’t land on your bathroom floor.
Some general dry brushing tips:
- Always brush towards the heart. This is meant to promote circulation and enhance lymphatic drainage.
- Use long, smooth strokes on your limbs and gentle, circular motions on your stomach and joints (knee, ankle, armpit, etc.).
- Don’t press too hard. The purpose is to exfoliate skin – not irritate it!
If you’re new to dry brushing, here are the steps to follow:
- Start by brushing your feet and ankles. Then work your way up your legs using long, fluid strokes. Move on to your buttocks all the way up to the small of your back.
- Then, brush your stomach area using gentle, clockwise motions.
- Next, move onto your upper body, brushing your chest, upper back, neck, and arms. When brushing your arms, start at your hands and brush toward your armpits.
- Lighten up the pressure on any sensitive areas like your armpits or neck. Avoid super sensitive areas like the breasts altogether.
- Once you’re done brushing, shower as usual.
- Freshly exfoliated skin soaks up moisture. So after you shower, consider applying some lotion or natural oil to your skin. I love using coconut oil!
The entire dry brushing process shouldn’t take more than 3 to 5 minutes from start to finish. Here’s a quick video that can walk you through it:
How Often Should I Dry Brush?
It depends on your skin. Some people can dry brush every day without any issues. That said, since dry brushing exfoliates your skin, overdoing it could cause irritation.
Most health experts say 2-3 times a week is the sweet spot. If your skin is sensitive, you may want to start with once a week (or even once every other week). As your skin adjusts and you build up tolerance, you can dry brush more often.
Are There Any Risks?
Dry brushing is generally safe and gentle. However, it may not be a good fit for everyone.
If you have eczema or psoriasis, always avoid brushing over inflamed areas. And never brush over open wounds, as it could spread infection. Also avoid brushing over any cuts, scrapes, warts, or sunburns.
Plus, you may want to avoid dry brushing your face since it’s more sensitive than the rest of your skin. Or consider using a softer, smaller brush that’s designed for facial use (like this one).
Getting Started: Choosing a Dry Brush
All you need to dry brush is a natural bristle brush. Preferably, one with a long handle so you can brush hard-to-reach spots like your back. Some dry brushes, like this one, even have detachable handles for easier use.
There are even dry brush kits that come with several brushes, including one for your face (here’s one). No matter which brush you choose, be sure to wash it once a week with gentle soap and water. This will rinse off any dead skin cells and prevent the growth of bacteria.
Does Dry Brushing Work Well With Other Holistic Treatments?
Absolutely! Dry brushing pairs perfectly with massage, since they both support the lymphatic system. That’s why many spas and wellness centers include dry brushing on their menu of services.
Dry brushing complements any type of massage. But it works particularly well with lymphatic drainage massage (which we offer at Anchored in Health). This form of massage therapy helps clear blockages from the lymphatic system to reduce pain and promote healing. Dry brushing before your massage may enhance the benefits of your session.
Dry brushing and thermography also make a good combo. Thermography is a test that detects heat patterns and blood flow in your body’s tissues. It’s most commonly used to assess breast health. But it can also show areas of lymph stagnation. This can be especially helpful for people with lymphedema to monitor progress.
Dry brushing can also be a helpful tool if you’re being treated by a functional medicine doctor. When you’re on a detox protocol, whether for yeast, parasites, mold, or Lyme, it’s important to keep your drainage pathways open. Dry brushing is a gentle and inexpensive way to do just that.
Uplevel Your Health & Well-Being with A Functional Medicine Doctor at Anchored in Health in Orland Park, IL
Anchored in Health is Chicago’s one-stop shop for all your health and wellness needs. We offer massage therapy, thermography, and functional medicine to help you feel your best.
So if you live in the greater Chicago area, and are ready to start living your healthiest life, follow these steps:
- Contact us with questions.
- Book your first appointment here.
- Get ready to experience greater health and vitality!
Other Holistic Health Services Offered at Anchored in Health in Orland Park, IL
At Anchored in Health, we offer a variety of holistic health services to help you achieve your health goals. This includes acupuncture, chiropractic care, genetic testing, and the Shape ReClaimed program.
If you live in the Chicago area and are ready to get to the root of your symptoms and finally find relief – we’re here to help! Contact us to find out how we can support you on your health journey.