5 Benefits of Dry Brushing and What to Consider Before Adding It to Your Routine
If you’re looking to amp up your self-care routine with a practice that’s both meditative and skin-loving, you might like dry brushing—a centuries-old Ayurvedic technique that uses a stiff-bristled brush to “whisk away dullness at the skin’s surface,” explains Tammy Fender, a holistic skincare expert, spa owner, and esthetician based in West Palm Beach, Florida.
At the very least, it’s an invigorating sensory experience, but the benefits of dry brushing may actually surprise you. Ahead, our experts share the benefits, how to dry brush your skin, and the potential risks associated with the practice.
What is dry brushing?
It’s pretty much exactly what it sounds like—dry brushing consists of using a dry, natural-bristled body brush “primarily to exfoliate your skin,” explains Nicole Hayre, M.D. board-certified dermatologist and founder of Cosmetic Dermatology Center in McLean, VA. As the name implies, it’s done without water or any type of lubrication, typically before a bath or shower, adds Joie Tavernise, New York-based medical esthetician and founder of JTAV Clinical Skincare.
Dry brushing benefits
You may have considered using a dry brush before, but is it worth it? Read on for the perks.
Exfoliation
The most obvious and promising dry brushing benefit is physical exfoliation. Like a good body scrub, the brush’s stiff bristles buff away dead skin cells, leaving skin smoother and softer than it was before. Dr. Hayre says this process also allows for better penetration of moisturizers.
Circulation
There are multiple ways to get the blood flowing, and dry brushing is one of them. Efficient circulation is crucial to maintaining good health—it helps the body deliver vital oxygen and nutrients to all of our muscles and organs. That’s not to say dry brushing will get the blood pumping in the same way a lengthy walk can, but Dr. Hayre says it does provide stimulation that leaves behind a plumping effect on the skin. This is why some people try dry brushing for cellulite.
Lymphatic drainage
Dry brushing is thought to activate the lymphatic system. “When performed in the direction of lymphatic flow—towards the heart—it may help to increase lymphatic drainage,” says Dr. Hayre. However, there’s little research to support this.
Relaxation
Best of all, the ritual of dry brushing is a welcome indulgence after a long day. “Relax and partake in a few minutes of self-care,” says Tavernise.
How to dry brush your skin
Fender recommends two brisk minutes of dry brushing before showering, “starting at the bottom of the feet and working with long strokes up the legs and always towards the heart.” Follow with arms, torso, and back, and, more delicately, the chest and neck, she adds.
Avoid dry brushing your face, be sure to use light pressure, and if you have sensitive skin, look for a brush with softer bristles. Overall, a wood-handled, natural fiber brush is ideal. “I recommend using brushes with a long handle to help you reach different areas of the body more easily,” says Dr. Hayre.
“When finished, I love to take a cool shower to rinse away any remaining dead skin cells and then massage in a nourishing body oil,” adds Tavernise. “It feels wonderful and leaves my skin incredibly smooth.”
Dry brushing risks
Just like over-exfoliation can wreak havoc on your face, too much dry brushing can on the rest of your body. “Brushing too hard or too frequently may leave the skin irritated and may even cause abrasions,” says Dr. Hayre. “If performed over a wound or skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, or dermatitis, the condition may worsen and even become infected.”
If you’re concerned you might have a skin condition, it’s probably best to avoid dry brushing and check with your doctor.
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