WHAT IS DRY BRUSHING?
Just what the name says! Dry brushing is a form of physical exfoliation that involves—you guessed it—moving a brush over your dry skin. It has been around for thousands of years, going back to ancient Egyptian times.
Now we know what you’re thinking: Isn’t that scratchy and uncomfortable? When we first heard about dry brushing, we were skeptical too, but there are many benefits so long as you do it right (which we’ll get into below).
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF DRY BRUSHING?
The primary benefit to dry brushing is that it exfoliates your skin. Using a body brush with natural bristles will buff off dead skin cells, which in turn, can help unclog blocked pores and smooth the overall texture of your skin.
The light pressure also stimulates blood flow, which can boost circulation and temporarily reduce the appearance of cellulite. Plus, it can feel pretty darn relaxing once you get the hang of the movements.
Though some proponents of dry brushing say that it also aids in lymphatic drainage and releases toxins from the body, there is little to no research that substantiates those claims.
Joanna’s Tip: Do this every day for 2 weeks and you’ll notice a difference in your booty!
WHAT ARE THE DRAWBACKS TO DRY BRUSHING?
There aren’t any major drawbacks to dry brushing unless you have sensitive skin or an existing skin condition like eczema or psoriasis, in which case, the bristles can be too abrasive.
You also don’t want to use a dry brush over any nicks, scabs or open wounds, as doing so can spread bacteria, which can lead to infection and slow the healing process.
The main thing to remember when dry brushing is to go easy on the pressure. You always want to use a light, slow, linear motion rather than a vigorous back and forth.
HOW TO DRY BRUSH:
Step 1: Start with bare, dry skin. Treat dry brushing as a relaxing pre-shower ritual, as you will definitely want to rinse off immediately afterward.
Step 2: Hold your brush and begin by brushing the tops of your feet using those light, linear motions we mentioned above. Now, slowly make your way up the calves and thighs, taking it one leg at a time. Note: You can use a slightly firmer pressure on areas where your skin is thicker like your ankles and kneecaps.
Step 3: Continue brushing your way up to your midsection. Start at your back and move to the front, making sure to lighten up your pressure, as the skin here is more sensitive.
Step 4: It’s time to tackle the arms. Start at the backs of your hands and slowly make your way up each limb until you reach the shoulders. Again, you can use a slightly firmer pressure on the elbows but go gentle around the armpits.
Step 5: When you reach your chest area, you want to be extremely gentle; the skin here is much thinner than the rest of your body. (Word to the wise: Skip over the nipples.) Stop there, as dry brushing is meant for the body only, not your face.
Step 6: Shower as you normally would but double-check that your cleanser isn’t too stripping or aggressive (i.e., a body wash that contains chemical exfoliants like salicylic or glycolic acid). A mild soap or wash is best here and rinse off with lukewarm water.
Step 7: Pat your skin dry and cap it all off with a lightweight body lotion or oil, or do this right before your shower and wash with our Ritual Bar.
For best results, we recommend incorporating this into your daily routine.
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