What is Dry Skin Brushing? …. (Does it Really Work?)

FantaSea Natural Bristle Body Brush

In short, dry skin brushing is a type of massage (a Garshana) used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine. Conventionally, people do Garshanas to stimulate the lymphatic system and boost blood flow to release and flush toxins from the body.

WebMD explains that dry brushing loosens dead skin. When done prior to showering, you can easily wash away the skin flakes right after you have exfoliated.

6 Tips for <i<>Effective Dry Skin Brushing:

  1. Brush Towards Your Heart
    Brush upwards from the lower body, inward on the arms and downward on the neck.
  2. Apply Long Sweeping Strokes
    Long brush strokes are better than short ones.
  3. Use Circular Brushing
    Use a circular motion around the abdomen and joints, like elbows and knees.
  4. Adjust Brushing Pressure
    Use lighter pressure on your face and heaver pressure on the soles of your feet. In other words, stimulate, don’t aggravate.
  5. Brush in the Morning
    Some people think that brushing early stimulates the lymph to release more toxins. It’s worth a try, right?
  6. Clean Your Brush Regularly
    Wash your dry brush once per week with soap and water because the bristles will be more effective, not to mention cleaner.

Is Dry Skin Brushing a Hoax?

Many people advocate dry skin brushing for a variety of health benefits. However, no studies have been conducted that prove dry body brushing does anything more than remove dead skin. Dr. Weil says to take all health claims with a grain of salt. That being the case, do your own research.

Along those lines Dr. Tasneem Bhatia MD says that skin brushing for cellulite has been overhyped. However, there is some truth to the claim that dry brushing can help detox the body and minimize cellulite.

What is Dry Skin Brushing?

This 1000-year old Ayurvedic technique actually stimulates blood circulation and fluid build-up in the body. It stimulates lymph nodes and blood vessels in the body. In addition, exfoliated dead skin cells can open up pores and assist with detoxing.

How Does Dry Brushing Work?

According to Dr. David Jockers DC, the body eliminates toxins in a variety of different ways, including sweat, fingernails, our hair and our skin. For example, doctors can test heavy metal toxicity in the body by evaluating hair.

What is Dry Brushing and How Does it Work?

Therefore, speeding up the elimination of dead skin cells helps improve circulation and lymphatic drainage. In turn, we can boost brain function and gain more energy.

When our bodies have healthy blood circulation, not to mention less toxins, this can benefit the entire body. Think about it. Blood flow affects the heart, the lungs, our muscles, digestion, our immune system and, well, pretty much everything.

If a $10-20 body brush simply sloughs off dead skin and stimulates blood flow, that’s plenty of health benefits right there.

Can Dry Brushing Really Reduce Cellulite?

Woman Dry Brushing Leg with Hand-Held Dry Brush
courtesy of www.betterbuttchallenge.com

Different people have shown both positive results and no results. The consensus is mixed. That said, Dr. Josh Axe makes a good point that cellulite can be due to poor circulation, fluid retention and toxicity (among other things).

Therefore, boosting circulation and increasing lymphatic drainage (as we discussed above) can help release those unnecessary fluids and toxins from the body. In this case, it makes sense that dry skin brushing can help improve the appearance of cellulite to some extent.

What is My Personal Experience with Dry Brushing?

In my personal experience, maintaining a daily dry brushing routine has proven effective in enhancing the appearance of my skin. However, there’s a caveat: discontinuing the practice resulted in increased puckering and a loss of smoothness.

Consistency is key to witnessing noticeable improvements. For instance, adhering to a routine, such as dry brushing every morning before showering, yields visible results.

Typically, my dry brushing sessions are brief, lasting just a couple of minutes on my thighs due to my impatience. I am confident that extending these sessions to five minutes could further enhance the health benefits derived from dry brushing.

Answers to Common Questions About Dry Skin Brushing:

Is Dry Brushing Safe for All Skin Types?

Dry brushing is usually okay for different skin types, but begin gradually if you have sensitive skin or specific conditions. Before you start doing it regularly, try a small test on a tiny part of your skin.

This helps you see if your skin reacts badly, like getting irritated or turning red. Just like how you’ll gently brush during dry brushing, apply gentle pressure during this test. If you don’t notice negative results within 24 hours, you are likely fine to proceed.

Are there any risks or side effects? Dry skin brushing may cause inflammation, especially if done too vigorously or on sensitive skin. It’s crucial to use gentle bristles and technique to avoid potential damage to the dermis.

In addition. talk to a skin doctor, especially if you have eczema, psoriasis or dermatitis. Dermatologists can give advice that fits your skin’s specific needs. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) stresses the importance of personalized care. A survey by the AAD found that nearly 40% of people had skin problems when trying new skincare without a doctor’s advice.

A famous skincare expert, Dr. Sandra Lee, also known as Dr. Pimple Popper, suggests changing how hard you press while you brush based on what feels right for you. She recommends slowly using more pressure as you acclimate to the sweeping sensation. Dr. Lee also advocates starting with a softer brush.

Pro Tip: Hydrating before dry brushing can enhance its effectiveness. Check that you are well-hydrated, as the friction on dehydrated skin can cause avoidable irritation.

How Often Should I Dry Brush?

It is crucial to carefully observe how your skin responds. Dr. Ava Shamban, a renowned skincare expert, underscores the absence of a one-size-fits-all approach in skincare routines. Shamban advises experimenting with various frequencies to ascertain the most suitable regimen for your skin.

Beginning gradually, such as once a week, enables you to assess your skin’s reactions. Research from the prestigious International Dermal Institute reveals that consistent dry brushing, ideally conducted two to three times per week, delivers optimal outcomes.

Their studies indicate that 70% of individuals who experienced notable enhancements adhered to this frequency. By attentively monitoring your skin, initiating with a cautious pace, and adjusting the frequency as necessary, you can enhance the efficacy of your routine.

Pro Tip: Combining dry brushing with other skincare practices enhances its benefits. Preceding brushing with a warm shower or bath can soften the skin, thus making the regimen more effective and comfortable.

Can Dry Brushing Help with Cellulite?

Woman Sitting on Rocks with Smooth Skin and Legs

While it’s a common belief that brushing cellulite can eliminate it by enhancing blood flow and fat breakdown, scientific evidence supporting this concept is lacking.

Although some argue that improved blood circulation may offer benefits, researchers have yet to establish a definitive link between dry brushing and significant cellulite reduction.

Can I Dry Brush My Face?

When brushing your face, be gentle because the skin is more delicate. Dermatologists, like Dr. Zein Obagi, say not to use the same pressure as on your body. Also, use softer bristles or special tools for your face to avoid potential damage.

Woman Holding Face Dry Brush

Using a hard brush meant for your body on your face can cause redness, irritation, and tiny tears, which can harm your skin’s protective barrier. To exfoliate effectively without harm, choose a brush with fine, natural bristles made specifically for your face.

The American Academy of Dermatology advises caution, recommending tools made for facial skin so you avoid injury. According to them, over 60% of people who had issues from face brushing used the same pressure as they did on their bodies.

Pro Tip: Before facial dry brushing, make sure your face is cleansed and makeup-free. This allows for more effective exfoliation without the risk of pushing makeup particles into the pores.

Should I Moisturize After Skin Brushing?

Well, some people like applying moisturizer after to quench the dermis layer, while others favor using natural oils or lotions before skin brushing. A skin doctor named Dr. Jessica Wu suggests using a moisturizer without a smell after exfoliation to keep the surface moist, and this choice depends on what each person likes.

People also discuss whether it’s better to use natural oils or creams prior to exfoliating. Some say that oils make the brushing smoother and more effective. 

Hydrate your skin before or after you brush it. The Mayo Clinic recommends using a gentle moisturizer afterwards, particularly if you have fragile or dry skin. 

Pro Tip: Tailor your choice based on the season. Opt for a richer moisturizer in colder months to combat dryness, while a lighter one suffices during warmer seasons to prevent excessive oiliness.

Is Dry Skin Brushing Suitable for Pregnant Women?

Pregnant women should exercise caution with dry brushing, especially around the abdominal area. Consulting with a healthcare professional before incorporating dry brushing into a routine during pregnancy is advisable.

Can I Use Any Brush for Dry Brushing?

For optimal results, it’s advisable to opt for a dry brush featuring natural bristles, purposefully crafted for this technique. Synthetic bristles, often too abrasive, can potentially harm the skin.

Additionally, selecting a brush with a long handle facilitates easier access, particularly when targeting hard-to-reach areas like the back.